Buddhist Council

Definition

A Buddhist Council is a gathering of monks and scholars in the Buddhist tradition convened to discuss, clarify, and establish the teachings and practices of Buddhism. These councils are significant for preserving the Buddha's teachings, resolving doctrinal disputes, and determining the canon of scriptures, thus playing a crucial role in shaping the development and unity of Buddhism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The First Buddhist Council was held around 483 BCE in Rajgir, India, under King Ajatashatru's patronage, shortly after the Buddha's death.
2. During the First Council, prominent disciples like Ananda and Upali played key roles in reciting the Buddha's discourses and monastic rules.
3. Subsequent councils have been held throughout history, including the Second Council (around 383 BCE) which addressed issues of monastic discipline and doctrinal disputes.
4. The Fourth Buddhist Council took place in 250 BCE under Emperor Ashoka, which led to the compilation of the Pali Canon and spread Buddhism across Asia.
5. Buddhist Councils have been crucial in addressing schisms within the tradition, often resulting in different schools of thought within Buddhism, such as Theravada and Mahayana.

Review Questions

• What were the main objectives of the First Buddhist Council held shortly after the Buddha's death?
  • The First Buddhist Council aimed to preserve the teachings of the Buddha through collective recitation by his most trusted disciples. Key figures like Ananda recited discourses while Upali focused on monastic rules. This gathering established a foundational canon that ensured the integrity of Buddhist teachings for future generations.
• How did subsequent Buddhist Councils contribute to the development and preservation of Buddhism as a major world religion?
  • Subsequent Buddhist Councils played a pivotal role in addressing doctrinal disputes and schisms that emerged over time. By clarifying teachings, updating monastic rules, and compiling scriptures like the Pali Canon during the Fourth Council, these gatherings helped maintain a unified approach to Buddhist practice. They also facilitated the spread of Buddhism beyond India, adapting to diverse cultures while preserving core teachings.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Fourth Buddhist Council influenced the global spread of Buddhism during Emperor Ashoka's reign.
  • The Fourth Buddhist Council significantly impacted Buddhism's global spread by compiling essential texts into the Pali Canon, providing a coherent framework for practice. Under Emperor Ashoka's patronage, this council not only solidified foundational teachings but also actively promoted Buddhism throughout Asia via missionaries. As a result, these efforts led to Buddhism establishing roots in various cultures while fostering dialogue among different traditions, ultimately contributing to its status as a major world religion.

Related terms

Sangha: The community of monks and nuns in Buddhism who uphold and practice the teachings of the Buddha.

Tripitaka: The traditional scriptures of Buddhism, also known as the Pali Canon, which is divided into three baskets: Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

First Council: The first gathering of Buddhist monks held shortly after the death of the Buddha, aimed at reciting and preserving his teachings.