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In addition to sutra masters, there were precept masters, who were expert in the different precepts for novices and ordained bhikkhus.
Rahula and other novices who had not yet reached twenty years of age followed what were called the samanera precepts.
That year at Ghosira, a conflict arose between a sutra master and a precept master. Their argument stemmed from a small event, but
ended up creating a sharp division in the sangha. A sutra master forgot to clean out the wash basin he had used and was charged with a
violation of a lesser precepts by a precept master. The sutra master was a proud person and contended that since he had not intentionally
left the basin dirty, he was not to blame. Students of each bhikkhu took the side of their own teacher, and the argument escalated. One side
accused the other of slander, while the other side accused their opponents of acting foolishly. Finally, the precept master publicly
announced the the sutra master’s transgression and forbade him from attending the biweekly precepts recitation ceremony until he formally
confessed before the sangha.
The situation grew more and more intense. Both sides spoke ill of each other. Their words flew like poisoned arrows. Most of the other
bhikkhus took sides, although naturally there were some who refused to take either side. They said, “This is terrible! This will only create
harmful division in the sangha.”
Though the Buddha was residing not far from the monastery, he was unaware of the conflict until a delegation of concerned bhikkhus
visited him, told him of it, and asked him to intervene. The Buddha went to meet directly with the precept master and told him, “We should
not become too attached to our own viewpoint. We should listen carefully in order to understand the other’s viewpoint. We should seek all
means to prevent the community from breaking.” Then he went to the sutra master and said the same things. Returning to his hut, he was
hopeful the two men would reconcile.
But the Buddha’s intervention did not have the desired effect. Too many ill words had already been spoken. Many wounds had been
inflicted. The bhikkhus who remained impartial did not possess enough influence to bring the two sides together. The conflict reached the
ears of the lay disciples, and before long, even other religious sects had heard of the trouble in the Buddha’s sangha. It was a serious blow
to the integrity of the sangha. Nagita, the Buddha’s attendant, was unable to endure the situation anymore. He discussed the matter again
with the Buddha, beseeching him to intervene once more.
The Buddha put on his outer robe and went at once to the monastery’s meeting hall. Nagita rang the bell to summon the community.
When all were present, the Buddha said, “Please cease your arguing. It is only creating division in the community. Please return to your
practice. If we truly follow our practice, we will not become victims of pride and anger.”
One bhikkhu stood up and said, “Master, please don’t involve yourself in this matter. Return and dwell peacefully in your meditation.
This matter does not concern you. We are adults and capable of resolving this on our own.”
Dead silence followed the bhikkhu’s words. The Buddha stood up and left the meeting hall. He returned to his hut, picked up his bowl,
and walked down into Kosambi to beg. When he was finished begging, he entered the forest to eat alone. Then he stood up and walked
out of Kosambi. He headed for the river. He did not tell anyone of his departure, not even his attendant, Nagita, or Venerable Ananda.
The Buddha walked until he reached the town of Balakalonakaragama. There he met his disciple, the Venerable Bhagu. Bhagu invited
him into the forest where he dwelled alone. He offered the Buddha a towel and wash basin to wash his face and hands. The Buddha asked
Bhagu how his practice was going. Bhagu replied that he found great ease and joy in the practice, even though he was presently dwelling all
alone. The Buddha remarked, “Sometimes it is more pleasant to live alone than with many people.”
After bidding Bhagu farewell, the Buddha headed for Eastern Bamboo Forest, which was not far way. As he was about to enter the
forest, the groundskeeper stopped him and said, “Monk, don’t go in there or you may disturb the monks already practicing in there.”
Before the Buddha could think of a response, Venerable Anuruddha appeared. He happily greeted the Buddha and said to the
groundskeeper, “This is my own teacher. Please allow him to enter.”
Anuruddha led the Buddha into the forest where he lived with two other bhikkhus, Nandiya and Kimbila. They were very happy to see
the Buddha. Nandiya took the Buddha’s bowl and Kimbila took his outer robe. They cleared a place for him to sit by a thicket of gold
bamboo. They brought a towel and wash basin. The three bhikkhus joined their palms and bowed to the Buddha. The Buddha asked them
to be seated and he asked, “Are you content here? How is your practice going? Do you encounter any difficulties in begging or sharing the
teaching in this region?”
Anuruddha answered, “Lord, we are very content here. It is calm and peaceful. We receive ample food offerings and are able to share
the Dharma. We are all making progress in our practice.”
The Buddha asked, “Do you live in harmony with one another?”
Anuruddha said, “Lord, we care deeply for each other. We live in harmony like milk and honey. I consider living with Nandiya and
Kimbila a great blessing. I treasure their friendship. Before I say or do anything, whether they are present or not, I stop and ask myself
what their reaction would be. Would my words or actions disappoint my brothers in any way? If I feel any doubts, I refrain from the words
or actions intended. Lord, although we are three persons, we are also one.”