The Ten Karmic Punishments Arising from Stealing


From Nagarjuna's Treatise on the Great Perfection of Wisdom
(Dharmamitra Translation)

As described by the Buddha, taking what is not given has ten associated punishments.

The first is that owner always hates [the thief].
The second is that [one's character] is repeatedly called into doubt. (The notes in red state: "With repeated offenses, people harbor doubts.")
The third is that when one is not engaged in the act unforeseen events occur.
The fourth is that one befriends and associates with evil men and departs far from those who are worthy and good.
The fifth is that one destroys one's wholesome qualities.
The sixth is that one becomes known as a criminal by the authorities.
The seventh is that one's valuables are confiscated.
The eighth is that one plants the karmic causes and conditions for being poor and destitute.
The ninth is that when one dies he enters the hells.
The tenth is that if one emerges and becomes a person again he undergoes intense bitterness in the quest for wealth. It disappears in five ways: either to the King, to thieves, to fire, to water or to unloving sons. Even if one hides it away or buries it, it is still bound to be lost.