四分戒本疏卷第一．第二．第三 3.8

3.8

"If a bhikṣu speaks divisive words, it is a prāyaścittika." This complete precept text has three clauses: first, the offender; second, divisive speech; third, the determination of the offense. The first clause is self-evident. Second, as for "speaks divisive words": it means causing dissension between both sides to make others break apart. Therefore the Vinaya states: causing dissension among the ten assemblies—the five home-leaving assemblies, and the householders are likewise. Third, as for "it is a prāyaścittika": this is the text determining the offense. The Vinaya states: If one causes dissension among bhikṣus, one commits a prāyaścittika; for the remaining nine, all are light. The Mahāsāṃghika Vinaya states: Informing [someone] with bad dharmas, saying, "So-and-so says you have no superior, middling, or inferior dharmas," intending to cause them to separate—whether they separate or do not separate, all are a fall. The Sarvāstivāda-vinaya-vibhāṣā states that repeating what was said is a fall. If one does not transmit words between both sides, but merely speaks on both sides urging separation, all incur a duṣkṛta. Under non-offenses, the Vinaya states: If one breaks up bad acquaintances, evil factions, upādhyāyas, fellow teachers, kin, and acquaintances who cause harm to the Saṅgha's stūpas and temples, desiring through expedients to stop their harmful acts—breaking up such persons constitutes no offense whatsoever.