From Patrul Rinpoche’s Words of My Perfect Teacher, the section on the ordinary or outer preliminaries, in the second section of the chapter called “Actions, Cause & Effect,” Patrul Rinpoche describes the second physical action to be avoided: taking what is not given.
There are three ways that we can take what isn’t given: by force, by stealth, or by trickery. The examples given in the text are common sensical. Taking by force is to confiscate property or overpower in order to take someone’s wealth (a land grab after a coup, for example); taking by stealth is to take secretly (burglary); taking by trickery is to lie or deceive someone into giving their property (in a business deal, for example).
I actually think there are other ways that we take from others, that go beyond these examples. For example, we sometimes take what isn’t give through trickery when we manipulate another person emotionally, so that we can get what we want. Maybe there are other ways you can think of that we take what isn’t given (although we may go slightly outside the realm of pure physical actions).
Patrul Rinpoche’s chapter is pertinent to modern practitioners in that it points out how obsessed we are with “money and calculations.” We are so obsessed that we will still die deluded, he says. We also lie and cheat others for our own financial benefit, whether doing business or otherwise.
Patrul Rinpoche says, “Nothing could be more effective than trade and commerce for piling up endless harmful actions and thorougly corrupting you.” Any thoughts about this?
Anyen Rinpoche tells each and every one of us that we must find a way to bring the Dharma into our work life, as in every other part of our life. How do we reconcile this instruction with the reality of 21st century life, where each and every one of us must play a part in commerce?
Bodhichitta anyone?
Looking forward to the retreat this week! Allison
