Asteya: The Art of Generous Living 🌿

Exploring the third yama and how non-stealing creates abundance in our lives

As we continue our journey through the yamas—the ethical foundations of yoga—we arrive at asteya, a principle that invites us to examine not just what we take, but what we give. This profound Sanskrit concept extends far beyond the obvious act of not stealing material possessions, opening our eyes to the subtle ways we might be taking what doesn't belong to us.

What is Asteya?

Asteya (pronounced "ah-STAY-ya") means non-stealing or non-taking. It's the third of the five yamas, and like its companions ahimsa and satya, it operates on multiple levels of our existence. When we truly understand asteya, we discover it's not just about what we avoid taking—it's about cultivating a mindset of abundance and generosity.

The Hidden Ways We "Steal"

From Others:

• Time: Arriving late to appointments or classes, keeping others waiting

• Attention: Dominating conversations, not truly listening

• Energy: Being consistently negative or draining in relationships

• Credit: Taking recognition for others' ideas or work

• Peace: Creating unnecessary drama or conflict

From Ourselves:

• Self-worth: Comparing ourselves to others and stealing our own joy

• Potential: Not showing up fully for our own life

• Present moments: Living in regret or anxiety instead of embracing now

• Rest: Pushing through exhaustion and stealing from our wellbeing

• Dreams: Telling ourselves we're "not good enough" for our aspirations

From the Earth:

• Taking more resources than we need

• Wasting food, water, or materials

• Not appreciating the abundance already present in our lives

Asteya on the Yoga Mat

In our physical practice, asteya teaches us to:

• Arrive on time and prepared, respecting the shared space

• Use only what we need—props, space, energy

• Give our full presence rather than mentally multitasking

• Honour the teachings by practicing with genuine engagement

• Respect others' practice by maintaining appropriate boundaries

During our classes here in the Upper Hunter, I often observe beautiful examples of asteya in action: students helping each other with props, arriving early to settle in peacefully, and creating a supportive atmosphere where everyone can practice authentically.

The Abundance Mindset

Asteya invites us to shift from scarcity thinking to abundance consciousness. When we truly believe there's enough—enough time, love, success, happiness—we stop grasping and start giving.

This might look like:

• Celebrating others' successes instead of feeling threatened

• Sharing knowledge freely rather than hoarding information

• Offering genuine compliments without expecting anything in return

• Being present as the greatest gift we can give

Asteya in Our Daily Lives

With Time

Time is perhaps our most precious resource. Practicing asteya with time means:

• Arriving punctually for commitments

• Being fully present when with others

• Not stealing time from important activities (like rest or self-care) for less meaningful pursuits

• Respecting others' schedules and boundaries

In Relationships

• Listen actively instead of waiting for your turn to speak

• Give credit where it's due

• Share emotional labour rather than always taking support

• Respect boundaries and personal space

With Resources

• Take only what you need from communal spaces

• Appreciate and care for what you have

• Share abundance when possible

• Reduce waste and consumption mindfully

The Ripple Effect of Non-Taking

When we practice asteya, we create space for others to flourish. In our small Upper Hunter communities, this principle can transform relationships and create genuine abundance for everyone.

I've witnessed this in our yoga classes: when students practice asteya by arriving prepared and present, the entire group benefits from a more peaceful, focused energy. When we stop competing and start supporting, everyone's practice deepens.

From Scarcity to Generosity

The beautiful paradox of asteya is that when we stop taking what isn't ours, we discover we already have everything we need. This realisation naturally leads to generosity—not from obligation, but from genuine abundance.

This might manifest as:

• Offering skills to support your community

• Sharing wisdom gained from your experiences

• Creating space for others to shine

• Giving time to causes you care about

Starting Your Asteya Practice

Begin with gentle awareness:

1. Notice when you're running late and how it affects others

2. Practice presence in one conversation each day

3. Appreciate something you already have instead of wanting more

4. Give credit to someone who has helped or inspired you

5. Offer something freely—time, attention, or kindness

Asteya: Living from Fullness

Ultimately, asteya teaches us that we live in an abundant universe. When we stop grasping and start trusting, we discover that giving and receiving flow naturally. We realise that our greatest security comes not from what we can take, but from what we can offer.

Where might you be unconsciously "taking" in your life?

How could practicing asteya create more abundance for yourself and others?

I'd love to hear your insights.

Ready to explore generous living through mindful yoga practice? Join us for classes across the Upper Hunter region where we cultivate abundance consciousness together. Visit www.upperhunteryoga.com.au for class times and locations.

😊 Nicole