Explanation of Precepts (Draft)

VI. Does Stealing One's Own Belongings from a Past Life Constitute Theft?

Suppose a person, after death, is reborn as a human again. By chance, he excavates the tomb of his previous life. Due to the oblivion between incarnations, he remains unaware that this tomb belongs to his former self. If he takes the funerary objects buried within, does this act count as taking with the owner’s permission? If not, does it constitute theft?

Although this person steals items that belonged to his previous life, the act still qualifies as theft because it arises from the intent to steal. All karmic retribution for sin or merit is primarily determined by the mind; without intent, there is neither sin nor merit. However, since he steals his own property, no harm is inflicted upon another. The items do not transfer from another person to himself, and no change of ownership occurs. Thus, the karma of stealing is not fully established, resulting in only a minor offense.

This situation is just as when someone intends to steal a specific item from another’s home but, after rummaging through the belongings, fails to find it. Or, it resembles the case where one is about to carry away an item but abandons it and flees upon the owner’s sudden return.

These examples illustrate that while the intent to steal exists, the act of theft is not fully consummated due to the absence of the item’s transfer. Consequently, no definitive judgment of guilt can be rendered, the penalty will be lenient, and the karmic retribution will be minor.