Asteya yama- Non-Stealing

Non- stealing was one of the 11 vows that Mahatma Gandhiji was practicing. Asteya yama is non-stealing act that one must practice achieving self-confidence.  The feeling of stealing arises when someone wants or desire or unfaithful for something or against a person. It can also refer to stealing something that does not freely given to us. It can be thought of physical object, flower or ideas, peace of mind of someone and/or robbing oneself by growing desire, to get into opportunity to learn, progress and work. When we focus on pushing over the edge in order to get into a pose, we could rob ourselves. For example, while practicing yoga instead of focusing on how we feel, after some time we start thinking about how I look in that pose. This is subconsciously starts creating doubts about oneself – Am I good enough?

To practice Asteya, one must feel having things in abundance. That practicing of understanding what I have is enough, I am enough, desiring for less and feeling better, feeling contentment with every little success in life will give more happiness.

Image credit: Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay  (Free for commercial use)