Xct Mu Bu Vb Ss 10Causing Schism in the Saṅgha
Pāli / Sanskrit:Saṅghabheda
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Scripture on Causing Division in the Sangha (Saṅghabheda)
Context
The scripture on Causing Division in the Sangha is found in the Vinaya Piṭaka, where disciplinary rules and precedents in the history of the Sangha are recorded. This section belongs to the Mukhatthasaka of the Bhikkhunī Vibhaṅga, a topic concerning regulations related to nuns.
Saṅghabheda (division in the Sangha) is considered one of the gravest acts in Buddhism. It is not simply a pārājika offense or a saṅghādisesa offense, but an act that deeply harms the unity and harmony of the monastic community. In the historical context, there were actual events of Sangha division during the Buddha’s lifetime, requiring the Blessed One to intervene directly to teach and restore unity.
Main Content
The scripture defines saṅghabheda as the intentional act of causing division in the Sangha through means such as propagating false doctrines contrary to the Dharma and Vinaya taught by the Buddha, inciting bhikkhus or bhikkhunīs in different ways, or forming a separate group of monastics with rules opposing Sangha discipline.
The Vinaya Piṭaka clearly states the conditions that constitute division: there must be an intention to cause division (chanda), there must be people incited to follow, and there must be an actual separation with regard to the Dharma (dhamma) or the Vinaya (vinaya). When these conditions are fully present, it is true saṅghabheda.
The scripture also records cases of attempts to cause division that do not succeed, or acts carried out unintentionally. These situations are classified differently according to the degree of fault. Nevertheless, even attempts to cause division are regarded as blameworthy acts within the monastic community.
The Vinaya Piṭaka also instructs monastics on how to deal with those who try to cause division: keep away from them, do not support or agree with divisive views, and try to reconcile if possible. Those who have been incited should recognize the divisive act and return to the Sangha.
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