San Lo Bu Pm Ss 11Following a Schismatic

Explanation of the Bhedānuvattaka Sutra (Following a Divider)

Background

The Bhedānuvattaka sutra belongs to the Vinaya Piṭaka, the collection regulating monastic discipline in the Theravāda Buddha-Dharma tradition. This sutra is recorded in texts concerning the Saṅgha (the community of monks and nuns), especially to handle the situation when a group of monastics separates from the main community to establish a separate faction, known as a “schism” (bhedā).

The historical background shows that after the Buddha entered nirvana, the Saṅgha sometimes faced differences in doctrine or discipline, leading to division. This sutra is therefore a set of rules guiding how to deal with monastics or groups of people who actively follow, support, or participate in these divisive movements.

Main Content

The Bhedānuvattaka sutra states that any monastic who follows, supports, or participates in a divisive movement within the Saṅgha commits a serious disciplinary violation. Specifically, this sutra establishes that following a “schismatic” is not a neutral action, but an act that violates the principle of harmony and unity within the monastic body.

This regulation includes specific situations: if a monastic regards a divider as righteous, follows that person’s separate teachings, or participates in different practices that the divider has established, then that monastic will be considered according to the degree of violation, from Dukkaṭa (a minor wrong action) to Saṅghādisesa (an act requiring rehabilitation before the Saṅgha), or even Pārājika (an act leading to loss of the opportunity for monastic life if it is the fourth case).

The sutra emphasizes that the unity (samāggi) of the Saṅgha is a core factor in protecting the Buddha-Dharma. Any action that causes division, even if it appears harmless, is considered seriously.