1. 聞如是：一時，佛在舍衛國祇樹給孤獨園。
Thus have I heard:
One time, the Budha was staying at Anaathapindidas Ashrama in Jetavana of Shraavastii.
2. 爾時，世尊告諸比丘：「於此眾中，我不見一法修行已、多修行已，成地獄行，餓鬼、畜生行。若生人中，極為貧匱，衣不蓋形，食不充口，所謂劫盜也。諸比丘！若有人意好劫盜，取他財物，便墮餓鬼、畜生中。若生人中，極為貧匱。所以然者，以斷他生業故。是故，諸比丘！當學遠離不與取。如是，諸比丘！當作是學。」
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.”
3. 爾時，諸比丘聞佛所說，歡喜奉行。
When the bhikshus heard what the Budha said, they followed it with joy.