Date: 07/12/2025 07/13/2025
Location: Star River Meditation Center
Teacher: Yunquan Huang
Dharma Talk
A Warning from the Schism of the Nigaṇṭhas — The Teaching of the Seven Means for Settling Disputes
Once, the Blessed One was dwelling among the Vajji people, in the village of Sāmi.
At that time, the leader of the Nigaṇṭhas had just passed away in the city of Pāvā, and the Nigaṇṭha community there split into two factions. Owing to differing views on doctrine, disputes and quarrels arose among them. The lay followers of the Nigaṇṭhas became displeased and repelled by such discord.
Now at that time, a novice monk named Cunda was spending the rains-retreat in Pāvā, and he witnessed clearly all that transpired. After the retreat ended, he came to Sāmi to see the Venerable Ānanda and reported the matter to him. Deeply moved, Venerable Ānanda led Cunda to the Blessed One and said:
“Bhagavān! I have heard of the schism and disputes among the Nigaṇṭhas, and I am greatly alarmed. It causes me to reflect: If the bhikkhu saṅgha were to fall into such contention after the Bhagavān’s Parinirvāṇa, many would suffer, and harm would be widespread.”
The Blessed One said:
“Ānanda, what do you think might cause the saṅgha to fall into division and conflict?”
“Bhagavān, it may arise from differing approaches to the cultivation of discipline, concentration, and wisdom.”
“Ānanda, disputes arising from differing practices of discipline, concentration, and wisdom are rare. Most often, schisms arise from disputes over methods in the course of practice. Ānanda, I have taught many methods for personal insight, self-awareness, and direct realization—namely, the Four Foundations of Mindfulness, the Four Right Efforts, the Four Bases of Spiritual Power, the Five Faculties, the Five Powers, the Seven Factors of Enlightenment, and the Noble Eightfold Path. Is it likely, Ānanda, that bhikkhus would hold divergent views about these?”
“Certainly not, Bhagavān. But I am concerned that after the Bhagavān’s Parinirvāṇa, some who venerate the Bhagavān alone may take differing stances on community life and discipline, and thus disputes may arise.”
“Ānanda, such disputes have six causes, known as the Six Roots of Quarrel. These are: anger and resentment, contempt and arrogance, envy and greed, deceit and hypocrisy, evil desire and wrong view, and stubborn attachment to one’s own opinions. When these arise, respect for the teacher, the true Dharma, and the Saṅgha deteriorates, and sincere practice is abandoned. Thus, conflict arises, many suffer, and it brings great harm. Ānanda, whenever these six causes are found in oneself or others, they must be quickly abandoned. When they are absent, disputes shall not arise.
Ānanda, when disputes do arise, there are seven methods to resolve them, known as the Seven Means of Settling Disputes:
1. Face-to-Face Settlement (Sammukhā Vinaya): Assemble the disputing parties, engage in open dialogue, and seek an appropriate resolution. If reconciliation cannot be achieved in one’s own dwelling, one should go to a larger gathering and settle the matter through the collective voice of the community.
2. Recollection Settlement (Sati Vinaya): When a serious breach of precepts is reported and the accused claims to have no recollection, resolution is sought through the collective recollection of the Saṅgha.
3. Sanity Settlement (Amūḷha Vinaya): If an offense was committed in a state of mental confusion or insanity and the individual cannot recall the act, then after public confession, the matter is concluded without further investigation.
4. Voluntary Confession Settlement (Paṭiññāta Vinaya): When a precept is violated and the perpetrator willingly confesses and admits the transgression, resolution is achieved by confession and disciplinary correction.
5. Majority Settlement (Yebhuyyasikā): When the offense is evident yet the individual refuses to admit, extensive questioning and examination are conducted until evasion is no longer possible.
6. Censure Settlement (Tassa Pāpiyyasikā): The dispute is referred to the larger Saṅgha and resolved through majority decision.
7. Covering with Grass (Tathāgata Ujukatā): When a schism has formed and two opposing factions arise, reconciliation is sought through mutual contrition. When one side expresses remorse, all disputes are abandoned as if sweeping away filth.
Ānanda, furthermore, there are six principles that give rise to endearment and respect, conducive to unity and harmony within the Saṅgha. What are the six?
Namely:
— Loving-kindness through bodily conduct,
— Loving-kindness through speech,
— Loving-kindness through thought,
— Equitable sharing of food and resources,
— Common observance of precepts,
— Agreement in views and understanding.
Ānanda, if all abide by these six principles, would they quarrel over trifles in speech or conduct?”
“No, Bhagavān!”
“Therefore, Ānanda, the Six Roots of Quarrel should be abandoned, and disputes should be resolved through the Seven Means of Settlement. Live by the Six Principles of Endearment, and in this way, Ānanda, even after I have passed away, you shall dwell in harmony, free from contention, and joyfully go forth, just as if the Tathāgata were still among you.”
