Do not steal

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Second prohibition

Original term: Second prohibition

Transliteration: Second prohibition

Literal meaning

Do not take or obtain property through theft, fraud, cheating or abuse of trust.

Broader interpretation

Do not take or obtain property through theft, fraud, cheating or abuse of trust.

Historical context

This principle belongs to Cao Dai Five Prohibitions and must be read within that framework's setting.

Practical meaning

Do not take or obtain property through theft, fraud, cheating or abuse of trust.

Ethical purpose

Do not take or obtain property through theft, fraud, cheating or abuse of trust.

Exceptions and disputes

Older social assumptions should be distinguished from defensible principles of consent, equality, proportionality and harm prevention.

Variations across schools or traditions

Short summaries often narrow the fourth and fifth prohibitions, while the canonical explanations address wider conduct.

Modern application

Do not take or obtain property through theft, fraud, cheating or abuse of trust. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.

Criticism and difficult cases

Older social assumptions should be distinguished from defensible principles of consent, equality, proportionality and harm prevention.

Truth By Reason analysis

Do not take or obtain property through theft, fraud, cheating or abuse of trust. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

• Property
• Non-stealing

Sources

• The New Canonical Codes — The Five Prohibitions Primary source