One of the challenges we human race face every moment is our innate ability to cause harm, be dishonest, steal, be greedy and jealous. All which seems unavoidable! So, I wanted to share about Asteya (Sanskrit).
Asteya means non-stealing, non-covetousness, even non-desirousness. The meaning is that this should cover all action, word and thought. This means you should direct your thought away from even the wish that what belongs to another person, should be yours.
The complete practice of Budo (yoga) is a cultivation of this inner principle which the Buddha called it the middle path, which we see as virtue and integrity.
So what is integrity?
1. adherence to moral principles; honesty
2. the quality of being unimpaired; soundness
3. unity; wholeness
Asteya non-stealing stands on the two firm legs of ahimsa, non- violence and satya, the truth. I particularly like the third (3) definition because striving for wholeness, you really cannot allow yourself to take something which you know you do not deserve.
Whatever comes into our possession should not involve any force, harm, dishonesty or manipulation. This is hard! Society trains us to be ambitious and usually not in a coy way. But if we have not earned the possession- whatever that maybe- we simply have not "earned" it.
There is a wonderful phrase in Sanskrit that says "Idamnamam", which means "this is not mine".
This is included in all types of offerings, ceremonies and rituals- like training and practicing too. A sense of giving back what you "given" should correct any mental confusion over as to "what is mine". In reality, we are given temporary use of all these possessions we call "mine". By being aware of this and make an offering back to nature, back to the giver (Sosai) will clear the desire and coveting of things. Due to the level of impurity within us, sometimes it is not clear.
But as the saying goes, "You can't build a church on stolen money." It all boils down to what you are intended on and what is motivating you!
