They proclaim an incurable offense as incurable. They proclaim a grave offense as grave. They proclaim a minor offense as minor. If, based on any of these eighteen grounds, they don’t pull away or separate, and they don’t do the observance-day ceremony, the invitation ceremony, or legal procedures of the Sangha separately, then there is unity in the Sangha.”

“But, sir, what’s the consequence of causing a schism in a united Sangha?” “Anyone who causes a schism in a united Sangha does an evil act with effect for an eon. He’s boiled in hell for an eon.” “Going downwards, bound for hell—The schismatic stays there for an eon. Delighting in division and immoral, Barred from sanctuary, Having divided a united Sangha, He boils in hell for an eon.” “But, sir, what’s the consequence of uniting a schismatic sangha?” “Anyone who unites a schismatic sangha generates supreme merit. He rejoices in heaven for an eon.” “Pleasant is unity in the Sangha, And to help the fostering of harmony. Delighting in unity and moral, Not barred from sanctuary, Having united the Sangha, He rejoices in heaven for an eon.”

“Might one who causes a schism in the Sangha be irredeemably destined to an eon in hell?” “He might.”