Seventeen: Benevolent Theft Yields Good Karmic Retribution

Almost everyone commits theft—taking what is not given constitutes theft, yet most ordinary people remain unaware of this. I too have committed it, and knowingly so. Previously, I enjoyed giving away surplus items, cultivating a habit of generosity (dana). I also hoped my family members would practice giving to accumulate merit and relinquish their stingy habits. While I couldn't control others, I tried to guide my mother. However, she was somewhat miserly and wouldn't listen to me. She hoarded unused possessions, refusing to give them away. Unable to persuade her, I secretly took items she rarely used and gave them to others. Consequently, whenever she couldn't find something, she would accuse me of stealing and giving it away. In truth, secretly taking belongings from one's own family also bears karmic retribution. What, then, is the future retribution for this? Giving items to others yields a thousandfold merit—but who receives it?

If I were to receive the merit, it would not be merely a thousand or ten thousandfold. But since the items were not mine, how could I receive merit? The act of giving was performed by me, so naturally, I receive the merit. The amount of merit varies based on one's status and differs according to the motivation behind the act. However, since the items belonged to my mother, she too should receive some merit. Yet, lacking the mindset of generosity, the merit she gains is limited. Moreover, it is because of me that she gains any merit at all—without me, she would receive none. In the future, when I receive this merit, I will have to return a portion of it. I only retain the merit corresponding to my motivation.

Mutual indebtedness among family members creates karmic bonds, ensuring we will meet again in future lives. Even if it means repaying debts, this is ultimately beneficial, as it provides an opportunity to guide them toward liberation. Relationships among family members are inherently a messy account—no one can fully unravel them. Bound by these karmic debts, we become entangled life after life. Positive bonds bring happiness; negative bonds bring suffering. By forging positive connections with all beings, future lives will be filled with joy, free from pain.