What is it that you consider stealing? The process of obtaining a personalised understanding of the ethical principles, at the base of a Yogic life, is intimately linked to our willingness to self-study. So, go ahead and ask yourself – Have you ever stolen anything? Or has anything ever been stolen from you?
The problem with answering these questions is that we live in a reality of hyper-materiality. It's only natural to think of objects, generic “stuff”, when we think of stealing. Yet, some thefts of non-material goods have a much longer lasting impact in our lives. Think of the internalized occasions of theft, those on which you have stolen something from yourself. Can you still not think of any? How about time? Peace of mind? Enjoyment of the present? Appreciation of all the valuable skills and qualities you possess? How about every time you have doubted yourself and lost out on a job, an opportunity or even your own happiness? Those are all thefts, my friend. We have been stealing from ourselves for far too long – men and women alike. And this has to stop, because at the end of it all, when there is nothing left to steal, we steal away our health and our light – then we are left with just the shells of us. But how can this stop; how do we stop? Awareness is pivotal, as in being aware the next time you do it. If you can’t even notice the transgression happening then you won’t be able to stop it.
What about our relationships with others – do we steal from each other? Yes, we do; perhaps more than anything else. I used to get very upset, years ago, when a friend would be 30 minutes, even an hour late for a meeting. They used to just shrug it off, but don’t be blind to it – that is a theft of a highest rate. Our time is precious and most importantly – it will never re-occur. Those moments you have spent, waiting for hours upon hours, you will never have them back. I even get slightly peeved just thinking about it now. Another often encountered form of inter-personal theft is that of achievement and recognition. Back in my academic days, I would call this plagiarism. But it doesn’t have to only be stealing from a peer-reviewed article to be unethical. It’s important to receive and give credit, where it is due. Otherwise we lose our creative flow, be it for an idea, a project, caring for family and friends, or even making a damn good cake. Make sure you let the people around you know that you appreciate them as well as their efforts and achievements. How otherwise can we all live together in prosperity and peace?
The principle of non-stealing is intricately link with those of non-violence and truth-full-ness. There is no one without the other. So how can we cultivate them in our lives? Awareness is a solid footing – be aware of your thoughts, of your actions and responses. Try not to re-act without thinking, that is not the sing of a spiritual growth, but of animalistic tendencies. Be present in the moment and be accountable to yourself first and foremost.
What do you think you have been stealing from yourself and others? Start a conversation, share and be present. We are all making baby steps, all the time.