Item 2 in Ten Major Bodhisattva Precepts
Do not steal
Do not take what is not freely given or cause others to do so.
- Position
- 2
- Form
- Mixed formulation
- Obligation
- Context-dependent
- Wording status
- Translation
- Intended audience
- Practitioners formally undertaking this East Asian Mahāyāna precept lineage
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2027
Names and terminology
Canonical name: Second grave precept
Original term: Second grave precept
Transliteration: Second grave precept
Source wording
<p>Do not take what is not freely given or cause others to do so.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>
Literal meaning
Do not take what is not freely given or cause others to do so.
Broader interpretation
Do not take what is not freely given or cause others to do so.
Historical context
This principle belongs to Ten Major Bodhisattva Precepts and must be read within that framework's setting.
Practical meaning
Do not take what is not freely given or cause others to do so.
Ethical purpose
Do not take what is not freely given or cause others to do so.
Exceptions and disputes
Ancient institutional wording requires careful modern interpretation, especially where safeguarding, criticism and individual rights are involved.
Variations across schools or traditions
Other Mahāyāna texts transmit different bodhisattva-precept systems; this page concerns the Brahmā's Net ten grave precepts.
Modern application
Do not take what is not freely given or cause others to do so. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.
Criticism and difficult cases
Ancient institutional wording requires careful modern interpretation, especially where safeguarding, criticism and individual rights are involved.
Truth By Reason analysis
Do not take what is not freely given or cause others to do so. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.
Ethical themes
Sources
- The Brahmā's Net Sutra Primary source