Xct Mu Bi Pm Ss 17Causing Schism in the Saṅgha
Pāli / Sanskrit:Saṅghabheda
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Exposition of the Discourse on Schism in the Sangha (Saṅghabheda)
Background
The Discourse on Schism in the Sangha (Saṅghabheda) is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka, specifically among the rules for participating in communal practice. This is one of the extremely serious matters about which the Buddha warned the Sangha throughout the period of his teaching.
Schism in the Sangha, also called "causing division in the Sangha" (Saṅghabheda), is considered one of the gravest offenses according to Buddhist discipline. Unlike other offenses that can be confessed and cleared, causing schism in the Sangha is ranked among offenses that cannot be expiated, similar to other grave acts: killing a human being, killing one's mother, killing one's father, wounding the Buddha, and actions that fundamentally harm the Dharma.
Main Content
Saṅghabheda refers to deliberately creating division, conflict, and hatred within the monastic community. This is not simply having differing opinions or arguing about doctrinal issues, but concrete actions intended to undermine the harmony and unity of the Sangha.
According to the Vinaya Piṭaka, forms of causing division include spreading slanderous speech to create hatred among Sangha members; deliberately inciting members of similar views to gather and form a separate group with the intention of opposing the decisions of the Sangha; or clearly proclaiming inflammatory words that cause the monastic community to disintegrate. Whether by action, speech, or intention, if these lead to the actual separation of the Sangha into two opposing groups, that is Saṅghabheda.
The Vinaya discourse emphasizes that the unity of the Sangha rests on two foundations: (1) shared observance of disciplinary rules (Dhamma), and (2) sincerity in practicing the Buddha's teachings (Vinaya). Any action deliberately undermining these foundations is regarded as Saṅghabheda.
Practical Meaning
From the standpoint of early practice, the Saṅghabheda Sutta is not an unfounded warning but a profound principle for maintaining a healthy monastic community.
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