The Quiet Yama: Understanding Non-Stealing (Asteya) in Yoga and Beyond

In yoga, the concept of ahimsa – non-violence – often takes center stage. However, its quieter sibling, asteya, the practice of non-stealing, is equally vital, particularly in today’s interconnected world.

What is Asteya?

Traditionally, asteya, derived from the Sanskrit root steya meaning “to steal,” is defined as not taking what is not freely given.¹ But this extends far beyond physical theft. It encompasses taking time, ideas, labor, credit, and content.

Asteya in the Modern Yoga Landscape

The principle of asteya is particularly relevant in the contemporary yoga world, especially online. Instances of non-stealing violations include:

• Reposting someone’s work without credit.
• Rebranding another’s method as one’s own.
• Asking teachers to create content “for exposure” without fair compensation.
• Studios requesting recorded classes or workshops for repeated sale without appropriate payment.
• Copying community-centered offerings for private profit without acknowledgment.

The Ethics of Exchange

Asking for ethical exchange in yoga spaces isn’t disruption; it’s alignment with the core principles of the practice. Requesting fair compensation for work, especially when it’s built on years of training and emotional labor, is crucial. When someone is asked to contribute their labor without fair exchange, it amounts to extracting value without reciprocity.

Beyond the Mat: Asteya in Daily Life

Asteya isn’t limited to the yoga studio. It applies to all aspects of life, including:

• Crediting Sources: Acknowledging the origins of ideas and inspirations.
• Fair Compensation: Paying individuals for their work and expertise.
• Respecting Intellectual Property: Avoiding plagiarism and honoring creative rights.
• Mindful Consumption: Avoiding taking more than what is needed.

The Historical Context of Appropriation

It’s important to acknowledge that yoga itself has been taken, diluted, and repackaged, particularly in the West.³ This history should foster humility and a heightened awareness of ethical responsibility. The West also has a history of theft, particularly from communities of color, women, and marginalized groups, and yoga is not immune to this pattern. However, this history does not excuse unethical behavior; rather, it calls for a higher standard of care.

Protecting Dignity and Trust

asteya isn’t about protecting content; it’s about protecting dignity, trust, and the care that sustains the yoga community.² It requires us to ask challenging questions about our actions and their impact on others.

Practicing Asteya: A Call to Action

Honoring asteya means choosing reciprocity over convenience, paying people for their value, seeking consent before sharing work, naming teachers, and slowing down to consider the impact of our actions. We are responsible for everything we do with this practice.