Buddhist Councils are councils that are held in ancient India by those who have converted to Buddhism. The purpose of these councils was to discuss whatever issues arose related to either preserving or interpreting the teachings of Buddhism, in order to maintain harmony in the Buddhist Fraternity. There have been four Buddhist councils, the first of which was organized by King Ajatashatru of the Haryanka Dynasty during the Magadha Empire in 483 BC. The three other Buddhist councils took place consecutively around 383 BCE, 250 BCE, and 72 AD.
Buddhist Councils is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS exam. It covers a significant part of the Ancient History subject in the General Studies Paper-1 syllabus and UPSC Prelims Syllabus General Studies Paper-1.
This article details all six Buddhist councils and their important texts for the UPSC exam.
You can also register for the Testbook’s flagship optional history coaching for UPSC and kick-start your UPSC IAS preparation journey today.
What are Buddhist Councils?
The Buddhist Council refers to a series of historic Buddhist monks and scholars meetings in ancient India. These councils were called to discuss and settle disputes related to interpreting and implementing Buddhist teachings and preserving and propagating Buddhist scriptures. One key change during the first Buddhist council was the development of two of the oldest Buddhist traditions, the Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist schools. The history of the early Buddha schools has undergone various alterations, including the translation of numerous ancient Buddha sutras and teachings.
List of Buddhist Councils
The Buddhist Councils were significant gatherings of Buddhist monks aimed at preserving and interpreting the Buddha's teachings. These councils were convened in different historical periods and locations. The addressed doctrinal disputes and standardized Buddhist scriptures. Get a quick overview of the list of Buddhist Councils in the table below.
Overview of Buddhist Councils
Buddhist Councils took place after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha for the purposes of preserving, interpreting, and codifying the Buddha's teachings. They were central to the formation of the Tripitakas and the resolution of doctrinal disagreements. Each of the Councils represented an important stage in both the development and dissemination of Buddhist thinking in Asia.
Buddhist Council | Place | Year / Period | Patron (Ruler) | President / Presiding Monk | Main Purpose / Outcomes |
1st Buddhist Council | Rajagriha (Rajgir), Bihar | Around 483 BCE (soon after Buddha’s death) | Ajatashatru (Magadha ruler) | Mahakassapa (Maha Kashyapa) | - To preserve Buddha’s teachings (Dhamma) and monastic rules (Vinaya). - Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka (teachings). - Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka (discipline). |
2nd Buddhist Council | Vaishali, Bihar | Around 383 BCE (100 years after Buddha’s death) | Kalashoka (Shishunaga dynasty) | Sabbakami (Sabakami Thera) | - To settle disputes regarding monastic discipline (Vinaya). - Division arose between Sthaviras and Mahasanghikas — the first schism in Buddhism. |
3rd Buddhist Council | Pataliputra (Patna), Bihar | Around 250 BCE | Emperor Ashoka (Maurya dynasty) | Moggaliputta Tissa (Moggaliputta Thera) | - To purify the Sangha by expelling heretics. - Compilation of the Abhidhamma Pitaka. - Spread of Buddhism beyond India (e.g., Sri Lanka, Burma, etc.) through missionaries sent by Ashoka. |
4th Buddhist Council (Theravada Tradition) | Tambapanni / Sri Lanka (Matale or Anuradhapura) | Around 1st century BCE | King Vattagamani Abhaya | Maha Thera Rakkhita / Moggaliputta Tissa | - Writing down of Tipitaka (Pali Canon) for the first time on palm leaves. - Preservation of Theravada Buddhism in written form. |
4th Buddhist Council (Mahayana Tradition) | Kundalavana (Kashmir) | Around 1st–2nd century CE | Kanishka (Kushan ruler) | Vasumitra (President) and Ashvaghosha (Vice-President) | - Division between Hinayana and Mahayana schools became clear. - Compilation of Sarvastivada Abhidharma texts in Sanskrit. - Promotion of Mahayana doctrines and philosophy. |
First Buddhist Council (483 B.C.)
The First Buddhist Council was held in 483 B.C., immediately after the Mahaparinirvana of Lord Buddha, to preserve the purity of his teachings. Senior disciples such as Ananda and Upali played a major role—Ananda recited the Dhamma (Sutta Pitaka), and Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka.
- Venue: Rajagriha (Modern Bihar)
- Patronage: King Ajatashatru (Haryanka Dynasty)
- President: Mahakasyapa
- Objective: To maintain the purity of the Buddha’s teachings and ensure their preservation through oral recitation.
- Outcome:
- Vinaya Pitaka: Compiled under Upali’s direction; deals with rules and regulations for the monastic order (Sangha).
- Sutta Pitaka: Compiled under Ananda’s supervision; contains the discourses and sermons of the Buddha.
This council was crucial in establishing the oral canon of Buddhism and laid the foundation of the Tripitaka.
Also, check out the article on Cave Architecture In Ancient India with this link!
Second Buddhist Council (383 B.C.)
