Asteya, or non-stealing, goes beyond the literal act of taking someone else’s belongings without permission. It encourages us to examine our actions, intentions, and mindset to ensure that we are not taking what rightfully belongs to others, be it material possessions, time, energy, ideas, or trust.
Here’s a brief overview of Asteya and its implications:
Material Possessions:
Practising Asteya means refraining from theft, robbery, or dishonesty in acquiring or possessing material goods. It also involves respecting the property and possessions of others and avoiding greed or covetousness.
Time and Energy:
Asteya encourages us to value and honour the time, energy, and resources of others. It involves refraining from wasting or exploiting the time, talents, or efforts of others and utilizing our resources responsibly
Thoughts and Ideas:
Asteya extends to the realm of intellectual property. It involves respecting and acknowledging the ideas, creations, and scholarly contributions of others. Plagiarism, unauthorized use of someone’s work, or taking credit for someone else’s views would contradict the principle of Asteya.
Relationships and Trust:
Asteya emphasizes the importance of trust and integrity in relationships. It involves being honest and transparent in our interactions, honouring commitments, and refraining from deceiving or taking advantage of others’ faith.
While understanding Asteya is important, the true challenge lies in applying it to our daily lives. In this blog post, we explore how we can practice Asteya both towards ourselves and others, acknowledging the challenges that may arise along the way.
Practising Asteya on Ourselves:
Self-Reflection:
Start by cultivating self-awareness and reflecting on your thoughts, desires, and actions. Identify any tendencies of greed, envy, or covetousness that may lead to stealing from yourself or others.
Gratitude and Contentment:
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude and contentment for what you have in your life. Recognize and appreciate the abundance that already exists, shifting your focus away from a mindset of lack or comparison.
Self-Trust and Authenticity:
Develop a strong sense of self-trust and authenticity. Honour your own values, talents, and unique contributions without feeling the need to take or imitate what others possess.
Time and Energy Management:
Respect and honour your own time and energy. Practice self-care, set healthy boundaries, and avoid overextending yourself, which can lead to burnout and depletion.
Practising Asteya towards Others:
Respect for Boundaries:
Recognize and honour the boundaries of others. Seek permission before borrowing or using someone else’s possessions, ideas, or resources.
Fair and Honest Interactions:
Engage in fair and honest interactions with others. Be transparent in your dealings, honour commitments, and avoid deceptive practices that compromise trust.
Collaboration and Support:
Foster a spirit of cooperation and support. Lift others, acknowledge their contributions, and seek opportunities to share resources and knowledge without expecting anything in return.
Social Responsibility:
Extend the practice of Asteya to societal contexts. Advocate for fair economic systems, environmental sustainability, and the protection of intellectual property rights, promoting a just and equitable world.
By cultivating Asteya, we not only create a foundation of honesty and integrity in our lives but also contribute to the harmony and well-being of the world around us. Asteya invites us to live with a sense of contentment, gratitude, and respect for the resources and contributions of others.
Remember, the Yamas and the practice of Asteya are integral parts of the larger path of yoga, which aims to facilitate personal growth, self-realization, and the harmonization of mind, body, and spirit.
