YAMAS & NIYAMAS - Asteya

Asteya, from Sutra 2.37, is the principle of non-stealing and integrity. It teaches us not just to avoid taking what belongs to others materially, but also to respect their time, energy, trust, and joy. At its heart, Asteya is about mindful action, empathy, and honouring both ourselves and others.

In daily life, Asteya invites a mindset of abundance and gratitude. It asks us to appreciate what we have, resist envy, and avoid coveting what belongs to others. Our choices and actions should uplift, not exploit, creating harmony in our relationships and interactions.

On the mat, Asteya means practicing with integrity—listening to our body, respecting limits, and letting go of comparison. It’s about embracing our unique journey, cultivating patience, self-acceptance, and inner growth rather than chasing external achievements.

By embodying Asteya, we live authentically, cultivate trust, and contribute to a compassionate, balanced world—recognising that true fulfillment comes from honoring the value in ourselves and others.