(Sep 13,2013) Spiritual Message for the Day –Aparigraha by Swami Chidananda

Aparigraha

Divine Life Society Publication: Path to Blessedness by Swami Chidananda

 

The fifth item under Yama is Aparigraha. It is non-receiving of articles of luxury. Only take that much as is necessary for your living—simple living and not sensuous indulgence. Of course, the standard of life differs from person to person. For instance a prince’s interpretation of Aparigraha will be something different from that of a peasant. The peasant is accustomed to take simple food, perhaps four Rottis and some Dal. And if a prince also says, “I will also take four Rottis and Dal alone”, he will get dysentery. So you must use common-sense in determining what is necessary for your living and what is luxury for you. A man living in the tropics may not need a coat. But to a man living in the frigid zones, Aparigraha means not keeping more than the minimum number of coats. If he refuses to wear coats thinking that they are a luxury, he will surely die. So, you must know in what circumstances God has placed you and know the meaning of Aparigraha.

Stern necessities of life only are to be accepted. Gandhiji in one place said that he who eats more than what he requires is a thief, for he deprives another man of what he needs. One should not keep or try to get in possession anything beyond the very necessaries of life. Gifts from others affect the receiver. As people are extremely selfish, they make presents with various motives. The mind of the receiver becomes impure by receiving gifts. A student of Yoga should, therefore, avoid gifts. Aparigraha removes anxiety to preserve, fear of loss, sorrow in loss, hatred, anger, untruthfulness, stealing, attachment, disappointment, agitation of mind, restlessness, cares and worries. It gives peace, contentment and satisfaction.

Excerpts from:

Path to Blessedness by Swami Chidananda

If you would like to purchase the print edition, visit:
http://www.dlshq.org/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi?

If you would like to contribute to the dissemination of spiritual knowledge please contact the General Secretary at:

generalsecretary@sivanandaonline.org