The Story of Kosambi Monks
Chapter 1: Twin Verses • Verse 6
There are those who do not realize that one day we all must die. But those who do realize this settle their quarrels.
While residing at the Jetavana Monastery in Savatthi, the Buddha uttered this verse with reference to the monks of Kosambi.
The monks of Kosambi had split into two groups. One group followed the master of Vinaya, and the other followed the teacher of the Dhamma. They began quarreling over a minor Vinaya rule, and the dispute grew intense.
Even the Buddha was unable to stop their quarrel. So he left them and spent the vassa, the rainy-season retreat, alone in the Rakkhita Grove near Parileyyaka forest. There, an elephant named Parileyyaka attended upon the Buddha with great devotion.
When the lay disciples of Kosambi learned that the Buddha had left because of the monks’ quarrel, they refused to make offerings to the remaining monks. This caused the monks to realize their mistake, and they reconciled among themselves.
However, the lay disciples still did not treat them with the same respect as before. They insisted that the monks admit their fault to the Buddha. But since the Buddha was away and it was the middle of the vassa, the monks had to spend the retreat in hardship and discomfort.
At the end of the vassa, Venerable Ananda and many other monks approached the Buddha and conveyed a message from Anathapindika and other lay disciples, respectfully requesting him to return.
In due course, the Buddha returned to the Jetavana Monastery in Savatthi. The monks followed him there, fell at his feet, and confessed their fault.
The Buddha rebuked them for disobeying him. He reminded them that all beings must die one day. Therefore, they should stop quarreling and should not live as though they were never going to die.