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Explanation of the Adinnādāna Rule (The Rule on Taking What Is Not Given)

Context

The Adinnādāna rule in the Vinaya Pitaka is one of the most ancient texts recording the process by which the Buddha established discipline for the Sangha. Its content appears in the Patimokkha, especially in the Parajika section, the grave offenses, and in rules concerning Sanghadisesa, offenses requiring formal action by the Sangha.

According to the Theravada tradition, the arising of this rule is connected with specific incidents in the earliest communities of bhikkhus and bhikkhunis. The Adinnādāna rule is recorded as historical evidence of the Buddha's wisdom in correcting wrongful conduct in order to maintain the purity of the Sangha.

Main Content

Adinnādāna (a-dinna-dāna) means "taking what has not been given" or "theft." In the context of Buddhist discipline, this is not only the act of stealing material things, but includes every form of appropriating what has not been given or permitted.

This rule explains in detail that a bhikkhu or bhikkhuni must not take anything, gold, silver, money, food, clothing, medicine, and so forth, from another person unless they have received permission. Even taking small things that the owner does not wish to give is considered a violation.

In the Vinaya Pitaka, adinnādāna is classified among offenses that must be handled seriously. Depending on degree and context, it may be considered a Parajika, a grave and irreparable offense, a Sanghadisesa, an offense requiring action by the community, or a Pacittiya, a minor offense. The criteria for distinction are the value of the item, the intention of the offender, and whether the item belongs privately to the owner.

Practical Meaning

The Adinnādāna rule reflects the principle of Sila, discipline, the first foundation of the Buddhist path of practice. In practical terms, those who take part in modern Buddha Dharma study can apply the spirit of this rule through the basic Five Precepts: not taking what is not given.