Asteya: Non-stealing

Hi Gang,

Today's class focus is on Asteya, part 3 of the 5 Yamas, or attitudes towards others and the world around us.

Asteya is often translated as non-stealing. This yama, or life attitude is not just concerned about stealing physical objects, but also extends itself towards stealing other's ideas, or sharing information that isn't ours to share. For example, if I had confidential information and used it it to further my own sense of power, that is considering stealing.

For me, the overall picture here ties back to the very human and very common misperception of scarcity, rather than abundance. Instead of focusing on all that we have, we perceive life as one filled with a lack of things. The more energy we focus on feeling scarcity, the more we feel that we have the right to better ourselves at the expense of another.

According to modern science and ancient mystical practices, where our thoughts go, there our energy flows. In other words, the Universe will respond in accordance to what we output. The more we focus on lack, the more we experience it.

The opposite is also true. If we shift our perspective and start to see abundance, possibility, and openness in all things, then the Universe responds by allowing us opportunities we wouldn't have sensed before. We begin to sense pathways to greater things and realize that the more positive and abundant energy we put out, the more we receive in return. We also begin to realize that until we are ready to share our resources, we won't be receiving any help from anyone else.

Let's enjoy a flowing, abundant practice this afternoon!

Blessings,
Aria

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

The Five Yamas (Attitudes towards others and the world around us)
ASTEYA #3 of #5.
The Five Niyamas (Attitudes towards ourself)
Asana (Physical Postures)
Pranayama (Breath Exercises)
Prathayara (Withdrawl of the Senses)
Dharana (Concentration)
Dhyana (Meditation)
Samadhi (Enlightenment)