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