Xct Mu Bi Ss 18Following a Schismatic

Explanation of the Bhedānuvattaka Discourse (Following One Who Causes Division)

Background

The Bhedānuvattaka discourse is recorded in the Vinaya Piṭaka of Early Buddhism, reflecting regulations that arose from actual situations in the early Buddhist monastic community. The context of this discourse is directly connected with a grave issue: division (bheda) in the Sangha - the community of those gone forth.

In the history of Early Buddhism, division was not merely disagreement in views, but a serious ethical violation that harmed communal harmony. This discourse deals with a specific case: monastics who deliberately follow (anuvattati) those who cause division, that is, who support groups separating from the established Sangha. This conduct runs counter to the communal orientation taught by the Buddha.

Main Content

The discourse states that any monastic, whether one gone forth or a layperson if mentioned, who deliberately follows and supports those who cause division in the Sangha commits a serious fault. "Following" here is not merely refusing contact, but active participation in separating a group, accepting their arguments, or taking part in gatherings of a separatist group.

This rule was established to protect the integrity of the Sangha, because division is regarded as one of the actions with the gravest results (mahākamma). The discourse emphasizes that the Sangha exists and develops only when there is concord and harmony in observing the Vinaya and the Dharma. When someone follows those who cause division, that person not only betrays that harmony but also challenges the authority and teaching of the Buddha.

Determining "following" requires clear intention. The discourse distinguishes between those who may temporarily disagree with the decision of the majority while still observing the principle of communal discipline, and those who intentionally depart from or support a separatist group.