Asteya - the practice of Non-Stealing.
Asteya is one of the five Yamas in the ancient philosophy of Yoga. Asteya, which translates to "non-stealing" in Sanskrit, goes beyond the act of taking physical possessions from others. It encompasses respecting others' time, energy, ideas, and boundaries, and refraining from coveting what belongs to others.
In our modern world, the concept of Asteya is more relevant than ever. We see examples of Asteya in action when we give credit to others for their ideas, respect their intellectual property, and honor their achievements without feeling envious. It also means being mindful of our consumption habits and avoiding taking more than we need, whether it's material possessions, time, or attention.
Incorporating Asteya into our yoga practice can deepen our understanding of this ethical principle. On the mat, Asteya can manifest as practicing contentment with where we are in our practice, without comparing ourselves to others or feeling the need to compete. It involves being grateful for our bodies' abilities and limitations, without pushing ourselves beyond our edge or stealing from our own well-being.
Here are some practical ways I cultivate Asteya in my daily life:
1. Practice gratitude: I start and end my day with a moment of gratitude for what I have, rather than focusing on what I lack. Or I try to do it - sometimes I’m not so successful and wish I was further along than I am.
2. I try to be mindful of my words and actions: I try to avoid gossiping more than ever, I don’t like the idea of being gossiped about so I don’t want to do it to others. I don’t spread rumors, or try not to speak ill of others, even those people in the media who can feel difficult to like or understand. I practice speaking kindly and truthfully.
3. I respect others' boundaries: Ask for permission before borrowing or using someone else's belongings, and be mindful of their time and energy. Ask my friends - they will tell you that I am never late!
4. I attempt to cultivate contentment and practice being satisfied with what I have, rather than constantly seeking more or comparing yourself to others. This is quite hard for me - in the past I have had a tendancy to shop to fill sensations of loneliness rather than seek out friendship - I’m definitely still working on this.
5. I reflect on my intentions: Before making a decision or taking action, I pause and consider whether it aligns with the principle of Asteya.
It’s important to remember that Asteya is not about deprivation or self-sacrifice. It's about fostering a sense of abundance and interconnectedness with all beings. I don’t want to steal from my own opportunities by being lathergic or lazy, I really want to grow into the person who I am supposed to be.
