View regarding the Division of Buddhism

The division of Buddhism into Theravāda, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna,

Not the division of Buddhism,

If division of Buddhism, then, the Division of Saṅgha also,

And division of the Saṅgha, none other than saṅgha-bheda, the schism, 

For better practice, not division,

Instead, three great monasteries,

If not, then offence of the Division of Saṅgha,

A grave offence, as a consequence distortion of the meditation experience,

Or simply, no progress in concentration..

Commentary:

1. Saṅgha-Bheda (Schism) Warning:

Vinaya Piṭaka, especially Cullavagga, strongly warns against intentional division of the Saṅgha based on view or practice.

The poem rightly reflects this: Division of Saṅgha = saṅgha-bheda = ānantarika kamma (one of the five heinous actions with immediate result).

2. Conceptual Clarification:

Historically, Theravāda, Mahāyāna, and Vajrayāna emerged as paths of emphasis, not schisms.

Each may highlight different aspects:

Theravāda: scriptural fidelity, gradual path.

Mahāyāna: bodhicitta, śūnyatā, universal compassion.

Vajrayāna: tantric upāya, visualization, guru yoga.

The poem elevates this view: "three monasteries", i.e., forms of institutional expression, not sectarian fragments.

3. Meditation Impact Insight:

The line: “a consequence distortion of the meditation experience”— deeply resonates with the interdependent nature of sīla, samādhi, and paññā.

A divided mind or a mind with latent conflict lacks the serenity necessary for jhāna or insight.

📜 Canonical Echoes:

Majjhima Nikāya 139 (Araṇavibhaṅga Sutta): Avoiding extremes and internal conflict leads to purity of path.

Vinaya Texts: Emphasis on unity of Saṅgha and grave consequence of splitting.

Mahāyāna Sūtras: Also uphold Saṅgha harmony (e.g., Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra speaks against schism).

Tibetan Buddhism: Trisong Detsen’s unification model never called schools "divisions of Buddhism" but "methods of vehicle".