The Benevolent Thief Repaid with Good

Theft is an offense committed by almost everyone. Taking what is not given constitutes theft, yet ordinary people often fail to understand this. I myself have committed it, and moreover, I did so knowingly. In the past, I enjoyed giving away surplus possessions to others, cultivating a habit of dāna (generosity). I also hoped that my family members would practice dāna to cultivate blessings and relinquish their miserly tendencies. While I cannot control others, I tried to guide my mother. However, she was somewhat stingy and would not listen to me. She had many unused items yet refused to give them away. Unable to persuade her, I secretly took things 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 members also carries karmic retribution. What, then, will be the future karmic result? Giving things away yields blessings a thousandfold. But who receives these blessings?

If I were to receive the blessings, it would be far more than just a thousand or ten thousand times. However, since the items were not mine, how could I gain the merit? The act of dāna was performed by me, so naturally, I receive the merit. The amount of merit received varies based on one's status and the motivation behind the act. But the items belonged to my mother; she too should have received some merit. Yet, without the mind of dāna, 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 the blessings, I will have to return a portion of them. I only retain the merit corresponding to the motivation behind my act.

Between oneself and one's relatives, mutual indebtedness arises. Through this karmic connection, we will reunite in future lives. Even if it means repaying debts, it is still good, as it provides an opportunity to guide them toward liberation. Relationships among family members are inherently like a confusing account—no one can fully settle it. Bound together by these karmic debts, we become entangled life after life. Wholesome conditions bring joy, while unwholesome ones bring suffering. By establishing wholesome connections with all people, one will experience happiness in future lives, free from suffering.