Embodying Non-Stealing in Yoga: Warrior 3, Hasta Mudra, and Golden Milk Nurturance February 1 2026
- rockbriarfarm
- Jan 31
- 4 min read
We continue our exploration of the first limb of yoga, the Yamas, which are rules of moral code (there are 5), the third being Asteya or non-stealing. We can think of this Yama in its most obvious form in terms of not stealing from a store, but, like everything yogic, of course it goes deeper!
Sutra 2.37 tells that “When someone is completely established in non-stealing, everything precious is”. This can be interpreted as once you are not obsessed with material things, the riches come to you. While this could be taken literally as you will then receive money and jewels, I interpret it more figuratively.
As this Yama intertwines with Ahimsa (nonviolence) and Satya (truth), we can believe that if we are trustworthy, the universe will open us to us, share with us. Perhaps these “riches” are not only material goods but relationships, natural beauty and less tangible “jewels”. I believe that as we are less focused on material possessions, the world of natural beauty, joy in human connection and the simple is revealed as precious. When this recognition happens, it can be very powerful (light glistening on water, the sparkle of snow as you walk in the woods, a child’s smile, the scent of good coffee). For each of us these “riches” are different but so valuable to our health and wellbeing.
Asteya can also teach us not to steal time or energy. When we show up late to our mat, to lunch with a friend or visit our family distracted, we are stealing from others. When we do this, we lose focus on the importance of being considerate of others, of being present.
When we think of the natural resources of our planet are we conscious of being considerate of what we take, use or pollute? Do we do our best to not take or steal from future generations or from Mother Nature?
We steal from ourselves when we want to take (covet or steal) others’ talents, material possessions or even how they do a yoga pose! This figurative stealing from others results in feelings of inadequacy or jealousness and robs us of the satisfaction joy that we should be experiencing in activities and relationships.
Let’s move forward this week understanding and working toward behaviors which are “non stealing” from others and ourselves. Once we consistently practice this behavior everything that should actually be precious will become ours.
Our Practice-Warrior 3 with Hasta (Hand) Mudra
I love this pose for embodying Asteya. Given my recent-ish hip surgery and foot challenges, however, I seriously considered not using it this week fearing I would embarrass myself with my balancing challenges. Shame on me! Practicing this balancing pose (reminds us to find balance between materialism and intangible riches) with the hasta mudra (offering of giving and receiving) is a beautiful way to symbolically practice Asteya. Remember, it is how you feel, not how you look! Let’s not steal joy from our practice but feel grateful and joyful as we practice this pose.
From crescent lunge, shift your weight into your front leg and launch into Warrior
Root down into your standing leg and allow your extended back leg to reach back.
Outstretch your arms in Hasta Mudra.
Feel the stability and strength in your lower body; press back through the heel of the lifted, extended leg and extend through the crown of your head, sending energy out in both directions.
Hasta (hand) mudra reaches our arms out in front of us and shine our palms open toward the sky. Create a bowl with palms.
We think of hasta mudra as an offering of giving and receiving; we open our heart and mind and release our covetous (stealing) thoughts of not having enough.
Nurturing Our Mind - Meditating on Asteya
Gandhi has told us that “When we free ourselves of such desires, we can establish the virtue of Asteya within us” and also said that “mankind’s greed and craving for artificial needs are also stealing”.
“The desire to possess and enjoy what another has, drives a person to do evil deeds. It includes not only taking what belongs to another without permission, but also using something, for a different purpose to that intended, or beyond the time permitted by its owner.” – BKS Iyengar, Light on Yoga
Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is." -- Ernest Hemingway
Nurturing With Food – Golden Milk
When I recently stopped taking all my supplements and medicines as a “break” before the holidays, the one thing that my body missed was turmeric. About two weeks after stopping, I noticed significantly increased arthritic stiffness; my physical therapist mentioned that she had heard the same outcome from other patients. I did resume the supplements but also remembered this delightful drink that I love especially in the winter. It is soothing and flavorful (my recipe adds additional spices for flavor) and is a lovely way to ingest turmeric every day especially at bedtime. Instead of making individual batches, this recipe makes a paste that I keep in a jar in the fridge. There are other recipes out there for single servings and other spice combinations. The one thing to ensure is the turmeric and black pepper which helps the turmeric be absorbed.
Link to recipe:
See you on the mat!
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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