Via Dhamma Wheel | Right Living: Abstaining from Taking What is Not Given

 

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RIGHT LIVING Undertaking the Commitment to Abstain from Taking What is Not Given 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)

Reflection The precept against stealing is carefully worded and yields a more precise definition than we are used to. In order for taking something to be acceptable, it has to be deliberately given by one person or group to another. This precludes things that we “find,” and repudiates the phrase “finders keepers.” The effect of this higher standard is that we are careful to seek permission rather than assuming something belongs to us.  Daily Practice Practice being scrupulous about the matter of giving and taking. Try applying this higher standard to little things in your life and see if it makes any difference. Wait for someone to invite you to go first; place lost objects aside to be reclaimed by their owner; don’t take offense unless you are sure it was intended as such. There are many ways to practice this; it is a matter of losing the habit of reflexively putting yourself first. Tomorrow: Abandoning Arisen Unhealthy States One week from today: Abstaining from Misbehaving Among Sensual Pleasures Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media #DhammaWheel Questions? Visit the Dhamma Wheel orientation page.

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