[196] This was said by the Blessed One, said by the Arahant, so I have heard:
"Bhikkhus, one thing, when it arises in the world, arises for the harm of many people, for the unhappiness of many people, for the ruin, harm, and suffering (dukkha) of many people, of devas and human beings. What is that one thing? Schism in the Saṅgha (saṅghabheda). When the Saṅgha is divided, bhikkhus, there come to be quarrels with one another, abuse of one another, disparagement of one another, and repudiation of one another. In that situation those without confidence do not gain confidence, and some of those with confidence change their minds."
The Blessed One spoke this meaning. In this connection it is said:
"Doomed to a state of loss (apāya), doomed to hell,
there to remain for an aeon (kappa), is the one who divides the Saṅgha;
delighting in faction, established in what is not Dhamma,
he falls away from security from bondage (yogakkhema);
having divided a Saṅgha in concord,
he is tormented in hell for an aeon."
This meaning too was spoken by the Blessed One; so I have heard.
The Eighth.
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.