Significance of Adattadana

Adattadana, according to Jainism, pertains to the act of stealing or taking what is not given. In Mahayana Buddhism, it also denotes the act of taking without permission, which includes larceny and pillage. Furthermore, it encompasses instances of theft, illustrated by a story where a rishi admitted to committing Adattadana by drinking water without consent. This concept emphasizes the moral significance of respecting others' property and the implications of taking what does not belong to oneself.

In Dutch: Adattadana; In Finnish: Adattadana; In Spanish: Adattadana

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Adattadana'

Buddhism Books

Adattadana in Buddhism signifies the act of taking what has not been given, encompassing larceny and pillage, and notably includes theft, as illustrated by the rishi’s act of drinking water without permission.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The act of taking what has not been given, which includes two forms: larceny and pillage.[1] (2) The act of theft, which the rishi in the story claimed to have committed when he drank water without permission.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Jain concept of 'Adattadana'

Jainism Books

Adattadana in Jainism signifies the wrongful act of stealing or taking possessions that have not been freely given. It underscores the ethical principle of respecting others' property and promotes non-attachment and integrity.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The act of stealing or taking what is not given.[3]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.