Explanation of Precepts (Draft)

Contents

Part One: Original Text from the Sutra of Mindfulness of the True Dharma: How does one habitually and frequently commit theft? How does one, after habitually and frequently committing theft and stealing, fall into hell? This person of immoral conduct inherently steals, associates with bad companions, and follows their lead, thus engaging in theft. II. The Scope of the Precept Against Stealing within the Five Precepts III. On Tomb Robbery and Buddha Offerings The Function of the Four and Five Precepts' Precept Substance V. Is there a difference in the karmic retribution for evil deeds between observing and not observing the Five Precepts? VI. Does Stealing Property from One's Past Life Constitute Theft? VII. The Offense of Stealing the Three Kinds of Sacred Objects VIII. On Theft IX. The Ultimate Meaning of Stealing X. Stealing what was stolen is still theft. XI. Criticizing Monks Is Evil Twelve: Did Ananda Violate the Precepts? 13. Anyone Learning the Dharma Does Not Constitute Stealing the Dharma XIV. What Causes the Karma of Slander? XV. What Is Schism? Sixteen. Why Blasphemy Against the Three Jewels Constitutes the Gravest Sin XVII. A Benevolent Robbery Meets with Good Reward XVIII. Does Using Chickens and Ducks to Exterminate Locusts Constitute Killing Living Beings? 19. The Difference in Karma Formation in Dreams and While Awake Twenty. The Buddha Speaks the Sutra on the Characteristics of the Five Precepts for Upasakas (On the Precept Against Major False Speech)