Aparigraha Meaning in Yoga: Practising Non-Attachment + Letting Go

Aparigraha is the fifth and final Yama, teaching non-attachment and non-hoarding — physically, emotionally, and energetically. It reminds us to let things naturally come and go, creating flow rather than clinging or resisting.

Through Aparigraha, we learn to release what no longer serves us, allowing space for new experiences, growth, and higher vibrations.

Letting go

The Sanskrit roots of Aparigraha are revealing: “a” = non, “pari” = on all sides, and “graha” = to grab or hold. Its essence is non-hoarding, non-holding, and non-attachment.

In practice, this can mean releasing attachments to thoughts, habits, situations, or past experiences. Nature demonstrates this beautifully: trees release their leaves in autumn, trusting in the renewal to come.

Letting go is rarely easy. It requires stepping outside comfort zones and embracing patience, but it brings liberation, lightness, and freedom.

Non-attachment

Non-attachment isn’t forgetting; it’s conscious engagement with what serves your growth. Ask yourself:

• What can this teach me?

• How can this strengthen me?

• How does this facilitate my growth?

When attachments arise, notice them without judgment. Heavy, stagnant energy signals where work is needed. Overthinking or rumination strengthens attachments; conscious awareness begins the process of release.

Get clear + quiet

Silence creates opportunity. Pause, focus on your breath, mantra, body, or surroundings. Choose where your energy flows — on attachment or on presence. Each time you redirect your focus, you strengthen the neural pathways of letting go.

Sometimes professional guidance is needed to navigate unhealed traumas or deeply ingrained patterns. Letting go is a journey, and seeking support is part of practising Aparigraha.

Healthy attachments

Being human involves attachments. Healthy ones bring joy, growth, and connection. Unhealthy attachments can enslave the mind and disturb inner peace.

Practising Aparigraha involves patience and repetition:

• Releasing fixed mindsets for growth mindsets

• Honouring boundaries and personal needs

• Allowing time to pause before reacting

• Embracing reflection instead of overthinking

James Clear reminds us: “If you want to master a habit, start with repetition. Not perfection.”

Practice letting go

Practical ways to embody Aparigraha:

• Let go of being reactive; let in time to pause + respond.

• Let go of toxic relationships; let in supportive connections.

• Let go of living in the past or future; let in presence.

• Let go of overcommitting; let in honouring boundaries.

• Let go of self-silencing; let in listening to your needs.

• Let go of taking things personally; let in perspective and compassion.

• Let go of limiting beliefs; let in growth + possibility.

Words of wisdom

Robert Greene beautifully captures the essence of Aparigraha:

“We can free ourselves. It comes from a choice, a different way of looking at the world, a change in attitude. This freedom essentially comes from adopting a generous spirit toward others + toward ourselves… Mental space is freed up for higher pursuits. Once we feel the exhilarating power from this new attitude, we will want to take it as far as possible.”

Aparigraha is about liberating yourself through conscious letting go — creating space for abundance, clarity, and peace.

Learn more

Discover the meaning of Aparigraha + explore the other Yamas + Niyamas in the ‘Yoga Lifestyle Course,’ inside the ‘Inspired Club’ — your online space for yoga-inspired living — or through my other yoga-inspired lifestyle offerings.