As we explore the yogic precepts for living, the third Yama (constraints that we observe in relationship to the world) is Asteya:non-stealing. Here are a few quotes from our teachers for you to reflect upon this month.
“To one established in non-stealing, all wealth comes.” – The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Sutra II.37
“The desire to posses and enjoy what another has, drives a person to do evil deeds. (It) includes not only taking what belongs to another without permission, but also using something for a different purpose to that intented, or beyond the time permitted by its owner.” – BKS Iyengar, Light on Yoga
“One who is trustworthy, because he does not covet what belongs to others, naturally has everyone’s confidence and everything is shared with him, however precious it might be.” – TKV Desikachar, Heart of Yoga
“Through the practice of yoga, you come to feel confident and develop a feeling of wholeness and completeness; you are not likely to feel deprived or ‘less than.’ People steal because they feel deprived. They try to make up for their deficits by depriving others.” – Sharon Gannon, Yoga and Vegetarianism
“When we feel connected to the vastness of life and are confident of life’s abundance, we are naturally generous and able to practice the third yama, non-stealing (asteya).” – Donna Farhi, Teaching Yoga
If we are completely free from stealing and greed, contented with what we have, and if we keep serene minds, all wealth comes to us. – Namaste!