RIGHT LIVING
Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Taking What is Not Given
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Taking what is not given is
unhealthy. Refraining from taking what is not given is healthy. (MN 9)
Abandoning the taking of what is not given, one abstains from taking
what is not given; one does not take by way of theft the wealth and
property of others. (MN 41) One practices thus: "Others may take what is
not given, but I will abstain from taking what is not given." (MN 8)
A person reflects thus: "If someone were to take from me what I have not
given, that is, to commit theft, that would not be pleasing and
agreeable to me. Now if I were to take from another what he has not
given, that is, to commit theft, that would not be pleasing and
agreeable to the other either. How can I inflict on another what is
displeasing and disagreeable to me?" Having reflected thus, one abstains
from taking what is not given, exhorts others to abstain from it, and
speaks in praise of abstinence from it. (SN 55.7)
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Another way of
stating the Golden Rule, this text is simply pointing out the natural
argument against misappropriating the property of others. It is not just
that it is wrong and invites retribution but in an important way it is
actually unhealthy. That is to say, theft damages the quality of our own
character, thus contributing to our own suffering, as well as causing
suffering in others.
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This precept
against taking what is not given is a rich ground for practice, because
it raises the bar for what is to be considered theft. How many things do
we take that may not have been freely given? More than you might think.
Look into this matter today and see if you notice how many things are
coerced from others or taken without returning adequate compensation,
and how often you assume you are entitled to something others have
overlooked.
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Tomorrow: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States
One week from today: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures
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