Asteya, one of the five Yamas in yoga-practice, embodies the principle of non-stealing. The term asteya originates from Sanskrit, where "a" means "non" and "steya" means "stealing". However, Asteya extends far beyond its literal translation. This is a cultivation of a sense of respect and integrity towards others' possessions, time, and energy. In other words, the mind should be free from base desires or inclination to appropriate any property of any being in any form.
The prohibition of theft is easy to understand - the requirement not to take what does not belong to you is due not only to social or moral reasons, but also to possible mental or karmic consequences. Stealing causes guilt and energy imbalance, creating karmic debt. In yoga, we try to get rid of accumulated images and impressions (sanskaras) of the past, so that there is no need for us to acquire new ones. If we need something and it is really important to us, then it will come to us in one way or another.
Asteya is not limited to the physical act of theft but encompasses a broader spectrum of non-stealing. This principle encourages individuals to refrain from coveting what belongs to others, including intangible aspects such as ideas, knowledge, attention, time and space. By practicing Asteya, one fosters an environment of trust and respect, nurturing a sense of contentment and sufficiency within oneself.
How we can practice Asteya in daily life
1. Material Possessions: Practicing Asteya involves respecting others' belongings and being content with what one has. It urges individuals to avoid envy and the desire to possess more than necessary, promoting a minimalist and mindful lifestyle.
2. Time and Attention: Respecting others' time is a crucial aspect of Asteya. This includes being punctual, honoring commitments, and avoiding distractions that can waste someone else's time.
3. Ideas and knowledge Asteya emphasizes respecting intellectual property like ideas and different forms of knowledge. This means giving credit where it is due, avoiding plagiarism, and recognizing the effort and creativity of others.
4. Energy and Space: Asteya also involves respecting personal boundaries and space. It encourages individuals to be mindful of the energy they bring into interactions and environments, ensuring they do not overwhelm or drain others.
For practitioners following traditional yoga, observing Asteya in their relationship with their Guru is very important. This means respecting his time and energy, the knowledge and guidance he gives. Disciple should pay close attention to Guru's words so that he does not have to repeat twice. I want to give here a common example of violation of asteya in the relationship between Guru and disciple. The disciple practices and achieves some success, spiritual insight, and some knowledge is revealed to him. And it often happens that the disciple considers these achievements to be his own, he appropriates them to himself. But in fact, all these successes come due to the grace and pure energy of the Guru. If a disciple takes credit for his achievements in sadhana, then the growth of Ego and pride is inevitable, and, therefore, the likelihood of spiritual decline.
Following Asteya leads to experience a sense of inner peace and fulfillment (santosha). Asteya helps to equalize energetic interaction with the outside world and avoid the accumulation of karma. This practice helps us understand that we don't really own anything, but we do have everything we need at the moment. This teaches you to trust God and the Universe, reducing the activity of the Ego.
Maharishi Patanjali said in Yoga Sutras:
अस्तेयप्रतिष्ठायां सर्वरत्नोपस्थानम् ॥ २.३७॥
asteyapratiṣṭhāyāṃ sarvaratnopasthānam || 2.37||
To the one who is established in not appropriating what belongs to others (asteya), all treasures come.
This means that you live in abundance and gratitude. You don't create energetic distortions with the desires of your Ego/Mind, so the Universe gives you everything you need, all its wealth. A deeper understanding of this sutra means the experience of non-duality, when we transcend the limitations associated with the sense of possession, and the division between self and other. This experience leads to the realization of identity with Brahmanda (the Universe).
For practitioners who lead an active social life, following Asteya helps in reducing stress and anxiety related to materialism and competition. It also fosters trust and respect in relationships. When people feel their time, space, and possessions are respected, it leads to more harmonious connections. As a result, favorable conditions are created for yoga sadhana, both in the internal space and in the external one.
This is a very clarifying article on the meaning and practice of Asteya on both inner and outer levels, thank you Guruji 🙏