Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 2, Verse 37

Pada 2, Sutra 37

Sanskrit Verse

Asteya-pratisthaayaam sarva-ratnopasthaanam

Translation

Upon being established in non-stealing, prosperity comes to the Yogin.

Interpretation

We only have a right to what we have earned. This is applicable at a multitude of levels, whether material, intellectual, personal or spiritual. Ultimately nothing belongs to us therefore greed is pure folly. Everything has been given to us for our own use and not for our misuse or abuse. This not only includes our planetary resources but also our body and mind which are on loan from Nature and the Universe. Our journey in embodiment is from womb to tomb marked by the passage of time. Don’t steal the time given to you in the pursuit of non-sense and pettiness. Instead spend time wisely lest you waste this wonderful opportunity called life!

Reflection

When one becomes free from all feelings of covetousness or wanting what does not belong to self, then one no longer experience the lack of anything. Furthermore, it is a metaphysical law that non-aversive detachment towards anything actually draws that very thing to us.