Lzh Sarv Bi Vb Ss 11Following a Schismatic
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhedānuvattaka
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Bhedānuvattaka Sutta (Following One Who Divides the Sangha)
Background
Bhedānuvattaka is a disciplinary text in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma tradition. This text is found in the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, the analysis of the discipline for nuns, specifically in the Sāñcīkaraṇa Khaṇḍa, the chapter on the accumulation of conduct.
The background of the text is connected with historical events in the early community of monks and nuns. When there is division (bheda) in the Sangha, that is, when practitioners do not observe the common discipline or hold differing views concerning the teaching, issues of discipline and unity (saṅgha) become extremely urgent. This text was therefore recognized by the Buddha and prescribed how to handle cases in which nuns follow those who create division.
This is an important aspect of the Vinaya Pitaka: not only food and robes, but also the way to maintain harmony and purity in the Sangha body. The final purpose remains the protection of the true Buddha-Dharma and the mind of practice of those who train.
Main Content
Bhedānuvattaka deals with the situation in which nuns follow those who divide the Sangha, people who do not accept the common decision or who act in violation of the discipline. The text prescribes that these nuns have performed an act called “Sāñcīkaraṇa,” the accumulation of wrongful conduct.
According to the standpoint of the Theravāda tradition, following one who causes division is considered a breach of discipline even if the person herself has not directly committed a separate offense (pārājika, saṅghādisesa, and so on). This is because the Sangha is seen as a unified body, and divisive intention undermines the spirit of harmony (samaggi), a basic element of the Sangha body.
This text not only prescribes a penalty but also indicates a path of healing: nuns who follow one who causes division may be accepted back into the Sangha if they apologize publicly, abandon the mistaken view, and recommit themselves to following the common discipline. This is a humane way to restore unity.
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