The Third Yama: Asteya, non Stealing, non coveting

April 21,2008

This, at first, may seem obvious but when one thinks of it more deeply, there are many ways in which we take what isn't ours. It could be stealing time or energy from others, such as when we call someone up and start talking their ear off, without asking if it's a good time to talk. It could be taking resources from the planet, without replacing them.

Patanjali makes no distinction between stealing and coveting. Coveting implies that one feels dissatisfied with what one already has. Too often we are envious of another, often projecting the grass to be greener somewhere else and taking for granted what wealth, abundance and freedom we already have.

I think the most helpful way to meditate on this Yama, is to contemplate the opposite of taking, which is giving. And also the opposite of coveting which is appreciation what one already has.

Hopefully this contemplation will lead us to a deep gratitude for life, and for all that we have been given and will result in a real generosity of spirit.

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