Item 2 in Eight Mental Dusts

Covetousness

Recognise and restrain possessive desire for what belongs to others.

Position
2
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Tenrikyo followers, with broader reflective application
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Covetousness

Source wording

Recognise and restrain possessive desire for what belongs to others.

Translation

Broader interpretation

Recognise and restrain possessive desire for what belongs to others.

Practical meaning

Recognise and restrain possessive desire for what belongs to others.

Ethical purpose

This principle is intended to guide conduct, character and relationships in accordance with the parent framework.

Variations across schools or traditions

Interpretation and application may vary across communities, translations and individual circumstances.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle should be applied with attention to evidence, consent, equality, power, foreseeable harm and realistic alternatives.

Truth By Reason analysis

Recognise and restrain possessive desire for what belongs to others. Its ethical force depends on whether its application reduces avoidable harm and respects equal human dignity.

Ethical themes

  • Non-stealing
  • Self-control

Sources