Preserving Buddhism: Buddhist Councils & Their Significance

Buddhist Councils were gatherings of Buddhist monks to preserve and clarify teachings after Gautama Buddha’s passing. The councils aimed to codify scriptures, resolve disputes, and maintain doctrinal purity, ensuring the propagation of Buddhism.

Evolution of Buddhism: Insights from the Buddhist Councils

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Special Features of Buddhism

• Triratna: Three main elements (Triratna) in Buddhism: Buddha, Sangha and Dhamma.
• Spread of Buddhism: 
• • Magadha, Kosala, Kausambi, and various republics turned to Buddhism due to Brahmin discrimination, drawn by its perceived liberalism and democracy in contrast to Brahmanism.
  • Emperor Asoka promoted its global spread, particularly in Central Asia, West Asia, and Sri Lanka.
• Sangha, or religious order: 
  • Open to everybody, irrespective of caste and sex. 
  • Initially, only men joined the sangha, but later, it admitted women, facilitated by Ananda.
  • Monks should faithfully observe the rules and regulations of the sangha.
  • Debtors and Slaves were not permitted to be members of the sangha without the permission of their masters/superiors.
• FIrst among All: The first human statues to be worshipped in India were probably those of the Buddha. 
• No Successor: Buddha didn’t name his successor. 
  • He said his teachings would be the guide for his followers.
• Rationality: It promoted rationalism, thus encouraging critical thinking and logic over superstition. 

Conclusion

• Buddhist Councils played a crucial role in preserving and propagating Buddhist teachings, fostering unity among monastic communities, and shaping the development of various Buddhist traditions across different regions and time periods.