Asteya - Non-Stealing

Asteya, non-stealing is the 3rd Yama. Most of you don’t steal things from others, at least not intentionally.

But that doesn’t mean that you don’t steal.

You steal from yourself and others all of the time.

Don’t think so…

Are you ever late to meet a friend?

If you are, then you are stealing their precious time, the one resource that they cannot create or ever get back.

Have you ever complained to a friend?

If you have then you may be stealing their joy.

Have you ever wasted resources or lowered your expectations of yourself and your goals?

If you have then you may be stealing from your future.

Have you ever, no matter how much you have tried to avoid it, done something that damages the environment or the climate?

If you have then you are stealing from the earth and maybe future generations.

Many of these seemingly benign things are accepted in society.

People are always running late.

There is always something that you can make a negative comment about.

Sometimes it seems like just living in modern society can damage the environment - your commute and travel, your diet, your recreation - which all, for the most part can do some damage to the earth.

Pay attention to your thoughts, words and actions and observe if they, even unintentionally, are stealing.

Observing helps you to be Aware.

Awareness helps you Change & Grow.

Namaste…