Patanjali Yogasutra 2.37
(Asteya)
अस्तेयप्रतिष्ठायां सर्वरत्नोपस्थानम्
"When one is established in non-stealing (asteya), all treasures present themselves."
In this Sutra, Patanjali highlights the profound spiritual and material benefits that arise from the practice of asteya, which is the commitment to non-stealing.
Asteya does not merely refer to refraining from taking others' possessions but extends to avoiding covetousness and the desire to possess what belongs to others. When an individual is firmly rooted in this principle, a remarkable transformation occurs where they no longer experience the need to acquire through wrongful means. The absence of such desires naturally leads to a state of contentment and abundance.
The phrase "all treasures present themselves" suggests that when one is free from the desire to steal or covet, a natural prosperity follows. This does not solely refer to material wealth but includes spiritual riches, wisdom, and inner peace. The practice of asteya purifies the mind, allowing it to become a magnet for all that is truly valuable. This Sutra underscores a key principle in yogic philosophy: that ethical living is directly tied to spiritual advancement and material well-being.
In a broader sense, this Sutra teaches that by upholding integrity and resisting the temptation to take what does not belong to us, we align ourselves with the universal law of abundance. The treasures mentioned in the sutra can also be interpreted metaphorically, representing virtues like wisdom, serenity, and contentment, which naturally manifest in a life lived with ethical discipline.
Swami Vivekanand said: "The more you fly from Nature the more she follows you, and if you do not care for her at all she becomes your slave."
Comparative Context from Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 2.47
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥
"You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction."
The Bhagavad Gita verse parallels the principle of asteya
by teaching detachment from the results of one's actions. Just as asteya encourages the renunciation of desires for others' possessions, this verse from the Gita advocates for the relinquishment of attachment to the outcomes of one’s own actions, fostering a mindset of selflessness and contentment.
Manusmriti 4.16
न हि स्वल्पमप्यस्तेयं ब्राह्मणस्य प्रवर्तते।
स्वल्पमप्यस्तेयं हि धर्मस्यापहरं परम्॥
"Even the slightest act of stealing should not be committed by a Brahmin, for even the smallest theft is a grave sin and a destroyer of righteousness."
This verse from the Manusmriti emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity, particularly for those on a spiritual path. Like Patanjali's teaching, it highlights the profound impact of even minor transgressions on one's spiritual progress, stressing the importance of adhering strictly to the principle of asteya.
Yoga Vashishta 5.18.24
न जातु कामः कामानामुपभोगेन शाम्यति।
हविषा कृष्णवर्त्मेव भूय एवाभिवर्धते॥
"Desire is never quenched by the enjoyment of desires; it only increases more, just as the sacrificial fire fed by offerings."
This verse from the Yoga Vashishta aligns with the concept of asteya by highlighting the futility of seeking fulfillment through acquiring more. The more one indulges in desires, the stronger they grow, leading to a cycle of dissatisfaction. Patanjali’s emphasis on asteya
reflects a deeper understanding that true contentment arises not from acquisition but from renouncing the desire to possess what belongs to others.
No comments:
Post a Comment