The final yama is aparigraha, or non-acceptance of gifts or bribes. The purpose of not accepting gifts or bribes is to free the sadhaka (practitioner) from avarice and greed. How much of what you currently own did you need and how much did you simply want? We all like to spoil ourselves sometimes (myself included, and near the top of the list I imagine). I am not here to tell you to stop. In fact, I'm not even going to continue talking about it because it's something we are ALL aware of. Instead, I would like to talk about another, slightly more abstract, side to aparigraha.
How do you feel about gay marriage? Abortion? The death penalty? Whoa! Dangerous topics, lady! No one in their right mind would bring these up at a dinner party. They are just three of an endless list of "hot-button" topics that people feel so strongly about that it's rare to find anyone capable of having a calm, open-minded conversation about them. Aparigraha doesn't only apply to material possessions, but also to thoughts. How many of you have seen that show, Hoarders? That's how I visualize the minds of those who desperately cling to their thoughts and ideas. It's ok to be open-minded. Let go! You never know what you may discover once you open yourself up to it.
Namaste and have a great rest of your weekend! Niyamas will commence on Monday!
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