Lzh Dg Bu Pm Ss 11Following a Schismatic

Bhedānuvattaka Sutra: Following a Schismatic

Background

The Bhedānuvattaka Sutra (Following a Schismatic) belongs to the Vinaya Pitaka of the Pali Canon, specifically the Suttavibhaṅga section of the Bhikkhupātimokkha, the disciplinary provisions for bhikkhus. This sutra was recorded in the historical context of the Buddhist Sangha when divisions began to appear, threatening the unity of the monastic community.

During the Buddha’s lifetime, upright disciples revered him and preserved the teaching intact. However, after the Buddha entered nirvana, some bhikkhus began to hold differing opinions about methods of practice and observance of the Vinaya. These small differences gradually developed into serious debates, eventually leading some bhikkhus to separate from the orthodox Sangha and establish distinct branches. These were the “schismatics” (bhedin).

The Bhedānuvattaka Sutra was formulated as a disciplinary regulation to prevent bhikkhus from following, supporting, or participating in such schismatic movements. This is a major ethical issue in the Sangha, because schism not only causes organizational fragmentation, but also weakens the true teaching of the Buddha.

Main Content

The sutra stipulates that any bhikkhu who deliberately follows, supports, or participates in a schismatic movement, whether concerning discipline, doctrine, or action, commits a serious violation of the Vinaya. “Following” (anuvattaka) here is not merely agreement or listening, but active practice, encouragement, or participation in divisive actions.

This regulation is not directed at bhikkhus who have sincere differences of opinion about the Dharma. Rather, it is directed at deliberate actions that undermine the unity of the Sangha, the community that is the foundation for the teaching, protection, and development of the Dharma. Schism is considered an “unmonastic” act (asabhāga), utterly inconsistent with the spirit of renunciation.