Yama no. 3: Asteya – Cultivating Abundance Through Non-Stealing

In a world driven by achievement and accumulation, it’s easy to feel as though we never have enough.

The pressure to keep up, to own more, to do more, can quietly shape the way we move through life. But at its core, this scarcity mindset is rooted in lack—a fear that we are missing something essential.

Asteya, the third of the Yamas in the Eight Limbs of Yoga, teaches us non-stealing.

At first glance, it seems simple: don’t take what isn’t yours. But Asteya runs deeper than material possessions. It calls us to examine the ways we take, whether it be time, energy, credit, or even someone else’s joy. It invites us to shift from scarcity to abundance, trusting that what we have is enough.

In Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), it is said: "Who is rich? He who rejoices in his portion." (4:1).

When we live with contentment, we no longer feel the need to take from others.

Practicing Asteya on the Mat

Yoga is a mirror, revealing the ways we grasp, force, or compare. Practicing Asteya in yoga means:

• Releasing the urge to force progress: Are we "stealing" from our body’s needs by pushing beyond what’s healthy?

• Respecting time on the mat: Are we fully present, or are we distracted, mentally rushing to the next thing?

• Letting go of comparison :Are we taking inspiration from others, or are we allowing jealousy to rob us of our own journey?

When we embrace Asteya, we practice with gratitude, rather than chasing an illusion of more.

Practicing Asteya Off the Mat

Asteya extends into daily life in subtle, yet powerful ways:

• Not stealing time: Are we mindful of others’ time, showing up when we say we will? Do we overcommit, stealing time from ourselves?

• Not stealing energy: Do we take from others emotionally, expecting constant validation without offering the same in return?

• Not stealing credit: Do we acknowledge the efforts of others, or do we subtly take more than our share of recognition?

• Not stealing from the present: Are we so focused on what’s next that we rob ourselves of experiencing now?

In Exodus 20:15, we are given a clear command: "You shall not steal." But beyond legalistic theft, the Torah teaches that stealing can take many forms—misleading others, taking advantage, or even withholding generosity. The more we trust in divine provision, the less we feel the need to take.

Living in Abundance

Asteya reminds us that true abundance comes not from taking, but from appreciating. When we trust that we have enough, that we are enough, we step into a life of freedom and contentment.

As you step onto your mat or move through your day, ask yourself:

• Where am I holding onto a scarcity mindset?

• How can I practice generosity (of time, presence, gratitude) rather than taking?

I’d love to hear your thoughts, how do you practice Asteya in your own life? Share in the comments below!

With love and gratitude, Niah Blue