The nonvirtues of stealing and sexual misconduct

• When we hear stories illustrating karma we need to think and ask questions
• The four parts of a complete karma of stealing
• The various actions included in the karma of stealing
• The four parts of a complete karma of unwise or unkind sexual behavior
• Looking at sexual misconduct in terms of contemporary western culture

Gomchen Lamrim 25: The nonvirtues of stealing and sexual misconduct (download)

Contemplation points

1. What is the definition of stealing? Looking at it with this wording and using some of the examples given in the teaching, think of ways you have stolen in the past either willfully or not realizing it was stealing. Are there any actions that came up in considering this non-virtue that you would like to abandon in the future? Remember to purify these past negativities using the four opponent powers.
2. Describe the branches for a complete action of stealing. Think of different situations where one of the branches might not be complete. How does this affect the result of the karma created?
3. Describe the branches for a complete action of unwise and unkind sexual conduct. Think of different situations where one of the branches might not be complete. How does this affect the result of the karma created?
4. Why do you think we get so charged about the non-virtuous pathway of sexual misconduct?
5. What role does society play in your perceptions of these two non-virtues? Why is it important to be aware of this?