Asteya is the third principle of yoga, and while it is traditionally translated as “non-stealing,” its meaning goes much deeper. It is not just about objects, but about energy, attention, time, mental space—and how we treat them toward others and toward ourselves.

Modern life is full of subtle “thefts”: we take too much of others’ time, we expect too much, we take on too much, we demand or give too much attention where it’s not ours. Sometimes we take away other people’s energy, sometimes we take away our own.

Asteya teaches:
Respect what is yours – and what is not.

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What does asteya actually mean?

Asteya in its broad sense:

• not to take what is not ours

• not to overuse what is common

• not to take up other people's time

• not to take up other people's mental space

• not to deprive yourself of energy, rest, and attention

Theft is most often not material, but emotional and energetic.

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The four modern layers of asteya

1. Respecting others' time

Too many explanations, unnecessary rounds, being late, rushing – all take time away from the other person.

Asteya asks:
How can I be precise, clear, and to the point in my relationships?

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2. Respecting the energy of others

When we approach someone with the expectation of finding a solution, support, or emotional comfort, it often overwhelms the other person - this is what yogic psychology calls subtle energy theft.

This is not selfishness – this is awareness.
Pure relationships begin where both parties maintain their own power.

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3. Respecting your own energy

When you give more than you can handle, you are stealing from yourself.

• overtime

• over-commitment

• perfectionism

• compliance obligation

• solving other people's problems

Asteya teaches:
What is your energy is also your responsibility.

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4. Respect for the present moment

Phone-swiping, procrastination, distracting thoughts.
Your attention is your most valuable resource every day, yet it's the one you lose – or give away – the easiest.

Asteya is in the present tense:
You don't give your presence to something that doesn't deserve it.

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Asteya on the yoga mat

During yoga, the most common theft is from ourselves:

• when we go too deep in proof

• when we don't respect our own rhythm

• when we skip rest

• when we compare our own bodies to the poses of others

On the mat, asteya means:

you don't deprive your body of what it needs: time, space, air, rest.

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Asteya in everyday life

The practice of asteya consists of simple, small decisions:

• to give others their space back

• not demanding too much in our relationships

• say no to overload

• give yourself permission to rest

• communicate clearly what you have the capacity for

• not to take away the spotlight or attention of others by comparison

The essence of non-stealing:
What you treat with respect becomes beautiful; what you overuse becomes exhausted.

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Ayuna Ritual recommendations to support asteya – conscious energy use

Asteya supports a conscious, minimalist, pure life. Tools that are suitable for this include:

• durable

• are sustainable

• recyclable

• or zero waste alternatives
  

Summary

Asteya is not just about not taking anything from others.
It's also about not taking away from yourself what builds, nourishes, and sustains you .

The yoga of non-stealing is about pure energy:
What you give comes from the heart; what you keep is right; what you accept is pure.