Achourya (Sanskrit: अचौर्यः, IAST: Acauryaḥ) or Asteya (Sanskrit: अस्तेय; IAST: Asteya) is the Sanskrit term for "non-stealing". It is a virtue in Jainism. The practice of asteya demands that one must not steal, nor have the intent to steal, another's property through action, speech, and thoughts.
Asteya is one of the five major vows of Hinduism and Jainism. It is also one of ten forms of temperance (virtuous self-restraint) in Indian philosophy.
The Five Vows of Jainism include the mahāvratas (major vows) and aṇuvratas (minor vows). Jain ethical code prescribes two dharmas or rules of conduct. One for those who wish to become ascetic and another for the śrāvaka (householders). Five fundamental vows are prescribed for both votaries. These vows are observed by śrāvakas (householders) partially and are termed as anuvratas (small vows). Ascetics observe these fives vows more strictly and therefore observe complete abstinence. These five vows are:
According to the Jain text Puruşārthasiddhyupāya: