San Sarv Bu Pm Tf 11 Pj 2Theft
Pāli / Sanskrit:Adinnādāna
Save your scripture progress
Create a free account to save scriptures, track progress, and continue your daily learning path.
The Adinnādāna Discourse: Taking What Is Not Given
Context
Adinnādāna, taking what is not given, is one of the most basic ethical rules in the discipline of the Sangha, recorded in the Pātimokkha, the code recited monthly by bhikkhus. In the Vinaya Piṭaka, the section on Theft (Adinnādāna) belongs to the Pārājika class, the gravest violations, which may lead to expulsion from the Sangha if committed.
The position of Adinnādāna in the system of discipline shows its importance not only for renunciants but also for all who practice on the path of the Buddha’s Dharma. This rule reflects a basic principle of Buddhism: not causing harm to others, and respecting the property and ownership rights of all living beings.
Main Content
Adinnādāna is specifically defined as the act of taking what belongs to another without permission, with the intention of appropriating it. In the context of the Vinaya Piṭaka, this includes not only stealing material property but also subtler actions such as taking objects without the owner’s consent, even if the intention may not be permanent appropriation.
To constitute an offense of Adinnādāna, according to the Pāli discipline, five factors must be complete: the item belongs to another; there is recognition that it belongs to another; there is the intention to take it; the act of taking is carried out; and the item is separated from its owner. Only when all five factors are complete is the act considered a full violation.
The teaching on Adinnādāna is not aimed only at not stealing, but also encourages an attitude of respect, honesty, and ethical living. For bhikkhus sincerely practicing the discipline, keeping this rule becomes part of a firm spiritual foundation, helping the mind become pure and free from the fear born of conscience.
Practical Meaning
In the context of modern practice, Adinnādāna has deep meaning beyond the realm of material property.
🌏 The Buddhist canon is vast — some sūtras (such as comparative Vinaya across schools, or untranslated Tibetan-canon texts) have to this day NEVER been translated into Vietnamese or English by anyone, scholars included. Rather than leave it blank, Inti AI offers a FAITHFUL summary grounded in the tradition — from the sūtra's title, origin and essence — so you can still reach this rare part of the treasury. Whenever an original translation exists, the app shows the original first.
Translations belong to the translator/source credited above. The bilingual compilation, presentation, and AI translations compiled by Inti are © Inti Foundation. Please attribute when quoting; do not bulk-copy or use commercially without permission.