(Mv.IX.2.1) [175] Now at that time in Campā, the monks did these sorts of transactions:

They did factional transactions not in accordance with the Dhamma. [2]

They did united transactions not in accordance with the Dhamma .

They did factional transactions in accordance with the Dhamma.

They did factional transactions that were a semblance of Dhamma.

They did united transactions that were a semblance of Dhamma.

One suspended one.

One suspended two.

One suspended many.

One suspended a Saṅgha.

Two suspended one.

Two suspended two.

Two suspended many.

Two suspended a Saṅgha.

Many suspended one.

Many suspended two.

Many suspended many.

Many suspended a Saṅgha.

A Saṅgha suspended a Saṅgha.

(Mv.IX.2.2) Those monks who were modest … criticized and complained and spread it about:

“How can the monks in Campā do these sorts of transactions: They do factional transactions not in accordance with the Dhamma. …

“A Saṅgha suspends a Saṅgha?”

Then the monks reported the matter to the Blessed One.

“Is it true, monks, as they say, that in Campā the monks do these sorts of transactions: They do factional transactions not in accordance with the Dhamma. …

“A Saṅgha suspends a Saṅgha?”

“It’s true, O Blessed One.”

The Buddha, the Blessed One, rebuked them …

Having rebuked him and given a Dhamma talk, he addressed the monks:

(Mv.IX.2.3) [176] “A factional transaction not in accordance with the Dhamma is not a transaction and is not to be done.[3]

“A united transaction not in accordance with the Dhamma is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“A factional transaction in accordance with the Dhamma is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“A factional transaction that is a semblance of the Dhamma is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“A united transaction that is a semblance of the Dhamma is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“One suspends one: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“One suspends two: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“One suspends many: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“One suspends a Saṅgha: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“Two suspend one: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“Two suspend two: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“Two suspend many: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“Two suspend a Saṅgha: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“Many suspend one: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“Many suspend two: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“Many suspend many: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“Many suspend a Saṅgha: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.

“A Saṅgha suspends a Saṅgha: It is not a transaction and is not to be done.[4]

(Mv.IX.2.4) [177] “Monks, there are these four transactions: a factional transaction not in accordance with the Dhamma, a united transaction not in accordance with the Dhamma, a factional transaction in accordance with the Dhamma, a united transaction in accordance with the Dhamma.

“Of these, the factional transaction not in accordance with the Dhamma is — because of its factionality, because of its lack of accordance with the Dhamma — reversible and unfit to stand. Monks, this sort of transaction should not be done, nor is this sort of transaction allowed by me.

“The united transaction not in accordance with the Dhamma is — because of its lack of accordance with the Dhamma[5] — reversible and unfit to stand. Monks, this sort of transaction should not be done, nor is this sort of transaction allowed by me. [6]

“The factional transaction in accordance with the Dhamma is — because of its factionality — reversible and unfit to stand. Monks, this sort of transaction should not be done, nor is this sort of transaction allowed by me.

“The united transaction in accordance with the Dhamma is — because of its unity, because of its accordance with the Dhamma — irreversible and fit to stand. This sort of transaction may be done; this sort of transaction is allowed by me.

“Thus, monks, you should train yourselves: ‘We will do this sort of transaction, i.e., the united transaction in accordance with the Dhamma.’” [7]