AN 2.63 - AN 2.63
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-2_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=79
License: Candana — free distribution, unaltered contents
Copyright © Bhikkhu Candana, 2020, 2026. Free distribution only; do not alter the contents. The original book, including its complete permission notice, accompanies this text.
Candana source labels: 63. Site text ID: AN 2.63.

63. “Bhikkhus, while addressing disciplinary issues, if both parties of Bhikkhus who, although might be seeking a settlement for the matter, yet go on backbiting, slandering, and carrying around tales, back and forth, thereby continuing to point the finger as to who is right and who is wrong, then words become convoluted and contorted beyond recognition, while emotions get hurt, creating an atmosphere where contempt and hatred towards each other keep proliferating, without end in sight.

“And, if this is allowed to drag on without being addressed directly by The Sangha to settle it internally and in a speedy manner, then chaos and disharmony will prevail within The Sangha, and not harmony; fractures will take place, and the Bhikkhus will lose their peace of mind and the security of living within The Sangha.

“On the other hand, Bhikkhus, while addressing disciplinary issues, if both parties of Bhikkhus, while trying to seek a settlement of the matter, do not go on backbiting, slandering and thus stop carrying around tales, back and forth, no longer pointing the finger as to who is right and who is wrong, where words do not get convoluted or contorted beyond recognition, then emotions do not get hurt, and contempt or hatred towards each other stop proliferating.

“Therefore, in having such a stance, the disharmonious situation is not allowed to drag on any further, and is thus addressed directly and handled appropriately by The Sangha internally, and in a speedy manner. As a result, peace and concord will prevail within The Sangha, for there will be unity again; harmony and friendship will take place, and the Bhikkhus will abide with ease in their hearts, within the comfort and security of living in The Sangha.”