Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c36.2193

v2.c36.2193

1. Sāmagāma Sutta.—While the Buddha is at Sāmagāma, news is brought to Ānanda by Cunda Samaṇuddesa of the death of Nigaṇṭha Nātaputta at Pāvā, and of the division of his followers into two factions engaged in fighting each other. Ānanda gives the news to the Buddha, who asks if there be any difference of opinion among monks regarding the Buddha’s teaching. “No,” answers Ānanda, but adds that such differences may arise after the Buddha’s death. The Buddha says that quarrels regarding rigours of regimen or of the Vinaya are of little concern. It is quarrels regarding the Path or the course of training that are really important. He then explains the six causes from which disputes grow, the four adjudications (adhikaraṇa) regarding disputes, and the seven settlements of adjudication—by giving a summary verdict in the presence of the parties, a verdict of innocence, of past insanity; confession may be admitted; a chapter’s decision may be taken; there is also specific wickedness and there is covering up. Then there are six things which lead to conciliations: acts of love, words of love, sharing equally whatever gifts one receives, strict practice of virtue without flaw or blemish, and the holding of noble views which make for salvation.¹