Item 3 in Yamas and Niyamas

Asteya — Non-Stealing

Do not take what has not been freely given, including property, credit, labour or opportunity.

Position
3
Form
Prohibition
Obligation
Strong duty
Wording status
Editorial paraphrase
Intended audience
Practitioners of classical Yoga, with later application in wider Hindu and modern yoga traditions
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Asteya — Non-Stealing

Original term: Asteya

Source wording

Editorial paraphrase: Do not take what has not been freely given, including property, credit, labour or opportunity.

Editorial paraphrase

Literal meaning

Do not take what has not been freely given, including property, credit, labour or opportunity.

Broader interpretation

Interpretation depends on the framework's historical purpose, intended audience and relationship to its other principles.

Ethical purpose

To shape conduct or character in a way consistent with the wider ethical framework.

Modern application

Modern application requires attention to consent, rights, evidence, foreseeable harm and changing social conditions.

Criticism and difficult cases

Application can become difficult when this principle conflicts with another duty, when harm is indirect, or when ancient social assumptions do not fit modern conditions.

Truth By Reason analysis

Truth By Reason assesses this principle according to evidence, rights, intentions, foreseeable consequences and consistency with the treatment of all affected beings.

Ethical themes

  • Property
  • Justice
  • Non-stealing

Sources