29.1 Avoiding Stealing

29.1 Avoiding Stealing 

Question:

Should the very thought of stealing be avoided?

Answer:

He who wants to avoid contempt of others should guard against the

very thought of stealing.                                                                            (Couplet – 281) 

The very thought of stealing others' property by fraudulent means

is a sin as it must be avoided.                                                                   (Couplet – 282) 

எள்ளாமை வேண்டுவான் என்பான் எனைத்தொன்றும்

கள்ளாமை காக்கதன் நெஞ்சு.                                                                          (குறள் – 281) 

உள்ளத்தால் உள்ளலும் தீதே பிறன்பொருளைக்

கள்ளத்தால் கள்வேம் எனல்.                                                                               (குறள் – 282) 

Explanation:

Thought precedes the action. If a person entertains the idea of stealing, it will lead to the act of stealing itself. Therefore, Valluvar condemns the very thought of stealing others' property by fraudulent means as a sin. When people come to know that someone is scheming to steal, he will be the object of contempt by others. So, if one wants to avoid others' contempt, he should not even think of stealing from others. Therefore, the very thought of stealing must be avoided.