If the Mind Does Not Overstep Boundaries, Then One Does Not Commit Theft

According to the bodhisattva precepts, as long as one mentally considers money, possessions, reputation, family members, attendants, and all other things that do not belong to oneself as one's own, one has already violated the precept against stealing. For example, if one sets one's mind on another person's family members, that constitutes stealing a person. If one thinks of secretly taking advantage of others or using other people's things, that is a violation of the precept. A person of pure mind not only does not overstep boundaries in conduct, but their thoughts are also pure and do not overstep boundaries; they do not dwell on or long for things that do not belong to them. When the mind does not think of it, such behavior will not appear, so cultivating and guarding the mind is fundamental. If you have it, use it; if you do not have it, either strive for it or let the thought rest—never covet what belongs to others. Have backbone and integrity; do not be a thief, always living by stealing. When desires are great but abilities fall short, one can only resort to stealing. When a person is too poor and has nothing, they can only steal; the poorer they are, the more they steal, and the more they steal, the poorer they become—when will they ever escape poverty?

Only after receiving the precepts can one be said to violate them; for those who have not received the precepts, it is not called violating the precepts. Even so, all of this falls within the scope of being a decent human being. Regardless of whether one studies Buddhism or has received the precepts, one should not have the mind or conduct of a thief—a person should be an upright and honorable person. Those who spend all day competing for fame and chasing profit find, when the rushing about comes to an end, that it is all emptiness. They have created sinful karma in vain, gained no personal benefit, and cannot take anything with them—only their karma follows them.