Asteya

Greetings Yogis and Yoginis,

This week in class we will be exploring Asteya, the third Yama. 

Asteya is found in verse II.37 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

II.37 – asteyapratisthayam sarvaratnopasthanam

When abstention from stealing is firmly established, precious jewels come.

Theft has an obvious definition – taking what is not yours. Refraining from stealing is a common expectation in most societies. Taking from others causes harm for the victim, no doubt. It is also said that stealing harms the thief in a different but equally harmful way. When we refrain from stealing, we are left with our world, our possessions, and our life as it is.

A practice of Asteya seems simple for most people. On a deeper level however it can be a bit more complicated. We are sometimes lulled into thinking that we are “entitled to” or “deserve” things, time, money, status, praise, a higher salary, bigger house, etc. This pursuit of that which we do not have can be considered stealing, as well. Sri Swami Satchidananda said that, “richness has nothing to do with monetary wealth. The richest person is the one with a cool mind, free of tension and anxiety.” In our pursuit of bigger and better, it is easy to overlook the precious jewels of the life we have already. It is said that a practice of Asteya allows us to abandon attachment to the possessions of others and gives us the opportunity to be content with the world as it is. And by this definition, a practice of Asteya allows us the opportunity to enjoy what we already have instead of aching after what others have.

Quote from Light On Yoga.  “The desire to possess and enjoy what another has drives a person to do evil deeds. From this desire spring the urge to steal and the urge to covet. Asteya, or non-stealing includes not only taking what belongs to another without permission, but also using something for a different purpose to that intended, or beyond the time permitted by its owner. It thus includes misappropriation, breach of trust, mismanagement and misuse.”

Homework:  Consider the concept of non-stealing as given by B.K.S. Iyengar in the quote above and its application to your own life. Be honest (Satya) and respectful (Ahimsa) in your reflection. In what ways do your actions and thoughts change when you make a commitment to Asteya? It is said that if you are established in Asteya you feel integrity and satisfaction. How could a deeper observation of Asteya in your life allow you to be more content with the world as it is? What would be different?

References:

Light on Yoga, Light on the Yoga Sutras, both by BKS Iyengar

Blessings,

paul cheek
Rushing Water Yoga

417 NE Birch St., Camas, WA 98607
360.834.5994

www.rushingwateryoga.com
info@rushingwateryoga.com

Serving Yoga to Camas, Washougal, and Vancouver Washington since 2003