Buddhist councils

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Buddhist Councils are significant historical assemblies in the history of Buddhism where monks and scholars gathered to discuss and preserve the teachings of the Buddha. These councils played a crucial role in the development and dissemination of Buddhist doctrine and practice.

First Buddhist Council

The First Buddhist Council was convened shortly after the death of the Buddha, around 400 BCE, in Rajgir, India. It was presided over by Mahakasyapa and attended by 500 arahants. The primary purpose was to recite and agree upon the Buddha's teachings and the Vinaya, the monastic code of conduct. Ananda, the Buddha's cousin and personal attendant, recited the Sutta Pitaka, while Upali recited the Vinaya.

Second Buddhist Council

The Second Buddhist Council took place approximately 100 years after the Buddha's death, around 300 BCE, in Vesali. This council was convened to address disputes regarding monastic discipline and practices. The main issue was the interpretation of certain rules in the Vinaya, leading to a schism between the Sthavira and Mahasanghika schools.

Third Buddhist Council

The Third Buddhist Council was held in Pataliputra (modern-day Patna) during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. It was led by Moggaliputta-Tissa and aimed to purify the Buddhist community of corruption and heretical views. This council also resulted in the compilation of the Abhidhamma Pitaka and the dispatch of missionaries to various regions, spreading Buddhism beyond India.

Fourth Buddhist Council

There were two significant Fourth Buddhist Councils, one in Sri Lanka and the other in Kashmir.

Fourth Buddhist Council (Sri Lanka)

The Fourth Buddhist Council in Sri Lanka was held in the 1st century BCE at Alu Vihara during the reign of King Vattagamani Abhaya. The primary objective was to commit the Pali Canon to writing for the first time, preserving the teachings in the face of potential loss due to political instability.

Fourth Buddhist Council (Kashmir)

The Fourth Buddhist Council in Kashmir was convened by the Kushan king Kanishka in the 1st or 2nd century CE. This council was significant for the development of the Sarvastivada school and the compilation of the Gandharan Buddhist texts.

Fifth Buddhist Council

The Fifth Buddhist Council was held in Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar) in 1871 under the patronage of King Mindon Min. The council aimed to recite and preserve the Pali Canon and resulted in the inscription of the entire Canon on 729 marble slabs, which are now housed at the Kuthodaw Pagoda.

Sixth Buddhist Council

The Sixth Buddhist Council took place in Yangon, Burma, from 1954 to 1956, marking the 2500th anniversary of the Buddha's Parinirvana. It was attended by monks from various countries and aimed to recite and review the Pali Canon, ensuring its accuracy and consistency.

Related Pages

• Buddhism
• Buddha
• Vinaya
• Sutta Pitaka
• Abhidhamma Pitaka
• Pali Canon
• Mahakasyapa
• Ananda
• Upali
• Ashoka
• Moggaliputta-Tissa
• Kanishka
• Sarvastivada
• Gandharan Buddhist texts
• Kuthodaw Pagoda