Memphis Jug Band – Stealin’, Stealin’

Taking that which is not given

2. Adinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami

I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not given.

It seems pretty obvious, don’t steal, to the point where I couldn’t think about much to add to it, but the last bit of wording is in such a way that it can point to a more subtle depth than I’m clever enough to perceive in most moments.

This morning, I came across the Gandhatthena Sutta: Stealing the Scent, a beautiful exchange between a monk and a nature spirit on the subtle ways we may take what is not given. there is also an excellent commentary by the translator. Personally, I’d like to believe that the flower offers its scent to us, but I recognize that the desire of taking is what’s at the muddied root of this lotus.

Gandhatthena Sutta: Stealing the Scent

I have heard that on one occasion a certain monk was dwelling among the Kosalans in a forest thicket. Now at that time, after his meal, returning from his almsround, he went down to a lotus pond and sniffed a red lotus. Then the devata inhabiting the forest thicket, feeling sympathy for the monk, desiring his benefit, desiring to bring him to his senses, approached him and addressed him with this verse:

A Devata: This lotus blossom which you sniff, Though it’s not been offered to you, Is thus something that’s been stolen. You, sir, are a stealer of scents! Bhikkhu: But I don’t take, nor do I break; I sniff the lotus from afar. So really what reason have you To call me a stealer of scents? He who uproots them by the stalk, And consumes the pale lotuses; The one engaged in such cruel work, Why do you not say this of him? Devata: A person who’s ruthless and cruel, Defiled like a workman’s garment, To him my words would mean nothing. But it’s fitting I speak to you. For an unblemished person, who’s Always pursuing purity, Even a hair-tip of evil Seems to him as large as a cloud. Bhikkhu: Truly, O yakkha, you know me, And have concern for my welfare. Do please, O yakkha, speak again, Whenever you see such a thing. Devata: I don’t live to serve upon you; Nor will I do your work for you. You should know for yourself, O monk, How to go along the good path.