Asteya
Our journey through the Yamas and Niyamas
Focus- Asteya
Asteya is one of the ethical guidelines provided to us when reading Patanjali’s Sutras. Asteya is a Sanskrit word meaning “non-stealing.” At first, it seems pretty simple. We should not take money or belongings that belong to others, but this Yama goes much farther than this.
Sometimes we don’t realize when we are taking away from others.
This is especially true in regards to time and energy.
Time and energy are precious to us all. We want more time for our family and friends and of course more time and energy to do the things we love, like yoga! Applying Asteya involves consciously being aware of how our actions effect time and energy for others. Wasting time is taking away something that may precious to another person. Doing our best to be punctual and efficient are ways of practicing Asteya in our lives.
Most of our energy levels are stressed to their limits each day. Doing small helpful things for others can make a huge difference in the stress for someone else.
In the studio Asteya can look like the following:
Arriving on time for class so to set up our mats and get our props, use the restroom before the class begins
Returning our props in an organized manner
Keeping the tone of our voice down if others are trying to prepare for class or sit quietly
Leaving our cell phones in the lobby so they don't light up and chime during class and interrupt others practice time.
Making sure to have all of our belongings, water bottles, mats, towels etc and not leaving them behind for someone else to clean up
Staying for the entire class and not getting up and packing up during Savasana
Even something as simple as holding a door for someone, helping carry a large load, or offering to listen to concerns can make someone’s day a little easier and be a good practice of Asteya.
They may then have the energy to reach out and help another person in need.