Aparigraha

views updated

Aparigraha (Skt.).
1. The state in Hinduism of detachment from all possessions and desires, one of the five virtues required on the first step of Rāja-Yoga, according to Patañjali's account. The others are satya (truthfulness), ahiṃsā (non-injury of others), asteya (not stealing), and brahmacarya (continent and holy life). They constitute the Mahāvrata, the Great Vow which remains in force for all the other steps.

2. Jain vow of detachment: see FIVE GREAT VOWS.