Asteya (अस्तेय)

Yoga Practice Name

Asteya (अस्तेय)

English Name

Non-Stealing

Description and Steps

Name and Transliteration	The Sanskrit word for Asteya is अस्तेय. It is transliterated as "Asteya" and pronounced "uh-stay-yuh."
Literal Meaning	Asteya combines the prefix “a-” (non) with “steya” (stealing). It literally means “non-stealing” or the conscious practice of refraining from taking anything that is not freely given.
Scriptural Reference	Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 2.37 states: “Asteyapratisthayam sarvaratnopasthanam” – “When non-stealing is firmly established, all jewels present themselves.” This suggests that one who fully embodies non-stealing gains access to the richness of life, not through acquisition but through integrity and inner abundance.
Classical Commentary and Interpretation	Vyasa interprets Asteya as not only abstaining from taking physical objects but also avoiding mental theft, such as envy, plagiarism, or taking credit for others’ work. Classical thought emphasizes that stealing stems from a mindset of lack or greed, and the yogi is encouraged to cultivate contentment and trust in the abundance of life. Asteya is also linked with ethical restraint in speech, behavior, and even thought. Swami Sivananda teaches that Asteya requires vigilance and honesty, and that true wealth arises when one lets go of the urge to possess or exploit.
Role and Importance in the Yogic Path	Asteya is essential for building inner integrity, trustworthiness, and karmic purity. It eliminates deceitful tendencies and greed, allowing the practitioner to live in alignment with dharma. By avoiding not just material theft, but also subtle forms of taking—such as emotional manipulation or hoarding of attention—Asteya fosters generosity, humility, and self-sufficiency. It frees the mind from comparison and competition, which are major obstacles to inner peace and meditative focus. Practicing Asteya supports the development of aparigraha and santosha, reinforcing contentment and ethical living.
Common Misinterpretations	Asteya is often limited to legal or material theft. However, the broader yogic interpretation includes misuse of resources, stealing others’ time or energy, or emotional dependency. It does not simply mean avoiding theft—it means cultivating a mindset of respect, fairness, and abundance.
Practical Guidance: How to Cultivate This Practice	To practice Asteya, observe areas where desire or fear leads to overconsumption or control. Refrain from taking what is not yours—whether it is physical objects, ideas, or attention. Give credit freely, honor boundaries, return borrowed items promptly, and practice gratitude. Contentment (santosha) and awareness of sufficiency are essential companions to this Yama.
Reflective Prompts / Journal Questions	Reflect on questions such as: “Do I take more than I need in any area of life?”, “How can I practice honesty and fairness in all my dealings?”, and “Am I unknowingly stealing attention, time, or recognition from others?”
Real-Life Examples / Modern Application	Modern application of Asteya includes honoring intellectual property, not overworking staff or team members, respecting time in meetings or conversations, and being mindful of digital and material consumption. It may also involve living within one’s means and supporting equitable distribution of resources.

Asteya (अस्तेय)

Yoga Practice Name

English Name

Description and Steps

Practice Level

Patanjali Yoga Sutra Reference

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