San Mg Bu Pm Ss 10Causing Schism in the Saṅgha

Explanation of the Saṅghabheda Scripture (Causing Schism in the Sangha)

Background

The Saṅghabheda scripture is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, in the Saṅgīti Mahāvagga section. This is one of the paccaya, or conditions, established by the Buddha to protect the unity of the Sangha, the community of those gone forth.

In the history of early Buddhism, the Sangha was the place where the Dharma was maintained and transmitted. Division within the Sangha is not merely personal conflict, but also a distortion of the teaching and a weakening of the strength of the practicing community. For this reason, the Buddha laid down strict rules to prohibit actions that cause division in the Sangha, and Saṅghabheda is counted among the gravest wrongs in the Vinaya.

Main Content

Saṅghabheda, that is, causing schism in the Sangha, is defined as the intentional act of separating the Sangha into two different groups, so that although physically they remain in the same locality, in spirit and in the ordinance of Dharma they are no longer united. This is often carried out by inciting certain bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs against others, creating disputes over doctrine or discipline.

According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, there are many ways to cause division: spreading divergent views about the Buddhadharma, criticizing the rules of practice, stirring up greed or anger based on human personalities, or manipulating religious matters in order to form factions. Any action intended to separate the Sangha is regarded as Saṅghabheda.

This scripture warns that those who cause division in the Sangha will undergo grave consequences. They will be excluded from the community of monastics, lose the respect of Buddhists, and, more importantly, this action creates immeasurable unwholesome karma. The Buddha taught that causing schism in the Sangha is one of the actions that accumulates the strongest obstructive karma and can lead to suffering in the future.