Buddhist Councils: A Chronological History

Buddhism, a profound spiritual tradition originating in ancient India, has deeply influenced Asia and beyond. Buddhist Councils played a crucial role in preserving and propagating the Buddha’s teachings. These assemblies of monks ensured the teachings were compiled, safeguarded, and standardized. This blog delves into the history of these pivotal councils and their impact on Buddhist tradition.

First Buddhist Council – Preserving the Teachings

Shortly after the Buddha’s passing in 483 BCE, the First Buddhist Council convened at Rajgir (Rajagaha), India. Led by the senior monk Mahakassapa, the council aimed to preserve the Buddha’s Dharma (teachings) and Vinaya (monastic discipline) through oral recitation.

• Purpose: To preserve the Buddha’s teachings and establish the monastic code of conduct. This involved meticulous memorization and recitation of the discourses and rules to ensure accuracy and prevent loss of information in the absence of written records.
• Location: Rajgir (Rajagaha), India, a significant location in Buddhist history as it was the site of many of the Buddha’s teachings and the place where he spent a significant portion of his monastic life.
• Key Figures: Mahakassapa presided, while Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka (discourses) and Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules). These figures played a crucial role in ensuring the accurate transmission of the Buddha’s teachings.
• Outcome: The Buddha’s teachings were categorized into the Sutta Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka, forming the foundation of the Buddhist canon. This categorization laid the groundwork for future study and interpretation of the teachings.

Second Buddhist Council – Addressing Disputes

Approximately a century after the Buddha’s passing, the Second Buddhist Council was held in Vaishali around 383 BCE or 330 BCE. This council addressed disputes concerning monastic discipline, focusing on ten points of contention, including the acceptance of monetary donations by monks.

• Purpose: To resolve disagreements on monastic discipline and ensure the integrity of the Sangha. The discussions aimed to clarify ambiguous points and maintain uniformity in monastic practices.
• Location: Vaishali, another important city in Buddhist history, known as a center of learning and monastic activity during the Buddha’s time.
• Significant Issue: The acceptance of gold and silver (monetary donations) sparked debate regarding the purity of monastic life. This issue reflected differing interpretations of the Buddha’s teachings on detachment and material possessions.
• Result: The council led to the first major schism in Buddhism, resulting in the formation of the Sthaviras (Elders) and the Mahasanghikas (Great Community). This division marked a significant turning point in Buddhist history, leading to the development of different schools of thought and practice.

Third Buddhist Council – Purifying the Sangha

During the 3rd century BCE (around 250 BCE), Emperor Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra (modern-day Patna). Under the leadership of Moggaliputta-Tissa, the council aimed to purify the monastic community of corruption and heretical views.

• Purpose: To purify the Sangha from corrupt practices and reaffirm the orthodox teachings of the Buddha. This involved expelling monks who held heretical views and clarifying doctrinal points to prevent the spread of misinformation.
• Location: Pataliputra (Patna), the capital of the Mauryan Empire under Ashoka, a powerful patron of Buddhism who played a significant role in its spread.
• Key Figure: Moggaliputta-Tissa, a respected elder monk, played a crucial role in leading the council and upholding the integrity of the Buddhist teachings.
• Outcome: The Kathavatthu, a treatise refuting heretical views, was compiled. Missionaries were dispatched to various regions, including Sri Lanka, Kashmir, and Central Asia, contributing to the expansion of Buddhism beyond India.

Fourth Buddhist Council – Writing the Canon

The Fourth Buddhist Council is recognized within two distinct traditions: Theravada and Sarvastivada. The Theravada council, held in Sri Lanka around 29 BCE under the patronage of King Vattagamani Abhaya, committed the Pali Canon to writing for the first time. The Sarvastivada council, held in Kashmir during the 1st century CE under the Kushan king Kanishka, focused on compiling the Mahavibhasa, a commentary on Abhidharma texts.

• Purpose: In the Theravada tradition, the purpose was to preserve the Pali Canon by committing it to writing. In the Sarvastivada tradition, the focus was on compiling commentaries to clarify and elaborate on Abhidharma teachings. Both aimed to ensure the longevity and accessibility of Buddhist teachings.
• Theravada Location: Sri Lanka, where the Theravada school became dominant and played a crucial role in preserving the Pali Canon.
• Sarvastivada Location: Kashmir, a region where the Sarvastivada school flourished and developed its own unique interpretations of Buddhist philosophy.
• Outcome: The preservation of the Pali Canon in written form ensured its survival and transmission through generations. The compilation of the Mahavibhasa provided detailed commentary on Abhidharma, contributing to the development of Buddhist scholasticism.

Fifth Buddhist Council – Verifying the Canon

Convened in Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar), in 1871 by King Mindon Min, the Fifth Buddhist Council aimed to recite and verify the entire Pali Canon. This council also produced the world’s largest book by inscribing the Pali Canon on 729 marble slabs at the Kuthodaw Pagoda.

• Purpose: To reaffirm the authenticity and integrity of the Pali Canon by reciting and verifying it against existing manuscripts. This process ensured the accuracy of the scriptures and reinforced their authority within the Theravada tradition.
• Location: Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar), a major center of Theravada Buddhism and the capital of the Konbaung dynasty.
• Significant Achievement: The inscription of the Pali Canon on 729 marble slabs at Kuthodaw Pagoda stands as a remarkable feat of devotion and scholarship, earning it the title of “world’s largest book.”

Sixth Buddhist Council – International Unity

The Sixth Buddhist Council took place in Rangoon (Yangon), Burma, from 1954 to 1956, sponsored by the Burmese government. This international gathering brought together representatives from eight Theravada Buddhist countries to review and recite the Pali Canon and its commentaries.

• Purpose: To promote unity and collaboration among Theravada Buddhist communities worldwide, while also reviewing and reaffirming the Pali Canon. This council aimed to strengthen international ties and address contemporary challenges facing the Buddhist world.
• Location: Rangoon (Yangon), Burma, chosen as the host city due to its historical significance in Theravada Buddhism and the support of the Burmese government.
• Outcome: The council resulted in the publication of the Chaṭṭha Saṅgāyana (Sixth Recitation), a revised and standardized edition of the Pali Canon, further solidifying its role as the authoritative scripture of Theravada Buddhism.

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Conclusion

The history of Buddhist Councils demonstrates the unwavering commitment of Buddhists to preserve the Buddha’s teachings. Each council, from the initial gathering in Rajgir to the Sixth Council in Rangoon, played a crucial role in navigating challenges and upholding the Dharma’s purity. These councils not only safeguarded the teachings but also fostered a sense of community and tradition among Buddhists worldwide. Through these collective efforts, the wisdom of Buddhism continues to inspire and guide countless individuals across the globe.