Mpt Pj 2Theft

THE DISCOURSE ON TAKING WHAT IS NOT GIVEN (ADINNĀDĀNA)

Background

The Discourse on Taking What Is Not Given (Adinnādāna) is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially in the Pātimokkha section of the early rules, belonging to the Theravāda Buddhist tradition. This is one of the most important canonical texts on Buddhist discipline, reflecting the way the Buddha built the monastic community (Saṃgha) with clear rules of conduct.

The term “Adinnādāna” is composed of two parts: “Adinnam” (that which has not been given) and “Ādāna” (the act of taking or appropriating). In other words, this is the act of taking things that the owner has not permitted, that is, theft or unlawful appropriation. This is one of the Five Precepts (Pañcasīla) that all Buddhists, whether monastic or lay, must observe in order to protect their basic morality.

This discourse was stated in the context of the Buddha’s establishment of codes of discipline (Bhikkhu-Pātimokkha) to govern the collective life of bhikkhus. Each time there was a violation, the Buddha laid down a new rule in order to educate the Sangha to understand clearly the essence of ethics and right conduct.

Main Content

The act of Adinnādāna is not merely theft in the ordinary sense. The Vinaya Pitaka states that any taking of another’s property without clear permission, whether the object is small or large, constitutes a violation. The essence of this principle is respect for the property and freedom of others.

According to the Pātimokkha, any bhikkhu who intentionally takes things that the owner has not given, or takes them under the name of “temporary borrowing” while in reality intending long-term possession, violates this rule. In particular, the Vinaya Pitaka distinguishes the degree of violation according to the value of the object taken, the state of mind at the time of the act, and the specific context. The violation is more serious if the taking is done with the definite intention of long-term appropriation.