San Sarv Bu Pm Finot Ss 11Following a Schismatic
Pāli / Sanskrit:Bhedānuvattaka
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BHEDĀNUVATTAKA SUTTA: FOLLOWING A SEPARATE FACTION
Background
Bhedānuvattaka (Pāli: bhedā = separation; anuvattaka = following after) is an important section of the Vinaya Piṭaka of Theravada Buddhism. This text is recorded in the Pātimokkha rules and the Sutta Vibhaṅga volumes, reflecting regulations on following those who create division in the Sangha.
Buddhist history records that after the Buddha’s Nirvana, the Sangha, the monastic community, encountered divisions due to differing views on discipline and the teaching. Those who create or incite such division are called creators of bhedā. The Bhedānuvattaka Sutta establishes that following, supporting, or joining separate groups is an action with serious ethical consequences, and therefore must be strictly regulated in monastic discipline.
Main Content
This text stipulates that when division arises in the Sangha, monastics should not follow the separated groups. The act of “anuvattaka” (following after) includes supporting, advising, or participating in activities initiated by those who cause bhedā. The central point of the text is its warning about the consequences of this action.
The Vinaya stipulates that any monastic who willingly follows those who create division commits a Pācittiya offense, requiring purification and confession. The specific prohibited acts include seeking material goods, food, or support for those who cause bhedā; attending meetings of the separated group; or publicly supporting their declarations.
The text also clearly states the principle of distinction: one who understands the division and is aware of its karmic consequences, yet still chooses to follow it, bears full ethical responsibility. However, cases arising from misunderstanding, lack of clear information, or coercion may be considered differently during examination.
Practical Meaning
The profound meaning of Bhedānuvattaka is not merely a disciplinary rule, but guidance on unity and shared purpose in practice.
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