Asteya

Glossaries

Term	Definition
Asteya	Asteya is a moral principle from Indian religious traditions that prohibits theft and any form of illegitimate appropriation, both material and intentional. The Sanskrit word asteya literally means “non-stealing”. It is a key ethical principle in Indian religions such as Jainism, Hinduism, and to some extent, Buddhism. It forbids all forms of theft or unauthorized appropriation, whether material or immaterial. This includes not only physical property but also time, ideas, credit, or benefits that rightly belong to others. In Jainism, asteya is one of the five major vows (mahāvrata) taken by monks, nuns, and lay followers. Closely linked to ahimsā (non-violence) and aparigraha (non-possession), it requires strict attention to actions, speech, and even thoughts. Accepting something without clear consent or benefiting unfairly from someone else’s work may be seen as a breach of asteya. In Hinduism, asteya is part of the yama, the ethical restraints of classical yoga. It is a tool for spiritual purification by removing greed and unjust desire. In Buddhism, the precept of non-stealing (adinnādāna) reflects similar values, although it is not referred to by the term asteya. Practicing asteya involves more than refraining from theft; it encompasses the full intention to respect others’ rights and property, and is viewed as essential to social harmony and ethical discipline.

Term

Definition

Asteya is a moral principle from Indian religious traditions that prohibits theft and any form of illegitimate appropriation, both material and intentional.

The Sanskrit word asteya literally means “non-stealing”. It is a key ethical principle in Indian religions such as Jainism, Hinduism, and to some extent, Buddhism. It forbids all forms of theft or unauthorized appropriation, whether material or immaterial. This includes not only physical property but also time, ideas, credit, or benefits that rightly belong to others.

In Jainism, asteya is one of the five major vows (mahāvrata) taken by monks, nuns, and lay followers. Closely linked to ahimsā (non-violence) and aparigraha (non-possession), it requires strict attention to actions, speech, and even thoughts. Accepting something without clear consent or benefiting unfairly from someone else’s work may be seen as a breach of asteya.

In Hinduism, asteya is part of the yama, the ethical restraints of classical yoga. It is a tool for spiritual purification by removing greed and unjust desire.

In Buddhism, the precept of non-stealing (adinnādāna) reflects similar values, although it is not referred to by the term asteya.

Practicing asteya involves more than refraining from theft; it encompasses the full intention to respect others’ rights and property, and is viewed as essential to social harmony and ethical discipline.