The Second Buddhist Council was convened mainly to settle disputes about the true interpretation of the Buddha’s teachings. The main issue discussed was the ‘Ten Points’ dispute—certain monks of Vaishali had adopted relaxed monastic practices that were opposed by others.
The Ten Contentious Points were:
- Storing salt in a horn
- Eating after midday
- Eating once and then going again for alms
- Holding Uposatha ceremonies with monks of the same locality
- Conducting official acts with incomplete assemblies
- Following practices simply because one’s teacher did so
- Drinking sour milk after meals
- Consuming strong drink before fermentation
- Using rugs of improper size
- Accepting gold and silver
- Venue: Vaishali (Bihar)
- Patronage: King Kalasoka (Shishunaga Dynasty)
- President: Sabakami
- Objective: To restore discipline and settle interpretative disputes within the Sangha.
- Outcome:
- Led to the first schism in Buddhism.
- Emergence of two sects:
- Sthaviravadins (Elders): Advocated strict adherence to original monastic rules.
- Mahasamghikas: Favored a liberal approach toward discipline and doctrine.
Third Buddhist Council (247 B.C.)
The Third Buddhist Council was convened by Emperor Ashoka at the request of Venerable Moggaliputta Tissa to purify the Sangha and eliminate corruption. It was held at Pataliputra (modern Patna).
- Venue: Pataliputra (Patna)
- Patronage: Emperor Ashoka (Maurya Dynasty)
- President: Moggaliputta Tissa
- Objective: To eliminate corrupt monks and heretical teachings from the Sangha.
- Outcome:
- The Sangha was purged of heretics and false monks.
- The Tripitaka was finalized with the inclusion of the Abhidhamma Pitaka, which focused on the philosophical aspects of Buddha’s teachings.
- Kathavattu, composed by Moggaliputta Tissa, refuted false doctrines of various sects.
- The approved doctrine was termed Theravada.
- Emperor Ashoka dispatched Dhamma missions led by learned monks to propagate Buddhism in different parts of Asia.
Major Dhamma Missions:
- Majjhantika Thera: Kashmir and Gandhara
- Mahadeva Thera: Mahisamandala (Mysore)
- Rakkhita Thera: Vanavasi (South India)
- Yonaka Dhamma Rakkhita Thera: Aparantaka (Gujarat)
- Mahadhamma Rakkhita Thera: Maharattha (Maharashtra)
- Maha Rakkhita Thera: Yonakaloka (Greece)
- Majjhima Thera: Himalayan region
- Sona and Uttara Theras: Suvannabhumi (Burma)
- Mahinda Thera: Tambapannidipa (Sri Lanka)
The Third Council thus marked the global expansion of Buddhism and the formal establishment of Theravada Buddhism.
Fourth Buddhist Council (72 A.D.)
The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened under the patronage of King Kanishka of the Kushan Dynasty, on the advice of the monk Parsva. It is noted for the formal split between Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism due to doctrinal differences.
- Venue: Kashmir
- Patronage: King Kanishka (Kushan Empire)
- President: Vasumitra
- Distinguished Participants: Asvaghosa (Buddhist scholar and philosopher)
- Objective: To compile, interpret, and systematize the Buddhist teachings and address emerging philosophical questions.
- Outcome:
- Doctrinal division into Hinayana (Lesser Vehicle) and Mahayana (Greater Vehicle) schools.
- Compilation of the Vibhasha Sastras, which contained commentaries and discussions on complex Buddhist doctrines.
- Strengthening of Mahayana philosophy and literary tradition
Fifth Buddhist Council (1871 A.D.)
The Fifth Buddhist Council was largely a Burmese event, held under the patronage of King Mindon of Burma (Myanmar). Other Buddhist countries did not participate, making it a regional affair.
- Venue: Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar)
- Patronage: King Mindon
- Objective: To verify and preserve the original Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism.
- Outcome:
- The Tripitaka was engraved on 729 marble slabs in Burmese script to ensure permanence.
- The council lasted five months and was attended by 2,400 monks.
- Although regionally confined, it showcased Burma’s commitment to Buddhist preservation.
Sixth Buddhist Council (1954 A.D.)
The Sixth Buddhist Council was convened in Burma (Myanmar) at Kaba Aye, Yangon, to commemorate 2,500 years of Buddhism. It was organized by Prime Minister U Nu and presided over by Venerable Abhidhaja Mahāraha Guru Bhadanta Revata.
- Venue: Kaba Aye, Yangon (Rangoon)
- Patronage: Prime Minister U Nu
- Objective: To preserve and authenticate the Buddha’s teachings in the Theravada tradition.
- Outcome:
- Attended by 2,500 monks from Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Burma, and other countries.
- The entire Pali Canon was recited and reviewed for accuracy.
- It reaffirmed doctrinal purity and promoted unity among Theravada Buddhist nations.
Know more about the difference between Jainism and Buddhism!
