Asteya – Non-Stealing

Patanjali Yoga Sutra II-37:

Asteya pratisthayam sarva ratnopasthanam  To one established in non-stealing, all wealth comes.

• Asteya = not stealing
• Pratisthaya = based on, grounded in
• Sarva = all
• Ratna = jewel
• Upasthanam = approach, materialise

Asteya is the third Yama in Patanjali’s eight-fold path, emphasising the practice of non-stealing—not only in action but also in thought and intention. Patanjali teaches that when we are trustworthy and free from grasping at what is not ours, we naturally attract abundance. This reflects the paradox of Asteya: when we cease craving, the universe opens its treasures to us.

BKS Iyengar described it beautifully:  “Being without desire, he effortlessly attracts what is precious, materially and figuratively, including the gem of all jewels, virtues.”

The Deeper Meaning of Asteya

Asteya extends beyond the obvious act of theft. It includes subtle forms of taking, such as:

• Stealing someone’s time, attention, or energy.
• Desiring what others have out of jealousy or greed.
• Taking credit for someone else’s ideas or work.
• Exploiting loopholes for personal gain.

Lao Tzu captured the essence of Asteya:  “Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realise there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”

Asteya encourages us to cultivate contentment and trust—both in ourselves and in the world around us. It teaches that a mindset of abundance, rather than scarcity, aligns us with the flow of life.

Asteya in Daily Life

Recognising Subtle Forms of Stealing

Stealing arises from feelings of lack, insecurity, or greed. Whether through manipulation, omission, or grasping behaviour, all acts of taking what is not ours reflect a disconnection from the principles of compassion and trust. Here are practical ways to integrate Asteya:

• Be Punctual: Respect others’ time by showing up when promised.
• Practice Transparency: Avoid misleading others, especially in relationships or business dealings.
• Credit Others: When using quotes, ideas, or inspirations from others, give proper acknowledgment.
• Share the Floor: Avoid monopolising conversations or meetings—make space for others to speak and share.
• Practise Honest Commerce: Pay your fair share of taxes and refrain from exploiting loopholes.
• Give Back to the Earth: Avoid waste and overconsumption of resources to respect future generations’ right to nature.
• Honour Energy in Relationships: When a friend signals they need to end a call or interaction, let them go with grace. Respect their need for space rather than pushing for more attention.
• Reinforce Integrity in Small Moments: For example, if you board a train without a ticket and no one checks, demonstrate honesty by purchasing a ticket anyway—even if you later shred it. Similarly, if a cashier gives you too much change, return the excess. These small acts foster a sense of alignment and integrity.
• Be Generous, Not Grasping: When someone is excited about something, let them share their moment without interrupting or stealing their “thunder.”

Asteya in Our Yoga Asana Practice

Asteya applies to how we approach our physical practice on the mat. It asks us to cultivate honesty, patience, and respect for ourselves and others.

• Don’t Push Beyond Your Limits: Avoid grasping for poses that aren’t within your current ability. Respect your body’s natural boundaries.
• Mind Personal Space: In group classes, be aware of others’ physical space and avoid encroaching on their practice.
• Be On Time and Present: Show respect for your teacher and peers by arriving punctually and with focus.
• Avoid Comparison: Stop grasping at how a posture should look and focus instead on how it feels. Yoga is about self-awareness, not competition.
• Listen to Your Body: Observe your breath and physical sensations. If the breath becomes strained, ease up. Honest observation prevents harm.
• Stay Present with What Is: Rather than forcing your practice, allow yourself to be with the moment as it is. This fosters a sustainable and fulfilling relationship with yoga.

Practical Suggestions to Enhance Asteya

1. Reflect on Contentment: Practice gratitude daily. Remind yourself of what you already have instead of focusing on what you lack.
2. Meditate on Sufficiency: Use meditation to connect with a sense of inner abundance. Repeat affirmations like, “I am enough” or “I have all that I need.”
3. Pause Before Acting: If you feel an impulse to take something—materially, emotionally, or intellectually—pause and consider whether it truly aligns with your values.
4. Simplify Your Life: Let go of unnecessary possessions and focus on what truly matters. This can help shift your mindset from scarcity to abundance.
5. Cultivate Generosity: Give freely of your time, resources, and kindness. Generosity creates a sense of connection and abundance.
6. Recognise Grasping Behaviour: Pay attention to feelings of envy or scarcity. Instead of acting on these impulses, redirect your energy toward trust and creativity.
7. Revisit Past Actions: Reflect on moments when you may have taken more than your share—whether intentionally or unintentionally. Use these reflections to guide future behaviour.
8. Sustain the Earth: Commit to eco-conscious living by reducing waste, recycling, and supporting sustainable practices.

Questions for Reflection

1. What fears or insecurities drive you to desire what others have? How can you address these feelings with compassion?
2. What if we think about stealing but do not commit the act—does that still have ethical implications?
3. Have you ever felt uneasy after taking something that wasn’t yours, even in subtle ways? What would you do differently now?
4. How can you practice Asteya in your relationships—such as giving others more time, attention, or credit?
5. What small actions can you take to cultivate a mindset of abundance and sufficiency in your life?

Concluding Wisdom

“Desire or want is the cause for stealing. When one realises there is no lack, the need to take diminishes entirely.”  (Swami Sivananda)

By embracing Asteya, we free ourselves from the endless cycle of craving and lack, stepping into a space of abundance, generosity, and peace. Let me know if this version resonates with your vision!