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Asteya is the third of the Yamas. It is simply “non-stealing.” That sounds easy. However, non-stealing is not limited to simple theft of physical items. There are actually three areas:
- Intellectual Non Stealing, called Baudhika Asteya
This is tough. We should not even THINK about taking something that belongs to someone else. Not that you can’t want to have something, but that you must be willing to work for it. Philosophically what you have not earned has not been presented to you by the universe. Flip side: things that do come into your life you have earned. But if you haven’t earned it then it may bring you unhappiness and struggle in your life.
- Verbal Non Stealing
Also challenging and very easy to forget. You should not steal anything that belongs to others on the “verbal level”. This may include stealing someones dignity, pride, a moment of glory or their mental values. Wow. Also, you shouldn’t verbally injure someone else’s character.
- Physical Non Stealing
You should not take any physical objects that don’t belong to you through force, deceit or without permission.
