Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
At that time, Bhagavaan said to the Bhikshus, “In this assembly, I do not see a single practice that, when cultivated and frequently practiced, leads to rebirth in hell, as a hungry ghost, or as an animal. If one is reborn as a human, they will be extremely poor, with clothes that do not cover their body and food that does not fill their mouth.
What is this practice? It is stealing. Bhikshus, if someone has a mind inclined toward stealing and takes others’ possessions, they will fall into the realms of hungry ghosts or animals. If they are reborn as a human, they will be extremely poor. Why is this? Because they have destroyed others’ livelihoods.
Therefore, Bhikshus, you should learn to abstain from taking what is not given. Thus, Bhikshus, you should train yourselves in this way.”
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.