Have you ever bought something you didn’t really need? Maybe a yoga book, another pair of leggings, or signed up for yet another online workshop? And did it truly make you happier? Or was it just a temporary high, soon replaced by the next thing on your wishlist?
We live in a world where buying more is easy - too easy. But this endless cycle of consumption is creating two serious imbalances: an ecological disaster and a psychological trap.
The more we consume, the more waste we produce, throwing our planet off balance. And the more we seek happiness in buying, the more we condition ourselves to never be satisfied.
The spiritual consumerism & Its Psychological Toll
This conditioning doesn’t just apply to material things; it seeps into our mindset. If you’re always looking for the next thing - whether it’s a new gadget, a better job, or even a new place to live - you’re wiring yourself to believe that what you have is never enough. This way of thinking extends to relationships, experiences, and even personal growth.
And this is happening in the yoga world too. Once you start practising yoga, there’s a temptation to collect everything yoga-related: every style, every book, every retreat, every teacher training.
Suddenly, it’s not about deepening your practice but about accumulating experiences. This is what I call spiritual consumerism - the illusion that doing more equals growing more.
The Wisdom of Aparigraha: Patanjali’s Answer to Consumerism
In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali offers a timeless solution to this issue through the principle of Aparigraha - non-possessiveness or non-attachment. Aparigraha teaches us that accumulating more does not lead to fulfillment. Instead, it binds us to an endless cycle of desire and dissatisfaction.
Patanjali states:
“अपरिग्रहस्थैर्ये जन्मकथान्तसंबोधः" Aparigrahasthairye janmakathantasambodhah” (Yoga Sutra 2.39)
When one becomes steadfast in non-possessiveness, one gains deep insight into the purpose of existence.
This means that when we free ourselves from the compulsion to acquire more, we gain clarity about life’s deeper meaning. Instead of seeking happiness in external things, we learn to find contentment within.
Practising Aparigraha in daily life can help break the cycle of consumerism:
Before buying something new, ask: Do I truly need this, or is it just a momentary craving?
Focus on quality over quantity in all areas - possessions, experiences, and knowledge.
Let go of comparison. Everyone’s journey is different, and acquiring more doesn’t make one a better person or yogi.
Embrace minimalism in practice - stick with a few books, teachers, and techniques rather than constantly seeking the next thing.
How to stay away from spiritual consumerism?
You Do Not Need to Buy Every Yoga Book
One common trap in the yoga world is buying book after book, thinking knowledge equals wisdom. But yoga is about experience, not just information. Instead of collecting books, pick a few classics and truly study them. Apply their teachings to your practice before moving on to another book.
You Do Not Have to Do Every Asana You See on the Internet
With social media flooded with advanced yoga poses, it’s easy to feel the pressure to master every asana. But yoga is not a competition. Your body has its own journey. Instead of chasing Instagram-worthy poses, focus on:
The alignment and depth of your current practice.
Building consistency rather than pushing for extremes.
Understanding the purpose of each asana, not just achieving the shape.
You Do Not Have to Join Every Yoga Course or Retreat
There is always another yoga course, another retreat, another workshop calling for your attention. But more training does not mean more wisdom.
Instead of jumping from one program to another:
Absorb and integrate what you have already learned.
Practice before seeking more knowledge.
Choose a teacher or school that resonates deeply rather than attending everything available.
We offer 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in 3 different styles i.e. Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga. However, when students ask me if they have to do which one they should first, I would say that you do not have to learn everything. Any one is enough. However, learning properly, implementing in life is what matters.
You Do Not Have to Learn Every New Yoga Style
From Hatha to Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Iyengar, Yin, Acro Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Aqua Yoga, Prenatal, Power, Rocket, Jivamukti, Restorative, and beyond - the options are endless. But do you need to learn them all?
No. Instead of hopping from one style to another, choose a path that aligns with your body, mind, and spirit. Mastery comes from depth, not breadth.
Commit to one or two styles and explore them deeply rather than constantly switching.
The Freedom of Less
More doesn’t always mean better. Less clutter, less chasing, and less consumption often lead to more peace, more presence, and more depth in your practice and life. This is the Freedom of Less.
We might have discussed this during our philosophy discussions in Yoga Teacher Training here at Samyak, about the difference between dreams, desires, and necessities:
Dreams are the ones you give your life to. Choose them wisely, because you will have to dedicate your life to achieving them.
Necessities should always remain as basic as possible. When your needs are simple, no system or person can control you. You are free.
Desires are not necessities. They are things you may enjoy having, but they are not essential to your happiness. If you get them, you’re happy; if you don’t, you’re still happy. No difference.
When we mistake wants for needs, we create a trap for ourselves. Every new desire becomes a necessity, leading to stress, anxiety, and an endless pursuit of more. But when we recognize that many of our desires are just passing cravings, we gain true freedom.
Next time you feel the urge to buy, ask yourself: Is this adding to my life, or just adding to the noise?
