Jain And Buddhist Councils
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EXAMIVERSE
Buddhist Councils
Overview
Buddhist councils were convened soon after the Buddha’s parinirvāṇa and at later key junctures to recite the Tipiṭaka (three baskets), settle disciplinary disputes, and codify new texts such as the Abhidhamma.
Major Buddhist Councils
| Council | Date | Location | Presided By | Key Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Buddhist Council | 483 BCE | Rajagriha (Rajgir) | Mahākāśyapa | Ananda recited Sutta Pitaka; Upāli recited Vinaya Pitaka; preserved minor rules. |
| Second Buddhist Council | 383 BCE | Vaiśālī (Vaishali) | Śabakami | Resolved “Ten Points” dispute; led to Sthaviravadins vs. Mahāsāṃghikas split. |
| Third Buddhist Council | 250 BCE | Pāṭaliputra | Moggalliputta Tissa | Purged Sangha of heretics; compiled Abhidhamma Pitaka; launched missions abroad. |
| Fourth Buddhist Council | 72 CE | Kuṇḍalavana (Kashmir) | Vasumitra & Aśvaghoṣa | Translated Pāli texts into Sanskrit; formalized Mahāyāna literature. |