Berlin, Germany – The ancient yogic principle of asteya, often translated as non-stealing, is gaining renewed attention in the 21st century, particularly within the rapidly expanding online yoga community. While traditionally understood as refraining from taking what isn’t freely given – encompassing not just physical objects but also time, ideas, and credit – its application in the digital age presents complex ethical challenges. As more yoga instruction moves online, concerns are rising about the appropriation of intellectual property, the exploitation of teachers’ labor, and the erosion of trust within a practice historically rooted in ethical conduct.
The core of the issue lies in the ease with which digital content can be copied, shared, and repurposed without acknowledgment or compensation. This isn’t simply about grand theft; it’s a subtle but pervasive pattern of taking – taking time from instructors by requesting unpaid content, taking ideas by rebranding methods as one’s own, and taking credit for work that isn’t originally theirs. This dynamic, as highlighted by growing discussions within the yoga world, raises fundamental questions about fairness, respect, and the particularly spirit of the practice. The increasing commercialization of yoga, coupled with the pressures of social media visibility, appears to be exacerbating these issues, turning a practice centered on mindful living into a space where ethical boundaries are frequently blurred.
The Many Forms of Digital “Taking”
Traditionally, asteya extends beyond the literal act of stealing. It encompasses a broader understanding of respecting boundaries and acknowledging the contributions of others. In the context of online yoga, this translates to a number of specific concerns. One common scenario involves instructors having their content – a carefully crafted sequence, a unique teaching methodology, or even a visually appealing reel – reposted by others without attribution. This seemingly minor infraction can have significant consequences, diminishing the original creator’s visibility and potentially impacting their livelihood. The issue is compounded by the algorithmic nature of social media platforms, where content gains traction based on visibility, and proper credit can be crucial for reaching a wider audience.
A more systemic problem arises when studios or platforms request content “for exposure,” essentially asking teachers to subsidize their business with years of training and expertise. This practice, as reported by instructors, often involves requests for recorded classes, workshops, or even entire teacher training segments, with the understanding that the content will be repeatedly used for profit without fair compensation beyond a one-time fee, if any. This expectation, critics argue, fundamentally misunderstands the value of a teacher’s intellectual property and emotional labor. It also creates an uneven playing field, favoring those with established platforms and resources over independent instructors building their careers.
the replication of community-centered offerings for private profit without acknowledgment is a growing concern. When a unique program or initiative, built on principles of accessibility and inclusivity, is copied and repackaged for commercial gain, it not only undermines the original creator’s efforts but also betrays the spirit of collaboration and generosity that often characterizes the yoga community. This appropriation can be particularly damaging when it occurs within spaces that explicitly promote values of healing, community, and collective liberation.
A History of Appropriation and the Need for Ethical Restraint
The current debate surrounding asteya in the yoga world is further complicated by the historical context of yoga itself. As acknowledged by many within the community, yoga has undergone significant transformations as it has been adopted and adapted in the West. This process has inevitably involved a degree of cultural appropriation, with elements of the practice being divorced from their original context and repackaged for a different audience. Acknowledging this history is crucial, as it underscores the importance of humility and ethical awareness in navigating the complexities of cultural exchange.
But, recognizing the historical appropriation of yoga does not excuse contemporary instances of unethical behavior. As one instructor recounted, a request for a licensing agreement to protect her intellectual property during a teacher training was refused, with the studio instead seeking the same work from another teacher. This experience highlighted a troubling pattern: the prioritization of convenience and profit over ethical considerations. Asking for fair exchange, she found, was often perceived as disruptive rather than aligned with the principles of yoga. This sentiment echoes concerns raised by Renee Marie Schettler, a senior editor at Yoga Journal, who has observed that requests for ethical exchange are frequently met with resistance and framed as a challenge to the status quo. Memesita.com reported on this dynamic in February 2026.
The Economic Realities of Online Yoga
The rise of online yoga has fundamentally altered the economic landscape for instructors. Social media platforms have become essential tools for building a following and generating income, but they also create new vulnerabilities. The expectation of “exposure” as a substitute for fair compensation is particularly problematic, as it fails to recognize the significant investment of time, money, and emotional energy that goes into creating high-quality content. Teachers often spend thousands of dollars on training, workshops, and continuing education, and their expertise represents a valuable asset that deserves to be recognized and compensated accordingly.
The “exposure” myth ignores the fact that social media is now a commercial space where individuals build businesses and earn their livelihoods. Simply gaining followers does not translate into financial stability, and relying on exposure alone can exit instructors struggling to make ends meet. This represents particularly true for those who lack the resources to invest in marketing and advertising. The expectation that instructors should subsidize businesses with their expertise is unsustainable and ultimately undermines the long-term health of the yoga community.
the practice of taking content without credit or compensation can be particularly damaging within spaces that claim to prioritize community, healing, and collective liberation. When someone builds something generous and meaningful, and another person quietly appropriates it for their own benefit, it violates a fundamental trust and undermines the very values that these spaces claim to uphold. This hypocrisy erodes the integrity of the community and creates a climate of distrust.
Practicing Asteya in the Digital Age
Embracing asteya in the online yoga world requires a conscious shift in mindset and a commitment to ethical practices. This means actively crediting sources, honoring intellectual lineage, and seeking consent before sharing or repurposing someone else’s work. It also means compensating teachers fairly for their contributions and recognizing the value of their expertise.
Specifically, instructors and studios should prioritize clear licensing agreements that outline the terms of use for digital content. These agreements should specify how the content can be used, for how long, and whether any royalties or fees are due. Transparency and open communication are essential for building trust and fostering a collaborative environment.
For consumers, practicing asteya means being mindful of where you are getting your yoga instruction and supporting teachers who are committed to ethical practices. This might involve choosing to take classes from independent instructors, purchasing content directly from creators, or advocating for fair compensation within the yoga community.
honoring asteya is about recognizing that we are all interconnected and that our actions have consequences. It’s about choosing reciprocity over convenience, valuing integrity over profit, and remembering that the true essence of yoga lies in the cultivation of ethical conduct. As the principle suggests, we own nothing in yoga, and we are responsible for everything we do with it.
The conversation surrounding ethical practices in the online yoga world is ongoing, and further discussion is needed to develop clear guidelines and standards. The Yoga Alliance, a major organization certifying yoga teachers, has not yet issued specific guidance on digital content rights as of February 28, 2026, but the issue is reportedly under consideration.
What are your experiences with ethical considerations in the online yoga space? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below. And please share this article with your network to help raise awareness about the importance of asteya in the digital age.