Sage Thiru-valluvar
"The Bard of Universal Man"
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Chapter - 29 : The Absence of Fraud
 

Introductory Note

This chapter deals with not coveting neighbor’s property and a little more also.This chapter is on abstaining from fraud and deceit called “………” in Tamil. Abstaining from fraud and deceit in a wider sense includes abstaining from stealing, which is called “asteya” in Sanskrit. Abstention from stealing is the 3rd amongst five “Self Restraints” (Yamas) in Yoga, is the 2nd amongst “Five Precepts” (Panchachila) in Buddhism and 3rd amongst five “Lesser Vows (Anu Vratas)” in Jainism. There is beautiful definition in Buddhism and Jainism for this “asteya”: “avoid taking of things not freely given” [1], [8] [9]. Chapter-18 was on ‘Not Coveting Others’ Wealth’. ‘Coveting Others’ Wealth’ and Greed are desires, which covert into action of as deceit, fraud and theft.

Translation(s)

One, who seeks heaven’s joys secure from impious lack of seriousness, let him preserve his spirit pure from every fraud.

 

Translation(s)

It is a sin if a man even in mind conceives: ‘By fraud I will bereave my neighbor of his wealth.

Explanation

This is the last of Ten Commandments: Though shall not covet thy neighbor’s house, …, ox, ….

The seal in the adjacent picture is called 'Pashupati Seal' shows a yoga posture according to several archelogists. It was discovered by archeologists excavating Indus Valley Civilization located in the Indian sub-continent. The seal is atleast 4500 years old and is dated to circa 3rd millinium BCE.

Translation(s)

The gain that comes by fraud, although it seems to grow with limitless increase, shall swiftly go to ruin.

Explanation

“Thou shalt not steal” – Ten Commandments, Exodus 20.12, The Hebrew Bible [6]

“You shall not steal.” – Ten Commandments, Deuteronomy 5.15, The Bible [3].

"...And approach not the wealth of the orphan save with that which is better, till he reach maturity. Give full measure and full weight, in justice. We task not any soul beyond its scope. And if ye give your word, do justice thereunto, even though it be (against) a kinsman; and fulfil the covenant of Allah. This He commandeth you that haply ye may remember. And (He commandeth you, saying): This is My straight path, so follow it. Follow not other ways, lest ye be parted from His way."- Prophet Muhammad (saw), The Straight Path, Al-Anaam 6.151-153, The Quran. [7]

"Come not near the wealth of the orphan save with that which is better till he come to strength; and keep the covenant. Lo! of the covenant it will be asked. Fill the measure when ye measure, and weigh with a right balance; that is meet, and better in the end." - Prophet Muhammad (saw), The Straight Path, Al-Isra 17.34 to 17.35. [7]

[If we compare this commandment in Islam with the sequence in Judaism and Christianity, this commandment replaces the one on ‘Not Stealing’ in latter. Islam advises to correctly measure and weigh]

Translation(s)

The inveterate (firmly established) lust of fraudulent gain yields undying pain as its result.

 

Translation(s)

Those who desire neighbor’s goods and watch for his unguarded hour, ‘grace’ is not in their thoughts nor they know kind affection’s power.

 

Translation(s)

They, in whom inveterate (firmly established) lust is found, cannot walk restrained in wisdom’s measured bound.

 

Translation(s)

Those who long for power won by ‘measured wisdom,’ shun the practice of fraud’s dark cunning arts.

 

Translation(s)

As virtue dwells in hearts that gain ‘measured wisdom,’ deceit reins established in hearts of fraudulent men.

 

Translation(s)

Those who have no lore (knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote) except that, which fraudulful arts supply, straightway die committing acts of unmeasured vice.

 

Translation(s)

Here below, the fraudful forfeit life and vessel of life (body), those who stay away from fraud know the bliss of heavenly beings.

 

Summary Note

"The five moral codes of conduct (yamas) are: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing / honesty, continence, lack of greed. These great disciplines are universally valid, beyond social position, location / place or (any particular) time..... When the non-stealing/ honesty is firmly established, prosperity is obtained." - Patanjali Yogasutra, Chapter II Practice (Sadhana), 2.30-37 [1]

“I undertake the precept to refrain from taking that which is not freely given.” – The Five Precepts in Buddhism [8].

“The Jaina layman renounces all gross taking of things not given.” The pentad of transgression of this vow lists: “Usurpation of stolen property, employment of thieves, trespassing into a hostile country (smuggling?), using false weights and measures, dealing in adulterate wares.” – Five Lesser Vows, Chapter VI, Avashayaka Sutra [9]

Buddha also advices us to abstain from stealing in the 4th of his Noble Eight Fold Path:

“And what, monks, is right action? Abstaining from taking life, abstaining from stealing, abstaining from unchastity: This monks, is called right action.” [13]

Night & Lighted View,
Thiruvalluvar Memorial (133 Feet, 7000 Tonnes), Kanyakumari, India
Credit: R.O.Y., Flickr

References