Lzh Sarv Bu Vb Ss 11Following a Schismatic

Exposition of the Bhedānuvattaka Sutta (Following One Who Causes Division)

Background

The Bhedānuvattaka Sutta is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, especially in the Bhikkhu Vibhaṅga, the discipline for bhikkhus, and reflects a serious issue in the Buddhist monastic community. In the early period of Buddhism, while the Buddha was still alive, disputes over doctrine and discipline occasionally arose, but those who caused division (bhedaka) in the Sangha were regarded as committing one of the gravest acts.

The context of this sutta arose from the need to protect the unity of the Sangha, for the Buddhadharma can function effectively only when monastics live in harmony and practice according to one schedule and one discipline. Those who follow or support a person causing division are also regarded as accomplices in the destruction of harmony.

Main Content

The Bhedānuvattaka Sutta deals with the situation in which a bhikkhu or bhikkhunī follows, supports, or practices teachings in the manner proposed by one who causes division (bhedaka). These actions include:

First, following false teachings propagated by one who causes division, leading to separation from the Sangha. Second, supporting or defending those who advocate divisive doctrines, causing the community to lose unity. Third, participating in separate practices with the intention of dividing the Sangha.

Bhikkhus who perform these actions are considered to have violated the discipline (pārājika, saṅghādisesa, or dukkaṭa depending on the degree), because such actions destroy the harmony and unity of the Sangha. This rule emphasizes that following or supporting those who cause division is not a matter of personal freedom, but an act that harms the collective body.

Practical Meaning

The Bhedānuvattaka Sutta is not merely about observing formal rules, but about a deep understanding of unity in practice.