Asteya in Yoga: Beyond Not Stealing — Respecting What Is Freely Given

Following our recent articles on ahimsa and satya, we’ve arrived at the third of Patañjali’s five yamas, asteya, which is often translated simply as non-stealing. But in the practical application of yogic philosophy, this concept goes beyond not taking another’s material possessions and speaks to a mindset of contentment with oneself and the world.

‍
In addition to the obvious principle of not taking material things that do not belong to us, asteya asks us to respect all forms of ownership and boundaries, including intangible things like other people’s time, attention and approval. This form of self-reflection helps us develop personal integrity, in that we are encouraged to take only what is freely given, and not hanker for things that are not. 

What Does Asteya Mean?

Derived from the oldest known language in the world, Sanskrit, asteya literally translates as “non-stealing” or “not taking what is not yours.” To investigate the principle a little more deeply, practicing asteya also embodies the mental disposition of “not wanting,” or cultivating satisfaction with what we have.

Although not taking things sounds great on paper, a commitment to asteya can present a formidable challenge when we truly examine how the mind behaves and the actions that result. We might, for example, notice this in everyday situations such as: 

• taking physical items without permission (pens from the office)
• using more than our fair share of resources (30 minute shower, anyone?)
• seeking validation or approval that isn’t freely offered (social media)
• usurping someone’s mental or emotional energy (not reading the room)

Examples such as these present opportunities for us to examine our attachments, and asteya offers an ancient technique for reducing the influence of attachments in our lives.

Asteya Beyond Objects: Respecting Intangible Boundaries

In our increasingly connected, attention-driven world, the practice of asteya might redefine what it means to “take” something. For example, we may discover that our impulse to over-consume (scrolling, online retail, media) is masking an internal sense of loneliness, and the act of acquiring (taking) is temporarily filling that void.

We may find ourselves spending too much time strategizing about ways to get someone else to see/agree with our political point of view which, at its core, is an attempt to take something that is not freely given.

Or, in a state of excitement, we may launch into a monologue without noticing that someone is emotionally distant, subtly demanding their attention when it is not actually available to us.

Recognizing these subtler forms of “taking” is not as obvious as things on the material plane, and it’s a process that requires honesty, persistence and a healthy dose of humility. And while it might be more difficult to implement, this application of asteya will bring deeper benefits such as sharpening our level of self-honesty, improving our close relationships, and cultivating a deeper sense of contentment.

On the Yoga Mat and in Daily Life

As we bring the concept of “not taking” into the yoga room, we discover even more practical applications of asteya, all of which relate to internal experiences of the mind. It can be difficult to sense these impulses since they live beneath the surface, so here are a few ways the practice of asteya which might show up in the classroom:

• respecting your limits without pushing (not wanting what is not freely given)
• developing an internal focus rather than comparing to others (not wanting what we perceive others have)
• arriving to class on time (not usurping the time and attention of others)

In a group setting, it can be difficult to cultivate the kinds of focused attention we are discussing here. At the same time, it seems like the perfect opportunity to try out some of your newly discovered tools of self-reflection! What better place to experiment than in the middle of your practice experience?

As you can see, the principle of asteya can be implemented in a wide variety of situations, ultimately liberating us from the habits and trappings of wanting, asking for and taking things that are not freely given.

Reflection Prompt

As you explore asteya this week, consider:

• What habits of thought cause me to want more than what I have?
• How do I respect others’ boundaries with my time and attention?
• What are my expectations around approval and validation, and am I seeking something that is not freely given?

Please join us next time as we delve into the fourth yama in the series, Brahmacharya, or the intentional direction of one’s creative life force.

If you’re interested in learning more about Shadow Yoga, please view our schedule of yoga classes and offerings, visit our yoga studio in Bend, Oregon, or have a look at the Shadow Yoga founders and their philosophy.

If you liked this content, you can also sign up for our email newsletter to receive alerts when new content is posted and learn about upcoming classes, retreats, and workshops . . . or explore previous posts and teachings on our blog.