ASTEYA (non- stealing) A basic principle of Jainism

Stealing implies taking anything of anyone without their consent or by unjust or immoral methods. It also means that one should not take anything which does not belong to her/him. Asteya states that one is not entitled to take away a thing which may be lying unattended or unclaimed.Jains also call Asteya as Adattadan. Ideally, One should observe this vow very strictly and should not touch even a worthless thing which does not belong to him. When accepting alms, help or aid one should not take more than what is minimum needed. To take more than one’s need is also considered theft in Jainism.

The whole state of Kashmir belongs to India. POK and Aksai Chin in the past have been occupied by unjust use of force. This has destabilized the peace of the whole area. Even this counts as stealing. Stealing of land and world peace.

“I am not good enough” The need to steal essentially arises because of a ‘lack of faith’ in oneself to be able to create what one needs. The moment we feel we are lacking something in life – desire, want and greed arises. We begin to look for something to fill that ‘empty sensation’. This ends us up perceiving that everyone else has what we want and we are incomplete and dissatisfied.

The need to steal essentially arises because of a lack of faith in ourselves to be able to create what we need by ourselves.

Extreme Capitalism and extreme Communism, both are a kind of theft. Both are violent and selfish. Asteya is the true middle ground to happiness and content.

THE PRACTICE OF ASTEYA IN DAILY LIFE

1. When you worry about the future or brood over the past

We literally steal joy from ourselves by worrying excessively about future or brooding over the past. Worrying about the future causes us to live in future, in return wasting our present moment.

Many times we allow people, situation, things, environment and experiences to impact their ability to be happy. They carry the good or bad memories of the past caused by those external stimuli. We should remind ourselves constantly, not to steal the pure joy of the present moment of our lives. We should embrace the present we live in.

2. When you hold on to prejudices and judgements

It’s human nature to be judgmental but it’s not always useful to us. Being Non-judgmental can lead to lower level of depression, anxiety and stress related illness. When we are not judgmental, we become free to give and receive love and care. We become thieves when we judge others and hold prejudice against them. We may steal away their confidence and freedom.
Any prejudice or judgement against anybody doesn’t bring happiness and joy to everybody around us.

3. When you remain in your cocoon or comfort zone

“The best things in life are often waiting for you at the exit gate of your comfort zone”. When we remain in comfort zone, we steal away, our own possibilities to enjoy the best things in life, new things in life. We steal away new perspectives and paradigms of life from our own selves. This way, we end up without realizing our true potential. The world lies deprived of what we have to offer to it through our talent. We should dream big and get out of comfort zone for our own selves and world to benefit at large.

FIVE TRANSGRESSION (SINS) OF THIS VOW WHICH ARE MENTIONED IN JAINISM

1. Promoting someone to steal

Promoting someone to steal either directly or through someone or approving of the theft is the first sin.

During Demonetization in India, there were some people from society who distributed their black money to the poor equally and got them converted to white. There were also people who paid their house helpers and staff months of salary in advance, and like this bought their service by transacting black money. This was a theft from the Government of India., from the social welfare schemes it wanted to implement for a better India.

2. Receiving Stolen goods

Receiving stolen goods from someone or buying it other than the lawful and just mean is the Second sin.

3. Capitalizing on a disordered state

The current Chinese strategy is Debt-trap diplomacy which refers to lure or trap developing or underdeveloped countries like in Africa or Sri Lanka. Poor countries borrow money to be used for much needed infrastructure projects but later are controlled if they fail to pay off their loans in time. — The current Chinese strategy is **Debt**–**trap** diplomacy which refers to lure or **trap** developing or underdeveloped countries like in Africa or Sri Lanka. Poor countries borrow money to be used for much needed infrastructure projects but later are controlled if they fail to pay off their loans in time.

An attempt to buy very precious things very cheaply in a disordered state is the third sin. Its like taking undue advantage of the situation and someone’s weakness. Can be refferered to exploitong as well and we need to refrain ourselves from it.

This is also one kind of robbery and opportunism where the weakness of others is benefited upon.

4. Using false weights and measures

Cheating other people by using false weights and measures to get more profit is the fourth sin.

5. Deceiving others with artificial or imitation goods

Chinese companies sold substandard test kits to Spain even during this tough time of Pandemic.

Selling artificial or imitation goods to someone with the purpose of cheating them and earning more profit is the fifth sin.

Consequences on Society if Asteya is not followed

– Personal Life

Stealing will increase
Snatching will increase
Robbery will increase
Breaking into houses will increase
Pick pocketing will increase

– Daily Life

If society doesn't follow Asteya, then crimes like adulteration of food will be new normal. — If society doesn’t follow Asteya, then crimes like adulteration of food will be new normal.

Adulteration in food items
Cheating in examinations
Weighing or measuring less
Giving false information
Ticketless travelling

– Some more examples

Acquisition of wealth and property to which one has no moral or legal rights

Acquisition of wealth and property to which one has no moral or legal rights
Accepting bribes and unearned commission
Collecting money by floating false companies or establishments
Accepting gifts for an illegal purpose
Plucking of fruits, flowers and other such vegetation without the permission of owner

CONCLUSION

Asteya brings contentment and happiness. A person who has achieved Asteya will work hard and live honestly.

Asteya is the very basis of honest, right, truthful living and is a sure way to Dharma or righteousness.

– Karishma Jain,

ASTEYA