The Buddhist councils were a series of meetings of Buddhist monks that were held to discuss and debate the teachings of the Buddha. The first three councils were held in India, and the fourth council was held in Kashmir.
First Buddhist Council
The First Buddhist Council was held in Rajgir, India, about 100 years after the Buddha’s death. The council was convened by King Ajatasatru of Magadha, and it was presided over by Mahakasyapa, one of the Buddha’s closest disciples. The purpose of the council was to compile an accurate version of the Buddha’s teachings. The council also decided on the Vinaya, or monastic rules, for the Buddhist sangha, or community of monks.
Second Buddhist Council
The Second Buddhist Council was held in Vaishali, India, about 100 years after the First Buddhist Council. The council was convened by the monk Mahadeva, and it was presided over by Yasa, another of the Buddha’s disciples. The purpose of the council was to address a number of doctrinal disputes that had arisen among the Buddhist sangha. The council also decided on the canon of Buddhist scriptures.
Third Buddhist Council
The Third Buddhist Council was held in Pataliputra, India, about 236 years after the First Buddhist Council. The council was convened by the emperor Ashoka the Great, and it was presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa. The purpose of the council was to unify the Buddhist sangha and to promote the spread of Buddhism. The council also clarified the Buddhist doctrine and established the Theravada school of Buddhism.
Fourth Buddhist Council
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held in Kashmir, India, in 72 CE. The council was convened by the Kushan emperor Kanishka, and it was presided over by Vasumitra and Asvaghosa. The purpose of the council was to systematize the Sarvastivadin Abhidharma texts, which were translated from earlier Prakrit vernacular languages into the classical language of Sanskrit. The council also resulted in the division of Buddhism into two sects, the Mahayana and the Hinayana.
Table of Important Details of the all four Buddhist council
| Council | Date | Location | Convened by | Presiding monk | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Buddhist Council | 483 BCE | Rajgir, India | King Ajatasatru of Magadha | Mahakasyapa | To compile an accurate version of the Buddha’s teachings |
| Second Buddhist Council | 383 BCE | Vaishali, India | Mahadeva | Yasa | To address doctrinal disputes |
| Third Buddhist Council | 250 BCE | Pataliputra, India | Emperor Ashoka the Great | Moggaliputta Tissa | To unify the Buddhist sangha and promote the spread of Buddhism |
| Fourth Buddhist Council | 72 CE | Kashmir, India | Kushan emperor Kanishka | Vasumitra and Asvaghosa | To systematize the Sarvastivadin Abhidharma texts and to divide Buddhism into two sects |
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