<img alt="public domain. source= http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=177526&picture=buddha-statue" src="http://i.imgur.com/UF3xK7a.png" />

_I've been studying Buddhism for several years and was inspired to share this story. Please forgive my handwriting, I have written the words below the sketches for reference :)_

<img alt="credit: @nonlinearone" src="http://i.imgur.com/n0XdCi5.png" />

_The non-taking of that which is not given._
_When someone decides to become a buddhist monk, they agree to follow certain "rules."_

<img alt="credit: @nonlinearone" src="http://i.imgur.com/rIbfeha.png" />

_One of these "rules" is the non-taking of that which is not given._
_As described by [Gil Fronsdal (one of my favorite teachers)](http://www.audiodharma.org/teacher/1/) this means, for example, that if you are in a doctor's office and there are magazines on the table, you should not pick one up._

<img alt="credit: @nonlinearone" src="http://i.imgur.com/fLR9dSI.png" />

_You might wonder: WHY?_
_This is a good question. Let's assume that this rule was created for a very good reason._

<img alt="credit: @nonlinearone" src="http://i.imgur.com/GsMtjtn.png" />

_Here's a question to ask yourself. How do I feel when I take something and I'm not sure that it is OK with the owner?_
_What if I take it and then find out that someone else wanted it or needed it very much?_

<img alt="credit: @nonlinearone" src="http://i.imgur.com/Z8tzKLB.png" />

_In either case, you, the owner, or the other person who wanted it could experience suffering._
_The magazine example might seem silly, but..._

<img alt="credit: @nonlinearone" src="http://i.imgur.com/bpz2d0b.png" />

_You never know. And, as a monk who is committed to the ideals of Buddhism, is it worth it to take the chance?_

_This rule may be too much for most of us. But, what if you just keep it in mind?_

<img alt="credit: @nonlinearone" src="http://i.imgur.com/uYOB9Yy.png" />

_Thanks for reading._

_"Art" and text created by the author for SteemIt on Aug 23rd, 2016._

_Top image credit:_ [Public domain](http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=177526&picture=buddha-statue) (modified)

_All other images created by the author._

_I highly recommend [Gil Fronsdal's podcast on Audio Dharma](http://www.audiodharma.org/teacher/1/) and would like to thank him for the teaching that inspired this post. [See "Not Taking What is Not Given" on this page](http://www.audiodharma.org/recommended_talks/)._

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