Asteya: Non-Stealing and Its Role in Yoga Practice at Bakersfield Yoga
At Bakersfield Yoga, we believe that yoga is much more than just the physical postures we practice on the mat. It’s a holistic journey that engages the mind, body, and spirit, and that journey extends far beyond the studio. One of the most powerful teachings in the yogic philosophy is found in the Yamas, the ethical guidelines for living a balanced and harmonious life. Among these, Asteya, or non-stealing, stands out as a key principle that influences not only our practice on the mat but also how we show up in the world around us.
In this post, we’ll dive into the practice of Asteya, its significance within the broader framework of the Yamas, and how you can integrate this powerful principle into your daily life, both on and off the mat.
Understanding Asteya (Non-Stealing)
Asteya is the third of the five Yamas, which are the ethical guidelines laid out by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. These Yamas—Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (moderation), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)—offer a roadmap for how we can live a life of mindfulness, peace, and connection.
Asteya translates to “non-stealing” and can be understood in several ways. On the surface, it may seem to only apply to material theft—taking something that doesn’t belong to you. However, Asteya goes much deeper than this, touching on the concept of respecting the present moment, the energy and time of others, and even our own mental space.
Asteya teaches us that we should not take what is not freely given, but it also encourages us to be aware of what we “take” from the world around us in subtle ways. In yoga, this can relate to how we move through our practice: rushing through postures, skipping moments of stillness, or blending movements in a way that steals the full potential of each pose.
Asteya On the Mat: Slowing Down the Practice
At Bakersfield Yoga, we often emphasize the importance of mindfulness and connection in every posture. One of the most common places where Asteya can be observed is in the “vinyasa” flow sequence, which consists of the following postures: Phalakasana (Plank), Chaturanga Dandasana (Four-Limbed Staff Pose), Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward-Facing Dog), and Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog).
For many practitioners, there’s a tendency to rush through these transitions, often merging the Upward Dog into Chaturanga, skipping the moment of connection between the two poses. This rush through the practice can be seen as a form of stealing—stealing from the present moment, stealing from the benefits that each posture offers, and stealing from the depth of awareness that comes with giving each pose its full attention.
Asteya on the mat teaches us to slow down, to be fully present in each posture, and to avoid blending poses just to move more quickly through the sequence. When we truly inhabit each posture, we unlock the potential for greater strength, mobility, and mindfulness. Each pose, no matter how brief, has its own purpose and deserves a moment of full engagement. By practicing Asteya, we honor that moment, and in turn, our practice becomes deeper and more meaningful.
Asteya Off the Mat: Bringing Non-Stealing Into Daily Life
Asteya isn’t just something we practice during asana (the physical practice of yoga); it extends into every part of our lives. Off the mat, Asteya encourages us to respect the boundaries, time, and energy of others and to recognize the ways in which we might “steal” from those around us. Here are a few practical ways to apply Asteya in your daily life:
- Stealing Time: In today’s fast-paced world, time is one of our most valuable resources. Asteya reminds us to be mindful of how we spend our time and how we take up the time of others. Are we fully present in conversations, or are we distracted by our phones? Are we honoring the time of our loved ones and colleagues by being punctual and engaged? Practicing Asteya means being aware of how we allocate and respect time.
- Stealing Energy: Asteya also teaches us to be aware of how we give and receive energy. Are we taking more than we are giving, whether in relationships, work, or our community? Are we draining others with our negativity or unbalanced needs, or are we contributing positively to the energy around us? Being mindful of how we exchange energy ensures that we don’t take more than is given freely.
- Stealing Space: Both physically and mentally, we can sometimes “steal” space by crowding others or by not respecting their personal boundaries. Whether in a crowded public space or in a conversation, it’s important to recognize when we might be imposing on someone else’s physical or emotional space. Asteya asks us to respect these boundaries, giving others the room they need to exist fully.
- Stealing from Ourselves: Often, we can be our own biggest thief. We steal from ourselves when we don’t make time for self-care, when we don’t honor our own needs, or when we get caught up in self-criticism. Asteya invites us to respect ourselves as much as we respect others. This means taking the time to nurture our well-being, setting boundaries, and giving ourselves the space to grow without judgment.
Practical Ways to Implement Asteya Into Your Life
To truly grasp Asteya and integrate it into your life, consider these practices:
- Mindful Presence: In everything you do, aim to be fully present. Whether you’re engaging in a conversation, practicing yoga, or spending time with family, give your full attention to the moment. This simple act of mindfulness ensures that you’re not stealing attention away from what’s happening right in front of you.
- Pause Before Acting: In moments of action, take a brief pause. Before rushing through your tasks or interactions, stop and ask yourself if you’re respecting the moment and the people around you. This pause allows you to check in with your intentions and make sure you’re acting from a place of mindfulness and respect.
- Give Freely: Practice generosity by giving your time, attention, and energy freely to others. When you give, do so without expectation, knowing that you’re contributing to the collective energy of the world.
- Self-Reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on how you may be “stealing” from yourself or others. Consider areas of your life where you can improve your awareness and practice Asteya more fully.
Final Thoughts
At Bakersfield Yoga, we believe that the practice of Asteya is a gateway to a deeper, more meaningful life—both on and off the mat. By slowing down in our practice, respecting the present moment, and recognizing how we interact with the world around us, we cultivate a sense of peace, harmony, and connection. As we continue to explore Asteya in our classes this month, we invite you to join us in honoring each moment and each posture, bringing the practice of non-stealing into every aspect of your life.
Namaste,
Bakersfield Yoga