Asteya (Non-stealing)

In today’s discussion, I will be talking about the third of the five yamas – asteya (non-stealing).

Defining Asteya

The word Asteya (अस्तेय) is derived from the Sanskrit root word "steyn" which means ‘to steal’ to ‘to rob’. The word for a thief is "steynaH". "Steyam" is the word for theft. By adding the prefix "a" it becomes ‘asteya’ which means "to not steal or rob".

Understanding Asteya

Vyasa defines "steya" or "theft" as "taking things from others while not following the guidelines provided in the scriptures. There are scriptures called "Dharma Shastras" which define codes of conduct that contain guidelines for behavior in all situations in life. Viewing someone else’s possession such as property or wealth as "mine" and taking possession of it forcefully, deceitfully, unjustly or illegally is stealing. They also preclude acceptance of gifts. "Asteya" or non-stealing is the opposite value which negates these behaviors and actions.

Tendency to steal comes when we desire to acquire things belonging to others. The more we desire things the more the mind will be compelled to act on the desire to steal.

Practicing Asteya

Practice of asteya is very closely linked with some of the other yamas and niyamas – for example ‘aparigraha’ (non-hoarding) or ‘santosha’ (contentment). Greed and attachment to the objects of the senses ("raaga") cause the temptation to steal.

On the surface, asteya seems to be a fairly straightforward concept to understand and follow. However, when we look a little more deeply, we will find that many times we "steal" in ways that we are not even aware of.

Some common examples of stealing are:

• Taking bribe
• Charging more money than set/just price
• Using work property for personal use (for example using work telephone for personal phone calls).
• Spending time on the internet at work for non-work related activities
• Stealing someone else’s job by making false claims on your resume or during the interview
• Being late for an appointment – you are stealing someone else’s time and happiness
• Trying to dominate a conversation and not allowing others to express their opinion in a meeting or conversation
• Cheating at exams

I am sure you can add many more examples from your own experiences.

The esoteric principle behind asteya has to do with a kind of pride or arrogance. The ancient teachings on this say that to think of yourself as really important is to steal your soul from God. That means that we’re not surrendering ourselves to the larger view that we’re this one consciousness (purusha). Once we identify ourselves with the elements of prakriti (mind-body complex) , then we are becoming self-absorbed and are going to steal, either symbolically or literally.

According to Patanjali, all the negative emotions arise due to our "avidya" (ignorance – sutra 2.2). Avidya implies confusion between what is real and what is unreal or going after short-term gains which could ultimately lead to suffering etc. It is due to this avidya that we crave for things which are beyond our means and thus develop a tendency to steal. Once we realize that we are truly "complete" and don’t really lack anything in life, we will have overcome the tendency to steal.

In Sutra 2. 37, Patanjali states that "when we are firmly established in the principle of asteya (non-stealing), we are presented with all jewels and treasures".

When I read this sutra the first question that comes to my mind is "if the yogi is firmly established in asteya, he is already completely desireless". That means the yogi doesn’t crave for material objects. Why does Patanjali then state that he will be offered all jewels which the yogi has no need or use for. So, my feeling is that Patanjali is not referring to physical gems or material treasures but treasures of a spiritual kind. These may include company of good people, blessings of saints and sages and spiritual upliftment.

I would like to hear your thoughts on what Patanjali might have implied in sutra 2.37 as stated above.