Asteya and Bramacharya

Often when a word begins with an “a” in Sanskrit, it means “non” or “not”.  Like the first yama, ahimsa: non-harming.  Steya means theft, robbery or larceny.  Asteya mean non-stealing or non-coveting.

Here are some ways that we steal that may not be traditional:

  • Have you ever been late for an appointment?  Stealing someone’s time
  • Have you ever procrastinated? Stealing from your future self.
  • Have you ever paid more attention to someone’s yoga practice that you were distracted in your own practice?  Coveting someone’s practice and stealing from yourself.
  • Have you every littered (even if it was biodegradable?) Stealing from the earth.
  • Have you ever felt other people’s emotions without permission? Stealing from other people’s energy.  (This is a great topic for a future blog and was a hard one for me to swallow.)
  • Have you ever spoken poorly about yourself out loud or in your mind? Stealing from your self in the present and future.
  • Have you pushed yourself into a posture (asana) because you believe it is the “right” way to do it?  While stealing from another part of your body to do it? 

“In all ways that we impose an outside image of ourselves, we are stealing from the infolding of our own uniqueness.”

Deborah Adele: The Yamas & Niyamas.

When we practice Asteya, we can shift our awareness to the energy behind these actions.  This is a perfect time for self care.  Is it time to rest?  Have you nourished your body, mind and spirit?  Have you given yourself enough time?  Perhaps writing a gratitude journal daily filled with things you are grateful for about yourself!  Have you taken the time to fortify your boundaries?  Have you adapted your practice to take a little less from a pose to give other parts of your body a little more?  

You can give from an empty cup at the cost of the cup!  When we over-give, it can lead to resentment, hurt, fear and frustration.

This is where Bramacharya comes into play!

Bramacharya was once defined as the practice of celibacy.  

In modern times, it is often defined as the constructive use of vital energy.

Let’s breakdown the Sanskrit.

“Literally this Sanskrit word translates into ‘walking with the Creative Force.’  Brahma is the deity that embodies the energy of creation.  Carya means conduct or practice.  This practice is about aligning with the creative energy of the cosmos.”

Dr. Mona Warner

It is about managing our desires in a more sacred way.  It is about living without excess.  It is about filling our cup in a more mindful and sacred manner in order to be able to build our energy so we can give to ourselves and to others.  

It is about practicing healthy boundaries…even with things that are good for us!  When we over indulge in a stretch, we can create imbalances in other areas of our bodies.  Doesn’t that sound a little bit like ahimsa, satya and asteya???  The yama(s) build on each other and are a part of each other at the same time.  A reminder: if the yama(s) appear to be in conflict with each other, ahimsa rules!!

Goldilocks was very lucky that the three bears were practicing ahimsa!

There are time when we cannot say no.  We have obligations.  During those times, we need to practice Bramacharya.  I remember my chiropractor saying to me, “If it causes you too much stress to get here, don’t come.  It will work against the good things that you are creating for yourself by coming.”  It gave me permission to be free to spend my energy differently on days when I was obligated to do something.

Treat yourself well…then you can serve yourself and others in a way that fills everyone’s cup.

What do you think?  Leave a comment and we can continue to grow this conversation.


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