Refraining from taking what is not given—stealing—is one of the fundamentals of Buddhist conduct. It is one of the five precepts and includes not taking things by force, secretly, or by trickery. Tricking people includes doing business in a way that deceives them, such as getting them to pay more than what something is worth or selling them something that isn’t what they think it is.

Following this precept also includes responsible borrowing—if someone lends you something, you should do your best to return it in a timely manner and adhere to any agreements made.

Pali Vow: “I undertake the training precept to abstain from taking what is not given.”

The Buddhist law of cause and effect logically explains that if we harm others, we also harm ourselves. Buddhist scripture explains that one karmic effect of stealing is that we may lose or have things stolen from us.

Reflect on who suffers when something is stolen or taken. Compare the experience of the victim and the thief. Compare the experience of getting caught and getting away with something.

• Why shouldn't we take what is not given?
• Who is affected when something gets stolen?
• Think of a time when they might have taken something without permission, what did that feel like?
• Think of a time when something was taken from them without their permission, what did that feel like?

Analyze the concept of “taking what is not given” beyond simple theft to include deception, exploitation, and environmental harm; evaluate the karmic relationship between stealing and loss as described in Buddhist teachings; and synthesize understanding by implementing practices of generosity (dana) that counteract acquisitive tendencies.