Aparigraha – The Art of Non-Possession

So, here’s a personal revelation that hit me like a ton of bricks as I wrote “What Every Soul Wants,” my book on spirituality.

As I deep-dived into the principles of non-possession, I couldn’t resist turning that introspective lens onto my own lifestyle. After all, what’s the point of writing about something that I don’t practice myself?

And there it was, staring me in the face – the realization of how much stuff I’ve accumulated over the past forty years of living in this country. Souvenirs, decor items, gadgets, clothes with tags still intact—a houseful of possessions that not only occupy physical space (and gather dust when infrequently used) but also have a direct and negative impact on my soul’s journey. I couldn’t help but imagine my kids’ reaction when they eventually come to clean up after me – staring at my possessions and possibly exclaiming (in horror), “What was my mom thinking?” (Followed by the likely scenario of them starting to dump it all in the trash, lol).

This introspection also led to another realization.

While I do have many, many possessions (I really do), I don’t feel any possessiveness towards what I own. My stuff is simply a curated collection of things I can like, want for various purposes (parties, weddings, decor, etc.), and can afford to buy. I am not attached to them. In fact, I’m known to loan out, give away, or share my possessions with friends and family. It’s as if my belongings are here to serve a purpose beyond simply occupying physical space.

But here’s the kicker – regardless of whether I am possessive towards the things I own or not, the sheer volume of possessions is a problem, especially considering that not everything can be put to use simultaneously. For instance, having a dozen clear vases in five different sizes might sound impressive, but the reality is, I’m not using them all at the same time. It’s a tangible reminder of excess that I must address.

Because the mere act of possession leads to the creation of new karma.

As I grapple with the reality of my accumulated belongings, my first plan of action is to halt the constant influx of new things. No more mindless acquisitions. And then, the daunting task of decluttering and reducing my possessions will begin – a necessary step in freeing myself from the burdens of material accumulation.

After all, we all must practice what we preach, isn’t it?