Buddhist councils

Buddhist Councils

The Buddhist councils are significant historical assemblies in the history of Buddhism, where monks gathered to recite and preserve the teachings of the Buddha. These councils played a crucial role in the development and transmission of Buddhist doctrine and practice. This article provides a detailed overview of the major Buddhist councils, their historical contexts, and their outcomes.

First Buddhist Council

The First Buddhist Council was convened shortly after the death of Gautama Buddha in 483 BCE. It was held at Rajgir (Rajagaha) in the Magadha region of ancient India. The council was presided over by Mahakasyapa, one of the Buddha's foremost disciples. The primary purpose of this council was to preserve the Buddha's teachings (the Dharma) and the monastic discipline (the Vinaya).

During this council, the teachings were recited and organized into two main collections: the Sutta Pitaka and the Vinaya Pitaka. Ananda, the Buddha's cousin and personal attendant, recited the Sutta Pitaka, while Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka. This oral tradition was crucial for the preservation of the teachings until they were eventually written down.

Second Buddhist Council

The Second Buddhist Council took place approximately 100 years after the first, around 383 BCE, at Vesali. The main issue addressed at this council was a dispute over monastic discipline, specifically concerning the interpretation of certain rules in the Vinaya. The council was convened to resolve these disputes and maintain the unity of the Sangha (the monastic community).

The council concluded with a reaffirmation of the original Vinaya rules, rejecting the more liberal interpretations proposed by some monks. This event is often seen as a precursor to the first schism in the Buddhist community, leading to the formation of different schools of thought.

Third Buddhist Council

The Third Buddhist Council was convened by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE at Pataliputra. The council was led by Moggaliputta-Tissa and aimed to purify the Sangha of corruption and heretical views. During this council, the Abhidhamma Pitaka was added to the Tripitaka, completing the threefold division of the Buddhist canon.

This council also marked the beginning of the Buddhist missionary movement, as Ashoka sent missionaries to various regions, spreading Buddhism beyond the Indian subcontinent.

Fourth Buddhist Council

The Fourth Buddhist Council is recognized differently by various Buddhist traditions. In the Theravada tradition, it was held in Sri Lanka in the 1st century BCE, where the Pali Canon was committed to writing for the first time. In the Mahayana tradition, the Fourth Council is associated with the council held in Kashmir under the patronage of King Kanishka in the 2nd century CE.

The council in Kashmir is noted for the compilation of the Sarvastivada Abhidharma texts and the promotion of Mahayana teachings.

Also see

• Gautama Buddha
• Tripitaka
• Sangha
• Theravada
• Mahayana
• Emperor Ashoka