AN 3.124 - Bhaṇḍana Sutta (Quarrelling)
Translated by Bhikkhu Candana
Source: https://www.mindreleased.com/s/Book-3_Anguttara-Nikya-A-New-Translation.pdf#page=252
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: 123. Site text ID: AN 3.124.

123. Bhaṇḍana Sutta (Quarrelling) Bhikkhus, wherever Bhikkhus quarrel, fight and viciously argue, throwing verbal daggers at each other, I always find that place displeasing and undeserving to turn My attention to, let alone to spend any time there. Thus, I conclude:

‘Indeed, these venerable ones have given up three things, and instead have taken up these other three things.’

And what are the three things they have given up?

They have really given up thoughts of renunciation; thoughts of good-will towards each other; and thoughts of consideration or the ability to remain empathetic. These are the three things they have given up.

And what are those three things, which they have taken up instead?

Thoughts of sensual lust; thoughts of ill will; and thoughts of harming or being apathetic towards each other. These are the three things they have instead taken up and immersed themselves in.

Thus, Bhikkhus, wherever Bhikkhus quarrel, fight and viciously argue, throwing verbal daggers at each other, I always find that place displeasing and undeserving to turn My attention to, let alone to spend any time there. Thus, I conclude:

‘Indeed, these venerable ones have given up three things, and instead have taken up these other three things.’

On the other hand, Bhikkhus, wherever Bhikkhus are united, delighting in each other’s company, and living harmoniously together without disputing, blending like milk and water, as they look at each other with kindly and considerate eyes, I find that place quite pleasing to turn My attention to, which is why I go and spend my time there.

Thus, in thinking about them, I conclude:

‘Indeed, these venerable ones have given up three things, while taking up and cultivating these other three things.’

And what three things have they given up?

Thoughts of sensual lust; thoughts of ill will; and thoughts of harming or being apathetic towards each other. These are the three things they have given up.

And what three things have they taken up instead?

Non-sensual thoughts; thoughts of good-will; and considerate or empathetic thoughts of non-harm towards each other. These are the three things they have taken up and cultivated.

Thus, Bhikkhus, wherever Bhikkhus are united, delighting in each other’s company, and living harmoniously together without disputing, blending like milk and water, as they look at each other with kindly and considerate eyes, I find that place quite pleasing to turn My attention to, which is why I go and spend my time there.

And, in thinking about them, I conclude:

‘Indeed, these venerable ones have given up three things, while taking up and cultivating these other three things.’