8.
The Discourse on Schism in the Community
48.
Thus have I heard -
On one occasion the Blessed One was dwelling at Rājagaha in the Bamboo Grove, the Squirrels' Feeding Ground.
Now at that time, on the uposatha day, the Venerable Ānanda, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking his bowl and robe, entered Rājagaha for almsfood.
Devadatta saw the Venerable Ānanda walking for almsfood in Rājagaha. Having seen him, he approached the Venerable Ānanda; having approached, he said this to the Venerable Ānanda - "From this day forth, friend Ānanda, I will perform the Observance and legal acts of the Community apart from the Blessed One, apart from the Community of monks."
Then the Venerable Ānanda, having walked for almsfood in Rājagaha, after the meal, having returned from his alms round, approached the Blessed One; having approached, he paid respect to the Blessed One and sat down to one side. Seated to one side, the Venerable Ānanda said this to the Blessed One -
"Here I, venerable sir, having dressed in the earlier period of the day, taking my bowl and robe, entered Rājagaha for almsfood. Devadatta, venerable sir, saw me walking for almsfood in Rājagaha. Having seen me, he approached me; having approached, he said this to me - 'From this day forth, friend Ānanda, I will perform the Observance and legal acts of the Community apart from the Blessed One, apart from the Community of monks.' Today, venerable sir, Devadatta will break the Community, and he will perform the Observance and legal acts of the Community."
Then the Blessed One, having understood this matter, at that time uttered this inspired utterance -
Evil is easy for the evil, evil is difficult for the noble ones." The eighth.