<p>In general, in Buddhism taking without asking would still be considered unskilful. The relevant precept is <em>adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi</em> "I undertake the training principle of not taking the not given". There is nothing to stop someone asking for food if they are hungry. Indeed by stealing one also deprives the other of the opportunity of gaining the merit of generosity. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-08-26T17:33:19.963Z
2015-08-26T17:33:19.963Z
Jayarava
<p>In Germany it is not illegal to steal food when  you're about to starve. Would someone who does this still would have to face negative consequences because of  this stealing in the future?</p>

<ethics><food>
Is a starving person justified in stealing food?
# Is a starving person justified in stealing food?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-08-26)

In Germany it is not illegal to steal food when you're about to starve. Would someone who does this still would have to face negative consequences because of this stealing in the future?

**Tags:** ethics, food


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2015-08-26. Score: 11

In general, in Buddhism taking without asking would still be considered unskilful. The relevant precept is *adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi* "I undertake the training principle of not taking the not given". There is nothing to stop someone asking for food if they are hungry. Indeed by stealing one also deprives the other of the opportunity of gaining the merit of generosity.


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