法苑珠林 12.69

12.69

He asked again, "When the Tathāgata was in the world, he instructed Upāli and me, Mahākāśyapa, to enter the jeweled pavilion east of the hall to view the Vinaya and the differing features of the ancient Buddhas. As I wish to compile [the canon], should it be based on what was expounded by the ancient Buddhas, or based on what is taught by the present World-Honoured One?" He replied, "I heard from the World-Honoured One, who told Mahākāśyapa: 'If you compile the Vinaya, you should divide it into five sections. The Vinaya expounded by the ancient Buddhas of the past was of a single form without dualism. Sentient beings today have meager merit; therefore, it is expounded in multiple divisions. After my parinirvāṇa, foolish people lacking wisdom will divide my net of teachings into five divisions, eighteen divisions, and even up to five hundred divisions. Though its flavor may be diluted, it is still my saddharma.'"