Appropriation of the Fruits of Others' Labor Is Also Theft

Another situation that constitutes theft occurs when several people live and work together in the same environment. Matters concerning the shared space should be jointly managed by all, involving division of labor, cooperation, and collective effort to enjoy the fruits of their shared labor. If one person consistently avoids participating in the labor yet enjoys the comfort and cleanliness of the environment, it constitutes stealing the labor or the fruits of labor of others. In the Bodhisattva Precepts, there is also a stipulation: a Bodhisattva must not see others laboring and fail to participate, assist, or share the burden. If one stands by with folded hands, watching others work without intervening, they commit a minor transgression (light defilement) against the Bodhisattva Precepts. The fundamental duty of a Bodhisattva is to help others. If one not only fails to help others but also neglects to contribute their own share, forcing others to bear the burden, they fall short of the Bodhisattva's fundamental duty and commit a minor transgression.

When going to a restaurant for a buffet, if one knowingly takes more food than they can eat, the portion left uneaten constitutes theft. Our books are distributed charging only for postage, not for the books themselves. If a person travels extensively throughout the year, arriving at one place and, for convenience, discarding the books before leaving, only to obtain needed books for free again at another location because the books are acquired cheaply without spending much money, the discarded portion constitutes theft of the property of the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). This offense is grave.

If, upon seeing an object, one involuntarily gives rise to the thought of theft, desiring to possess it for oneself, but immediately becomes aware that the present impulse constitutes stealing, ceases the intention, and departs, how should the offense be determined in such a case? If there is only the mental formation (thought) without physical action or verbal action, one commits the lowest grade of redeemable offense. If one feels remorse before any action is taken, no precept is broken.