Early Monastic Buddhism v2.c31.s6.1

v2.c31.s6.1

Some of the Vesālian monks separated themselves from the Sangha of the Elders or the Orthodox, called the Thera- or Sthaviravādins, and organised a new one of their own, calling it Mahā-sangha, from which they came to be known as the Mahā-sanghikas. From now on, the cleavage in the Sangha began to widen and widen, ultimately giving rise to as many as eighteen to twenty-five sects. The Thera- or Sthavira-vādins were split up into eleven sects but remained Hīnayāna throughout their existence, while the Mahā-sanghikas became divided into seven sects, gradually gave up their Hīnayāna doctrines, and became the fore-runners of Mahāyānism. Once the disruptive forces were set in motion the Sangha could no longer remain a single whole. Sect after sect came into existence on slight differences of opinion concerning doctrines, disciplinary rules, and even cutting, colouring and wearing of robes.