We've all been there: seen a funny meme or a cool yoga sequence online and shared it without a second thought. Most of the time, it's harmless. But when does sharing become copyright infringement? In the world of yoga, this issue is closely tied to the ethical principle of asteya, or non-stealing.
In yoga philosophy, the first limb of yoga is yamas. These are moral disciplines we practice (that come before there's ever any mention of posture, by the way!). One of the yamas is asteya, which translates to "non-stealing." Like every aspect of yoga, this goes much deeper than just not taking physical property from others.
We may not always be aware of the ways we unintentionally take from others. One common example is stealing time. If people frequently have to wait for you because you’re running late, you’re taking away their valuable time. If you schedule a massage appointment and fail to show up, you’ve taken time that the therapist could have used productively.
n our modern age, this unintentional theft extends to the digital realm, where we’ve become so accustomed to taking content we see online that it hardly registers as a violation. However, when we share someone else's work without giving proper credit or permission, we’re essentially stealing their intellectual property. Whether it’s a photo, video, or even a sequence of yoga poses, each piece of content represents the creator’s time, effort, and creativity.
Why This Matters in the Yoga Community
The practice of yoga is deeply rooted in respect—respect for ourselves, for others, and for the world around us. When we share content without acknowledging its creator, we’re not only disrespecting them but also undermining the ethical principles that yoga teaches us to live by. This extends to using someone else’s teaching materials, sequences, or class structures without giving credit.
The yoga community thrives on the free exchange of ideas and inspiration, but this should never come at the cost of another’s intellectual property. This extends to using someone else’s teaching materials, sequences, or class structures without giving credit. By practicing asteya in the digital age, we ensure that everyone’s contributions are honored, and the integrity of our community remains intact.
How to Practice Digital Asteya
Give Credit: Whenever you share content that isn’t yours, make sure to give proper credit to the creator. Tag them, mention them in your captions, or include their handle in your posts.
Ask for Permission: If you want to use someone’s content in a more substantial way—such as in a blog post, newsletter, or class—reach out and ask for their permission first.
Create Your Own Content: Instead of relying on what’s already out there, challenge yourself to create original content. This not only helps you grow as a creator but also ensures that you’re contributing something new and valuable to the community.
Educate Others: Share the principles of asteya with your students, peers, and followers. Encourage them to respect the work of others and practice non-stealing in all areas of life.
In a world where content is shared at the speed of light, it’s easy to forget the human effort behind each post, photo, or video. As yoga practitioners, we have a responsibility to live our practice both on and off the mat. By embracing asteya in the digital realm, we can foster a more respectful, ethical, and supportive community—one where everyone’s work is valued and protected.
So next time you’re about to share that funny meme or insightful article, take a moment to consider whether you’re honoring the creator’s work. Remember, you wouldn’t steal in real life, so why do it online?
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