The second mindfulness training of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh states,
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I am committed to cultivate loving kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am committed to practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on Earth.
This mindfulness training is related to the what Buddhists call the second precept, which is avoiding taking what is not given.
The same idea can be found in the ten commandments, “Thou shall not steal.”
In this video, Bhikkhu Samahita talks about how stealing induces poverty. It is well worth watching.
The bhikkhu speaks about how failing to report all your income on your taxes is a form of stealing.
What do you think about this? Please share.
