Lzh Mu Bu Pm Ss 11Following a Schismatic

The Sutta on Following One Who Causes Division (Bhedānuvattaka)

Background

The Bhedānuvattaka Sutta (Bhedānuvattaka-sutta) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravada Buddha-Dharma tradition, specifically in the Parivāra section. These are instructions on the discipline of the Sangha taught by the Blessed Buddha to his disciples, in order to protect the unity and purity of the Sangha.

The historical background of this sutta arose from the Buddha’s concern about cases of division in the monastic community. Some people, though gone forth, still held actions or views that caused discord and weakened the spirit of cooperation and unity in the Sangha body. This sutta was therefore presented to warn the disciples of the danger of following (anuvattati) or supporting those who cause division (bhedaka).

Main Content

Bhedānuvattaka states clearly that when one who has gone forth creates division in the Sangha, by spreading views contrary to the Buddha-Dharma or by actively separating to form a private group, then those who follow or support this action also create what is called a “schismatic offense.” The sutta emphasizes that following one who causes division is not only a lack of personal discipline, but also an act of dividing the Sangha body, regarded as one of the gravest offenses in Theravada Buddhism.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, those who follow one who causes division must undergo a corresponding penalty. The distinction between the schismatic and the follower is also made clear: the schismatic actively creates discord, while the followers are those who voluntarily support or participate in the divided group. Nevertheless, both are regarded as committing an offense against the Buddha-Dharma.

The sutta also points out that the unity of the Sangha is the foundation of Buddhism. Any action that breaks this harmony, whether directly or indirectly, is considered a violation of the Vinaya Piṭaka and of Buddhist ethics.