Important Buddhist Texts
Buddhist texts are essential for understanding the teachings, philosophy, culture, and history of Buddhism. These texts, written in various languages, formed the backbone of Buddhist practice and doctrinal development.
- Tripitaka (Pali Canon): These are the foundational scriptures of Theravada Buddhism. They comprise three "baskets" of teachings: rules for monastic life (Vinaya Pitaka), discourses of the Buddha (Sutta Pitaka), and philosophical analysis (Abhidhamma Pitaka).
- Dhammapada: This is a collection of the Buddha's sayings in the style of verse that concerns ethics and mental development. It is included in the Sutta Pitaka, and is among the most quoted and respected texts in Buddhism.
- Jataka Tales: These are stories about the Buddha's previous lives. These tales often contain lessons in morals and virtues such as compassion, patience, and wisdom.
- Lotus Sutra: An important Mahayana sutra that highlights the concept of the Buddha's eternal nature. It emphasizes the potential for all beings to attain Buddhahood. It is known for the parable of the burning house.
- Heart Sutra: One of the most famous Mahayana texts, it distills the essence of Prajnaparamita (Perfection of Wisdom) literature. It emphasizes the concept of "emptiness" (śūnyatā) and the non-dual nature of reality.
- Diamond Sutra: Alternatively, this other important work in the Prajnaparamita tradition is concerned with perception and the cultivation of non-attachment. It focuses on the importance of recognizing the emptiness of all phenomena.
- Kangyur: The Tibetan Buddhist canon, consisting of texts attributed directly to the Buddha, including sutras and tantras. It is an extensive collection of teachings translated into Tibetan.
- Tengyur: A companion to the Kangyur, it includes commentaries and treatises by Indian and Tibetan scholars on the teachings found in the Kangyur.
- Bardo Thodol (Tibetan Book of the Dead): A Tibetan text guiding the consciousness of the deceased through the intermediate state (bardo) between death and rebirth. It provides instructions for recognizing and navigating visions and experiences after death.
- Blue Cliff Record: A collection of Zen Buddhist koans (paradoxical anecdotes or riddles) with commentaries. It is used as a training tool to provoke deep insight and realization in Zen practitioners.
- The Gateless Gate: This is another collection of Zen koans. It presents challenging questions and cases to aid in the practice of meditation and the realization of enlightenment.
- Shōbōgenzō: This was written by the Japanese Zen master Dogen. This text explores profound philosophical and practical aspects of Zen practice and Buddhist teachings.
- Amitabha Sutra: This is a central text in Pure Land Buddhism. It describes the glories of the Western Pure Land and the vows of Amitabha Buddha to save all sentient beings who call upon his name.
- Infinite Life Sutra: Another key Pure Land text, detailing the cosmic Buddha Amitabha and his vows. It establishes the conditions for rebirth in the Pure Land for those who practice faith and devotion.
- Visuddhimagga (Path of Purification): A comprehensive manual on Theravada Buddhist meditation and practice, written by the scholar Buddhaghosa. It systematically outlines the path to purification through virtue, concentration, and wisdom.
Know more about Mahayana Buddhism!
Spread of Buddhism
Buddhism originated in India in the 6th century BCE. It spread rapidly throughout Asia over the next few centuries. The spread of Buddhism was facilitated by many factors, including:
- The travels of Buddhist monks who carried the teachings of the Buddha to new lands.
- The patronage of rulers, who supported the construction of Buddhist monasteries and temples.
- The appeal of Buddhism's message of peace and compassion. This resonated with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
- Buddhism eventually spread to all of Asia, as well as to parts of Europe and Africa. It is now one of the world's major religions, with over 500 million followers.
Know more about Buddhist Literature!
Decline of Buddhism
The decline of Buddhism in India began in the 12th century CE when the region was invaded by Muslim armies. Many Buddhist monasteries and temples were destroyed. Many monks were killed or forced to flee. The decline of Buddhism continued in the following centuries. By the 19th century, Buddhism had almost disappeared from India.
There are a number of factors that contributed to the decline of Buddhism in India. These include:
- The rise of Hinduism and Islam, which competed with Buddhism for followers.
- The invasion of Muslim armies destroyed many Buddhist monasteries and temples.
- The decline of trade and commerce led to a decrease in the number of travelers who could spread the teachings of Buddhism.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
Download the Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers with Answers PDF |
UPSC Previous Years QuestionsUPSC Prelims 2013 The Third Buddhist Council was held in the reign of 2008 The first Buddhist council was held at 2001 Who among the following presided over the Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka at Kashmir? UPSC Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1) 2019 (GS Paper 1) 2018 (GS Paper 1) |
Each Buddhist Council served to preserve, clarify, and propagate the teachings of the Buddha. While the early councils focused on maintaining doctrinal purity, the later ones symbolized the global spread and consolidation of Buddhism as a living spiritual tradition that has flourished for over 2,500 years.
Testbook is a leading product in terms of quality, such as live testing, mockeries, content pages, GK, current affairs videos, and more. Download the Testbook App to Explore More UPSC Ancient History Subjects!
