What Constitutes Stealing?

Theft refers to taking without permission, appropriating others' belongings without their consent, either covertly or openly; or acquiring property through deception; or coercing the owner into handing it over through words or actions. Stealing represents a relatively minor form of theft, while more severe acts include seizing, robbing, and plundering. Open seizure and robbery are more brazen and tyrannical than covert acts, incurring heavier karmic consequences. In essence, any act that employs means, methods, or approaches to appropriate anything that does not rightfully belong to oneself without the owner's consent is termed theft.

Even if the owner agrees due to certain circumstances—reluctantly, superficially, or while inwardly unwilling—it still constitutes theft. This "agreement" must stem from genuine mental consent, not coerced verbal assent. Of course, if the victim deliberately gives verbal consent while mentally objecting, it does not count as theft but rather as the victim being deceived or manipulated.

So-called theft is precisely "taking what is not given." When others do not willingly offer something, nor consent to give it, yet you actively take and possess it—this is termed "taking what is not given." However, a crucial point requires clarification: sometimes, out of face-saving considerations, a person may superficially agree and consent with their conscious mind, while their mental faculty (manas) remains unwilling, merely yielding reluctantly. In such cases, using their belongings, occupying their resources, taking their possessions, etc., strictly fall within the scope of theft. Only when others voluntarily and sincerely give something, and it is then received, is it legitimate and proper. If the giving is insincere, forced, or done out of social pressure or coercion, it does not constitute voluntary giving. Taking possession under such circumstances essentially amounts to taking what is not given.

Acts done under duress generally fall under forceful taking, though sometimes they may involve taking with disrespect. This "force" usually refers to using influence, power, social standing, connections, etc., to pressure the other party into agreeing against their will. In reality, they disagree, harboring resentment and complaints inwardly. Taking their belongings or occupying their resources under such conditions constitutes theft. For example, A tells B, "I'm coming to your house for dinner tonight; let's have a couple of drinks." B is very busy and has no time to dine or drink with A, but out of face-saving considerations, feels compelled to agree, inwardly groaning in frustration. After A eats the meal, it is equivalent to theft—stealing B's food, wine, and time. A remains unaware that forcing the meal and drink, and forcibly occupying B's time, all constitute theft.

Another example: A frequently visits B to eat, drink tea, and chat, yet never pays for the meals or tea. B's unilateral provision is done unwillingly, but B feels powerless to refuse. Such unwilling provision causes A to commit the offense of theft.

A invites B to a meal, but B, without A's consent, privately brings C along. After the meal, how should C's share of the meal cost be accounted for? Essentially, this constitutes taking what is not given. Visiting someone's home as a guest and engaging in idle chatter without the host's permission, occupying the host's precious time and delaying their important matters—this not only steals the host's time but also prevents them from accomplishing their tasks, causing them loss. These losses become debts. If the host agrees to your visit but you privately bring two additional people without the host's consent, this also counts as theft. The stolen goods include not only time but also the host's authority.

Furthermore, making decisions or taking charge of others' affairs without regard for their consent or feelings, dictating how their matters should be handled—this constitutes theft of their autonomy. The scale of the loss incurred equals the amount stolen. Subordinates making decisions for leaders, children making decisions for parents, disciples making decisions for masters, etc., all fall under acts of theft. The magnitude of the loss determines the quantity stolen, plus the theft of authority.

Everyone needs repentance; those in positions of power easily commit theft. In interactions with others, one must never pressure them or put them in difficult positions. Only proceed when others are genuinely willing. Do not violate others' will or deprive them of their autonomy. Western countries emphasize human rights, upholding fundamental rights for self and others. In many matters, they first seek others' consent, showing great courtesy. We Chinese, however, do not emphasize this. We prioritize social conventions, face-saving, and interpersonal dynamics, often being less courteous to one another, lacking a sense of distance and boundaries. Unknowingly, we encroach upon others without feeling remorse. These issues pertain to one's moral character as a human being. A virtuous person consistently respects others' mental states, emotions, feelings, and various rights, never infringing or offending.