Lzh Sarv Bu Pm Ss 11Following a Schismatic

COMMENTARY ON THE BHEDĀNUVATTAKA

According to the Theravāda Pāli Canon Tradition

Background

The Bhedānuvattaka (Following One Who Causes Schism) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist Monastic Community, reflecting issues of Saṅgha governance in the early period of Buddhism. The Saṅgha is the foundation of the Triple Gem, and the unity of the monastic community is regarded as a core factor in sustaining the true Dharma over the long term.

Throughout the history of Buddhism, schisms (bheda) have arisen from differing views on doctrine or the Vinaya, or from personal disputes among monastics. This text addresses a serious matter: when a monastic follows or supports one who causes schism, and what consequences such action brings upon that individual and upon the Saṅgha.

Main Content

The Bhedānuvattaka establishes an extremely important Vinaya principle: one who follows or supports a monastic who causes schism within the Saṅgha incurs certain consequences and may be dealt with according to the regulations of the Vinaya.

According to the Pāli Vinaya Piṭaka, when the Saṅgha has reached a unified decision on a matter of Dharma or Vinaya, those monastics who deliberately oppose the common decision in order to "bring about schism" (bheda sampadeti) within the Saṅgha commit a grave offense. The matter is, however, more complex: those who follow, support, or defend the actions of such a schismatic are likewise held to be accountable under the Vinaya.

The text stipulates that supporting a schismatic—whether by word, deed, or thought—is regarded as "following" that person (anuvattaka). This is not merely a matter of individual ethics, but a Vinaya transgression that affects the harmony of the entire Saṅgha. Any action undertaken to protect or abet schism is considered a violation of the rules of the Vinaya.