Thou Shalt Not Steal

 

The eighth commandment given by God to man via Moses is Thou Shalt Not Steal.  It is also the third jewel in yoga Yamas ethical practice.  Since I was a child I understood the basic principle of don't take something that is not yours.  One day when I was about 10 years old, I took a notepad from a convenience store without paying for it.  I felt so guilty that I went back into the store and confessed my sin to the store owner.  Rather than punish me for my misdeed, the owner thanked me for my honesty, made me pay for the notepad and then gave me a piece of candy.  From that point on I have practiced complete honesty.  I do not take anything that does not belong to me.  If I mistakenly remove a product from the store, I go back to pay for it. 

I am a generous man, but studying Astea made me realize I have been stealing from others all my life.  I recently was lent the book “Secrets of the Yamas” by John McAfee where he describes Asteya as jealousy or coveting.  Ironically "Do Not Covet" is the tenth commandment from God.  When I read this description, I realized my guilt.  I have been coveting what others have for most of my life.  Wanting more based on comparing myself to my peers, friends and family.  I had a wonderful relationship with my wife and I am sure others were jealous of us.  But now I find myself jealous of the relationships others have.  I  resolve to bury jealousy and practice Astea.  

I also noticed in my grief I steal other's time.  Now I am sure if you ask them, they will disagree with me.  But I believe the energy I require is far too great and it is much more than I contribute.  So in practicing Astea, I refrain from giving off negative energy and hope to only provide positive and helpful spirit to my friends and those around me.  I also choose to be careful about the help and gifts I provide others.  I did not realize that a generous act can result in stealing time away from my friends.  For example, if I give a gift that requires additional work or installation, it steals time from them.  It may be something needed, but in the future, I need to be more considerate.  To ask rather than blindly give.  To plan rather than surprise.  If I don't have pure motivations, then I will not offer to help or give in the future.

Practicing Astea is not simple.  You have to constantly ask yourself if you are placing pressure on others.  Whether well intended or not, it is important to make sure you always have others in mind.  Coveting and jealousy are two things we sometimes do without thinking.  By practicing Astea, I will learn and be more conscious of my acts.  Well intended or not.

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