Ancient Wisdom, Backed By Modern Science
Introduction
A theme I have been weaving into my yoga classes this week is the guiding principle of Aparigraha, the final Yama in Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga.
To take a small step back…
The oldest foundational scriptures of Hindu philosophy are the Vedas, dating back thousands of years (‘Ashtanga (Eight Limbs of Yoga)’, 2026)
Centuries later, the sage Patanjali systematised yogic philosophy in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, outlining what is known as the Eight Limbs of Yoga, a pathway toward samādhi, often described as a state of deep absorption or bliss (Patañjali et al., 1983).
The eight limbs are:
1. yama (abstinences)
2. niyama (observances),
3. āsana (postures),
4. prāṇāyāma (breath control),
5. pratyāhāra (withdrawal of the senses),
6. dhāraṇā (concentration),
7. dhyāna (meditation),
8. and samādhi (absorption)
(‘Ashtanga (Eight Limbs of Yoga)’, 2026)
The Yamas and Niyamas guide how to interact with the world and cultivate a peaceful life. There are five in total, and Aparigraha is the last Yama (‘Yama’, 2025).
What is Aparigraha?
Aparigraha is often translated as non-possessiveness or non-attachment. It invites us to loosen our grip on material possessions, on expectations, identity, and the idea of controlling situations or outcomes.
It is the practice of:
· Releasing attachment to results.
· Letting go of the need to control how things “should” unfold.
· Cultivating contentment in the present moment rather than constantly seeking more.
· A shift in focus from external success to internal peace and satisfaction
(‘Non-Possession’, 2025)
Live with contentment, simplicity, and trust in the natural flow of life.
The Art of Letting Go
I always begin class with this idea of letting go.
It might be something that happened that day. Or something that’s been sitting with you all week. Perhaps it’s an emotion. A lingering frustration. A thought looping like a heavy cloud across your sky. Maybe it’s an attachment to a goal. Or the quiet ego that whispers how “I should look/be..”
Whatever it may be, we acknowledge it, and we release it. We release everything beyond the borders of the mat.
We meet ourselves as we are. We accept and respect where we are today, the energy we have, and we move from there.
Striving, Stress & the Science
The principles of Aparigraha can be linked to what psychologists call the arrival fallacy; the misbelief that achieving a certain goal or milestone will bring long-lasting happiness (Haidt, 2006). The idea that “I’ll be happy when…”.
When actually, hedonic adaptation happens, we may get a fleeting sense of happiness from an achievement, but then our happiness tends to return to a baseline level (Brickman & Campbell, 1971).
We adapt. The novelty fades. The nervous system recalibrates.
From a neuroscience perspective, constant striving can keep us in a state of anticipatory tension, subtly activating a low level of stress, tied to future-oriented thinking. Practising mindfulness and non-attachment helps interrupt this cycle, supporting emotional regulation and parasympathetic balance (Xu et al., 2022).
Aparigraha Does Not Mean Apathy
To emphasise, there is nothing wrong with setting goals, having a target, or a metaphorical destination to aim for. This is about reframing the mind to enjoy the process of working towards something. There is nothing wrong with having a vision, a target, or a metaphorical destination to move toward. The invitation is not to stop striving, but to loosen your grip on the outcome.
Reframing the mind.
Accepting where you are today.
Recognising the journey, and loving it.
- Sophia
References:
Ashtanga (eight limbs of yoga). (2026). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ashtanga_(eight_limbs_of_yoga)&oldid=1331273855
Brickman, P. D., & Campbell, D. T. (Eds). (1971). Adaptation-level theory: A Symposium [on Adaptation-Level (AL) Theory held at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, on May 7 - 9, 1970]. Acad. Press. Symposium on Adaptation Level Theory.
Haidt, J. (2006). The happiness hypothesis: Finding modern truth in ancient wisdom. Basic Books.
Non-possession. (2025). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Non-possession&oldid=1323416940
Patañjali, Mukerji, P. N., & Hariharānanda Āraṇya. (1983). Yoga philosophy of Patañjali: Containing his yoga aphorisms with Vyāsa’s commentary in Sanskrit and a translation with annotations including many suggestions for the practice of yoga. State Univ. of New York Pr.
Xu, Y., Huang, W., Yan, X., Lu, F., & Li, M. (2022). Anticipatory threat responses mediate the relationship between mindfulness and anxiety: A cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 988577. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.988577
Yama. (2025). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Yama&oldid=1318022511
