How Can One Keep Oneself Pure in the Evil World of Five Defilements?

There is another aspect to the precept against stealing: stealing others' trust through various channels, causing them to lower their guard to facilitate one's own actions. For instance, gaining someone's trust to secure their investment, only for the funds to be lost, resulting in no returns and the loss of the principal. Or, after doing something wrong to others, offering insincere repentance merely to seek their forgiveness. When others extend their trust and forgiveness, the sin of stealing trust is committed. Therefore, when one is insincere yet feigns sincerity, it also constitutes theft. Stealing others' hearts, emotions, and so forth—all such acts violate the precept against stealing and will bring negative karmic retribution.

Stealing also includes various false and deceptive advertisements, tax evasion and tax fraud, falsifying accounts, submitting false invoices for reimbursement, poaching employees or clients from other businesses, and hijacking deals—such acts are too numerous to count. Many people commit theft without realizing it. In every corner of the world, the three poisons of greed, hatred, and ignorance cause afflictions; no corner is pure. What is meant by the "Five Turbidities of the Degenerate Age"? This is precisely it.

Those who run companies and serve as bosses in this world should carefully examine their business practices. Do not violate the law, do not break precepts, do not follow trends driven by the three poisons of greed, hatred, and ignorance, and do not conform to evil customs and habits. Strive to operate legally, compliantly, and in accordance with regulations. The karmic consequences in this life and the next are paramount; cause and effect far outweigh the benefits of worldly wealth and fame. Prioritize cause and effect, lest regret comes too late. The entire Saha World is like a great dyeing vat; very few remain untainted by evil, very few can maintain their integrity alone, and very few can withdraw unscathed.

So, who exactly are the "successful people" in life? What does "success" mean? How is success defined? How long must success last to be considered true success? The myriad phenomena of the world vividly reflect inversion. After encountering the Dharma, if one wishes to maintain personal integrity, one should work at sunrise and rest at sunset, eat and drink sufficiently, have shelter from wind and rain, and dedicate all remaining time to practice. Live a stable and peaceful life, free from other distractions—thinking about them gives rise to negative karma.