Asteya in Motion: Yoga for Non-Stealing & Contentment

Asteya Yoga in Motion: Yoga Poses Inspiring Non-Stealing and Inner Contentment

Asteya, which can be translated as non-stealing, is one of the five Yamas, a set of ethical principles that serve as a guideline on our relations with the world. Even though it may appear to be a simple action, Asteya is a lot more complex than that one action of taking something that does not belong to us. It includes a less explicit but kindred deep belief in honesty, integrity, and renunciation of covetousness in any and all of its forms. In a world obsessed with things and status quo, where purchasing and setting comparisons is the driving force, Asteya is the yoga-induced gateway to inner harmony and real contentment.

When asteya is in action, it is not simply the principle that we practice in our thoughts and words, but this principle must be expressed in our physical yoga practice on the mat. By bringing Asteya to our yoga practice we are not stealing something or someone, namely not exceeding our boundaries, forcing poses, not listening to our bodies and the inconvenience that they may be expressing in the form of refusal. We stop listening deeply and bow to our present abilities and listen to the needs of our own bodies on their unique paths. This conscious methodology leads to be more compassionate with oneself and avoiding the injury, and it helps them to grow sustainably, instead of short-term, ego-based success.

Yoga Postures to develop Asteya:

* Childs Pose (Balasana): This is a very restful and down to earth pose is a good place to start. It promotes surrender and acceptance, dropping the desire to do, and rather just be. It advises us how to be satisfied with peace.

* Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Although it appears to be basic, Tadasana focuses on being grounded, staying in-the-moment, and anchoring to the ground. It makes us proud to be individuals of power, without having the necessity of robbing others with their height, as well as desiring to possess their status.

Read More –  Asteya yoga video 

Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II) – This pose develops strength and concentration which requires all our energy. It assists us to channel the energy internally so that our minds are not able to stray so far as what other individuals are enjoying or possessing. It is really possessing our spaces.

Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Tree Pose has a positive influence on balance and focus. It symbolizes the need for one to discover their own core and steadiness, not only from an external source or by comparing our unsteady side to somebody else’s stable one.

Savasana (Corpse Pose): The final pose of total surrender, Savasana is essential for the integration of your practice. It teaches us how to let go of control and release attachments to everything including the impulse to acquire or possess. It is in this stillness that we can find true contentment.

FAQ

1. How can I apply Asteya to my yoga practice when I am constantly comparing my progress to others?
You must focus inward. Catch yourself comparing, take a pause; focus on your breath, the experience in your body, your unique alignment; remember that the path for each is unique, just like the practice does not have to be a competition.

Read more: Magic Mushrooms Show Long-Term Promise in Treating Depression Among Cancer Patients

2. Is Asteya just not taking physical things or is it more expansive than that in yoga?
Asteya goes so much further than simply not taking something physical. In yogic philosophy, Asteya is a much broader definition and encompasses a much larger philosophy of honesty, integrity, and non-covetousness. It includes not taking ideas from others, not stealing someone else’s time or energy, and being on time (a form of theft). A great example of Asteya abhorrence is plagiarism. Not gossiping or speaking poorly of others (that “steals” their reputation).

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