an.10.39 Aṅguttara Nikāya (Numbered Discourses)

Ānanda (1)

Then the Venerable Ānanda approached the Blessed One, paid homage to him, sat down to one side, and said to him:

“Bhante, it is said: ‘Schism in the Saṅgha, schism in the Saṅgha.’ How is there schism in the Saṅgha?”

“Here, Ānanda, (1) bhikkhus explain non-Dhamma as Dhamma … as in 10:37 … and (10) what has been prescribed by the Tathāgata as not having been prescribed by him. On these ten grounds they withdraw and go apart. They perform legal acts separately and recite the Pātimokkha separately. It is in this way, Ānanda, that there is schism in the Saṅgha.” “But, Bhante, when one causes schism in a harmonious Saṅgha, what does one generate?”

“One generates evil lasting for an eon, Ānanda.”

“But, Bhante, what is that evil lasting for an eon?”

“One is tormented in hell for an eon, Ānanda.”

One who causes schism in the Saṅgha is bound for misery,

bound for hell, to abide there for an eon.

Delighting in factions, established in non-Dhamma,

he falls away from security from bondage.

Having caused schism in a harmonious Saṅgha,

he is tormented in hell for an eon.

- Translator: Bhikkhu Bodhi

- Editor: Blake Walsh

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With Ānanda (1st)

Then Venerable Ānanda went up to the Buddha, bowed, sat down to one side, and said to the Buddha:
“Sir, they speak of ‘schism in the Saṅgha’.
How is schism in the Saṅgha defined?”
“Ānanda, it’s when a mendicant explains what is not the teaching as the teaching …
and what was prescribed by the Realized One as not prescribed by the Realized One.
On these ten grounds they split off and go their own way. They perform legal acts autonomously and recite the monastic code autonomously.
That is how schism in the Saṅgha is defined.”
“But sir, what does someone who has split a harmonious Saṅgha bring upon themselves?”
“They bring upon themselves evil that lasts for an eon.”
“But sir, what is the evil that lasts for an eon?”
“They burn in hell for an eon, Ānanda.
A schismatic remains for the eon
in a place of loss, in hell.
Taking a stand against the teaching,
favoring factions, they destroy their sanctuary.
After causing schism in a harmonious Saṅgha,
they burn in hell for an eon.”