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Yoga of Maharishi Patanjali - The Challenge of Asteya |
By Paul M. Jerard Jr.
 Asteya is the third Yama (restraint) mentioned by Maharishi Patanjali, within the Yoga Sutras. In short, Asteya may be defined as "non-stealing." However, the depth of this Yama goes much further. This is the Yama of giving to others.
There is an internal conflict about giving, but the Law of Karma and the Law of Attraction, agree about the end results of giving. When we give time, service, or material toward a person, or a cause, the rewards of giving always come back to us.
This happens even when you do not seek a reward. It may not happen in any way you can predict, but rewards always come back to those who give of themselves. These days it is easy to be caught up in our Email, voice mail, television shows, and work.
On the subject of work: Many of us work too much. The common reaction to this is, "Who else is going to pay my bills?" This is true, but work is a part of life. Work is not everything in life. Sometimes, we have to stop
working and give to those around us who need help.
How much should one give? We give what we can afford. There is no need to give until you are "broke." If we do not have money, our services are still valuable. Each of us has different skills. It is hard to be a "Jack of all trades."
In the workplace: We can avoid claiming credit for someone else's work by giving direct praise to that person. Here is an example: How many supervisors take a worker's idea to the upper management and then take credit for it? Unfortunately, this happens quite often.
At home: We can give our time and help to those who need us. Sometimes, we do not see the true value of praising our family members. Life is an "eye blink," and many of us wish we could tell a dear one how much they meant to us, while he or she was living. Do not let the opportunity to give praise pass you by.
Asteya is much like Satya, in that honesty is at the heart of this Yama. Asteya in your thoughts, deeds, actions, and non-actions is the key. Observe all of the good things in your life, and you will not feel the need to acquire what is not yours.
It has been said that going into debt is a result of coveting or greed, but who has not taken a loan for a home, college education, a broken appliance, or an automobile that needs repair? It is easy to tell others how to live, but what good is impractical advice?
These days, it is impossible not to borrow, unless we live a monastic lifestyle. Do not judge yourself harshly for borrowing. At the same time, we all know that borrowing too much is a miserable existence.
When you look into the Yoga Sutras is important to realize it is a "living document." The ideals still apply, but societies have changed. The ability to give, and be honest, comes from within.
Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. To receive Free Yoga videos, Podcasts, e-Books, reports, and articles about Yoga, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/member-offer.html
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