法苑珠林 68.50

68.50

Question: What is meant by 'abstaining from stealing'? Answer: Stealing has nine factors: first, protected by another; second, the perception of that; third, doubtful mind; fourth, knowing it does not belong to oneself; fifth, desiring to seize; sixth, knowing it is another's property and giving rise to the thought of 'mine'; seventh, active performance; eighth, characteristic of non-action; ninth, characteristic of unmanifest karma. These are named the bodily karma of stealing.