The Zucchini Crime Rate

When Katie moved into our little town, she asked about the crime rate in the village (population 50). "None to speak of," said one neighbor. "Except in August, you'd best lock your car doors. Otherwise, you might could find a big old zucchini in the passenger seat when you get back into your car."

Hmmm. Is that generosity? It's not exactly "taking something which isn't offered." It's more like "giving something that isn't wanted." But everyone gets a big laugh out of it. And it gives the "crime victim" an opportunity to pull the same prank herself.

Stealing Iris

This morning, before meditation, Paula told me that someone is stealing her perennials. At first, she thought critters were digging up her plants. She and her husband would find a hole here and there. Then this week, her husband found a clump of iris sliced through with a straight edge.

"They probably don't consider it stealing," Paula said.

The Buddha said, "I vow to refrain from taking that which is not freely offered." I repeat this precept every morning, and over time, it sinks in.

One of my teachers doesn't even pick up a penny on the sidewalk because no one has offered it to him. Knowing this about him makes me trust him very deeply with my spiritual life.

We are aiming to be trustworthy people. We don't take what isn't offered. Not even a pen from work. Not even a seed pod from our neighbor's garden.