The phrase “Let it go” is a common refrain in many yoga classes. Teachers may say it at the beginning of class to help you focus on the present, when someone stumbles during class to add levity, or even at the end of class to help you prepare for savasana. This expression is rooted in the concept of non-attachment (Aparigraha in Sanskrit) and is part of the philosophical underpinnings that guide yoga practice.

This principle encourages individuals to relinquish excessive attachment to outcomes, material possessions, and relationships. The idea is deeply rooted in yoga philosophy and stems from the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, a revered text in Yoga. Let’s explore the points of harmony and divergence of non-attachment as seen in yoga and the Christian tradition.

Non-Attachment in Yoga

In yoga philosophy, non-attachment is tied to the idea of detaching from the fruits of your actions. Essentially, it’s performing your duties without being overly attached or concerned with the results. It’s tool to help break free from the cycle of desire and suffering.

Aparigraha is not viewed as a lack of care or concern; instead, it encourages you to free yourself from clinging to desires, expectations, or the need for things to be a certain way. By cultivating non-attachment, you can achieve a state of inner peace, irrespective of your current situation. It leads to an understanding that true happiness and contentment come from within rather than being dependent on external factors.

Want to learn about more yoga philosophy? Check out my article on Impermanence.  

Non-Attachment in Christianity

In Christianity, the term “non-attachment” is not explicitly defined or emphasized, although similar teachings exist. The New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus, emphasizes the importance of spiritual wealth over material possessions. Jesus encourages us not to store up treasures on earth but rather to focus on treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). He instructs us to let go of our attachments to money, security, family, status, and even our lives (Mark 10:21, Matthew 19:23-30).

The Bible’s teachings on love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility are central to Christian ethics, all orienting us towards heaven rather than material or transient concerns on earth. By focusing on these virtues, Christians cultivate a sense of detachment from the material world and find true peace and contentment in their spiritual lives.

Points of Harmony

Detachment from Materialism:

Both Yoga and Christian teachings emphasize the importance of recognizing the impermanence of material possessions. They encourage individuals to detach themselves from the material world and focus on spiritual growth. This shared emphasis on valuing spiritual treasures over material ones creates a common ground between the two practices.

By prioritizing spiritual wealth, individuals can cultivate inner peace and fulfillment that cannot be achieved through possessions, outcomes, or relationships. This approach to life can help individuals find meaning and purpose beyond the fleeting pleasures of this world, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Humility and Surrender:

Both yoga and Christianity recognize the transformative power of letting go of the ego’s desires and submitting to a higher purpose. Yoga often promotes humility and surrender as essential aspects of non-attachment. By cultivating these qualities, practitioners can learn to detach themselves from their desires and become more open to the present moment.

Similarly, Christian teachings underscore the importance of humility before God and surrendering to His will. This surrendering may include letting go of some of your desires. By doing so, practitioners can experience peace, contentment, and fulfillment from aligning themselves with a greater purpose. Both traditions recognize the transformative power of letting go of the ego’s desires and submitting to a higher purpose.

Compassion and Love:

Non-attachment in yoga is not about indifference but cultivating compassion and love for everyone rather than just yourself and your interests. This aligns with Christian values, as Jesus emphasized the importance of love as the greatest commandment: loving God and loving your neighbor (Mark 12:30-31). Both traditions emphasize the importance of love as a guiding principle in human interactions.

Points of Divergence

Theology of Desire:

One distinction between these two lies in the nature of desires and their potential impact on your life. In yoga philosophy, desires can be a source of suffering since unfulfilled desires can lead to frustration and conflict. Non-attachment is a tool to help you transcend and avoid these potential conflict-causing desires.

Christian theology acknowledges that desires can be positive when aligned with God’s will. Desire as a category is not seen as unfavorable but a natural part of human experience. Each desire must be evaluated to see if it aligns with God’s will, and that assessment will determine if it’s positive or negative.

Ultimate Goal:

In yoga, the ultimate goal is to achieve unity with the divine. That divine is ambiguous and often referred to as enlightenment or self-realization. Unity with this divine is characterized by deep inner peace, and non-attachment is a tool to help you achieve that state of mind.

Christianity emphasizes the importance of attachment over non-attachment. While detachment from material possessions is also valued, the primary focus is on strengthening our attachment to God through Christ. This attachment to God is strengthened through prayer, worship, and faith.

The Takeaway

For both traditions, non-attachment carries a sense of renunciation, not abandonment. The point is to ensure that nothing controls or owns you. Non-attachment enables you to live with freedom, compassion, surrender, humility, and love.

This powerful tool can help you break free from some of the stresses of life. By cultivating non-attachment, we can achieve contentment that is not dependent on external factors. So the next time you hear your yoga teacher say, “Let it go,” understand that it’s a gentle reminder to release and surrender and stems from the transformative philosophy of non-attachment.