Xct Mu Bi Pm Pj 2Theft
Pāli / Sanskrit:Adinnādāna
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Exposition of the Adinnādāna Sutta (Taking What Belongs to Another Without Permission)
Background
The Adinnādāna Sutta belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition and functions as one of the most basic rules in Buddhism. The word adinnādāna consists of adinna (not permitted, not given) and dāna (taking, seizing), and is therefore translated as “taking what belongs to another without permission.”
This text was compiled from the Buddha’s teachings to bhikkhus and the community of devotees on ethical issues in the use of property. It reflects the historical context in which the Sangha community was being formed and needed clear rules to maintain discipline and trust from society.
As part of the Pātimokkha (Pāṭimokkha), the fundamental disciplinary code for bhikkhus and bhikkhunīs, this text is recited regularly to remind the monastic community of its commitments.
Main Content
Adinnādāna is listed as one of the Pañcasīla, the five basic precepts for all Buddhists. Specifically, the precept of Adinnādāna states: “I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given, what one is not permitted to take.”
However, in the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially in the bhikkhu Pāṭimokkha, the definition of “taking what belongs to another without permission” is expanded and made more detailed. An act is considered a violation of Adinnādāna when four conditions are fulfilled: (1) the object belongs to another, (2) the person knows that it is not his own, (3) the person has the intention to take it without the owner’s permission, and (4) the act of taking is completed.
The text makes clear that this includes not only taking material objects, but also stealing through dishonesty, deception, or any method lacking permission. The Buddha emphasized that such action creates unwholesome karma (akusala kamma) and is a cause of social discord.
Practical Meaning
The rule of Adinnādāna is not merely a prohibition. It is an expression of compassion and respect for the possessions of others. When we do not take what is not given, we respect the security of property and the trust of everyone.
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