Asteya Meaning in Yoga: Practising Non-Stealing in Daily Life
Asteya is the third of the Yamas — the principle of non-stealing. But it goes beyond physical theft. Asteya encourages us to respect time, energy, and resources — both our own and those of others.
Practising Asteya in yoga is about cultivating awareness of how we engage with the world and ensuring our actions don’t take away from anyone, including ourselves.
Why Asteya matters
When we explore Asteya meaning in yoga, it becomes clear that this is not just about honesty or legality — it’s about integrity, mindfulness, and respect.
Asteya invites us to consider:
Are we honouring other people’s time, energy, + boundaries?
Are we taking what isn’t freely given, whether material, emotional, or energetic?
Are we being conscious of how we spend our own time and energy?
Living in alignment with Asteya fosters trust, harmony, and generosity, while protecting our own well-being.
Asteya in daily life
Practising Asteya doesn’t require radical changes. Small, mindful actions make a big difference:
Arrive on time + honour commitments
Respect others’ opinions + personal space
Avoid gossip or taking credit for someone else’s work
Be conscious of how you use your energy + attention
Asteya also encourages self-awareness. Are you “stealing” from yourself by overcommitting, ignoring your needs, or procrastinating on your goals? Practising non-stealing starts with valuing your own time and energy.
The ripple effect
Asteya has a powerful ripple effect. When we respect others’ resources and boundaries, relationships naturally strengthen. Trust grows. We create environments of fairness, kindness, + reciprocity.
When we respect our own energy, we can give more fully without resentment or depletion. Practising Asteya, therefore, nourishes both personal growth and community well-being.
How to bring Asteya into your practice
Like all the Yamas + Niyamas, Asteya is a lived practice. Here’s how to incorporate it daily:
Reflect: Journal on how you use your time + energy.
Observe: Notice moments when you take more than you give.
Shift: Make small, conscious changes.
Be gentle: Growth is a journey, not a perfect result.
By practising Asteya on and off the mat, you become more mindful, intentional, and aligned with your values.
Living yoga beyond the mat
Asteya is a reminder that yoga extends far beyond physical practice. The Yamas and Niyamas provide a roadmap for living with clarity, kindness, and balance.
Even small adjustments — being present, honouring commitments, respecting boundaries — can transform your interactions, your energy, + your life.
Yoga has taught me to respect my own time, energy, and purpose — and I know Asteya plays a huge part in that.
Learn more
Discover the meaning of Asteya + explore the other Yamas + Niyamas in the ‘Yoga Lifestyle Course,’ inside the ‘Inspired Club’ — your online space for yoga-inspired living — or through my other yoga-inspired lifestyle offerings.