Theft is robbing what others love.

After summarizing all the contents related to stealing and clearly elucidating the acts of stealing, we will come to realize how many people in the world commit theft and how pervasive the phenomenon of stealing truly is, including among Buddhists. Only exemplary persons refrain from stealing. Exemplary persons can achieve "not looking at what is contrary to propriety, not listening to what is contrary to propriety," and understand "do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire." Yet, how many exemplary persons exist in this world? In ancient times, exemplary persons maintained purity in body and mind, possessed few desires, remained indifferent to fame and gain, and refrained from contending with the world. Generally, they did not harbor thoughts or actions of stealing. They understood how to respect others and would not deprive sentient beings of their possessions. Nowadays, many who keep pets perform spaying or neutering on their cats and dogs, which constitutes depriving these animals of their reproductive rights without their consent. Respecting sentient beings means not infringing upon them and not harboring thoughts or actions of stealing. Selfish, overbearing, and domineering individuals frequently infringe upon the interests of sentient beings, potentially violating them at any time and in any place, yet remain unaware of their actions.

Each precept, when examined individually, proves to be profoundly deep and intricate. If one possesses the conditions, environment, and meritorious virtues to adhere to each precept, it truly enables one to firmly restrain the mental faculty against transgressions. Gradually, one becomes free from any inclination toward unwholesome matters, and eventually, even the inclination toward non-unwholesome matters fades away, thereby advancing one’s spiritual cultivation. Exemplary persons do not seize what others cherish. In today’s world, however, people are consumed by intense greed, driven by competitiveness and ambition, eager for grandiose achievements, and possess a strong desire for self-expression. Everyone strives to be superior to others. How could such individuals refrain from depriving and infringing upon sentient beings? Each seeks to elevate themselves by belittling others, proving their own worth through disparagement, revealing a lack of genuine kindness in their hearts.