iti.18 Itivuttaka

Schism in the Saṅgha

This was said by the Buddha, the Perfected One: that is what I heard.
“One thing, mendicants, arises in the world for the hurt and unhappiness of the people, for the harm, hurt, and suffering of gods and humans.
What one thing?
Schism in the Saṅgha.
When the Saṅgha is split, they argue, insult, block, and reject each other.
This doesn’t inspire confidence in those without it, and it causes some with confidence to change their minds.”
The Buddha spoke this matter.
On this it is said:
“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.”
This too is a matter that was spoken by the Blessed One: that is what I heard.