Glossary

3.4 Early Buddhist Schools and Councils

3 min read•august 7, 2024

Early Buddhist councils shaped the development of different schools and traditions. The First Council preserved the 's teachings, while the Second Council led to a schism between conservative and liberal monks, giving rise to and Buddhism.

These early developments laid the foundation for Buddhism's diverse forms. Theravada emphasizes individual liberation, while Mahayana focuses on the bodhisattva path. Both schools share core teachings but differ in their approach to practice and interpretation.

Buddhist Councils

The First Buddhist Council

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  • Held shortly after the Buddha's death (parinirvana) in 483 BCE in Rajagriha, India
  • Presided over by Mahakasyapa, one of the Buddha's chief disciples
  • Purpose was to recite and agree upon the Buddha's teachings (suttas) and the monastic rules ()
    • Ananda, the Buddha's attendant, recited the suttas
    • Upali, another disciple, recited the Vinaya
  • Helped to ensure the preservation and continuity of the Buddha's teachings after his death

The Second Buddhist Council and Schism

  • Held approximately 100 years after the Buddha's death in Vaishali, India
  • Convened to discuss and resolve disputes over monastic rules and practices
    • Some monks wanted to relax certain rules (such as accepting gold and silver)
    • Conservative monks opposed these changes, insisting on strict adherence to the original Vinaya
  • Disagreements at the council led to the first major schism in the Buddhist community
    • The conservative monks formed the Sthaviravada (later known as Theravada) school
    • The more liberal monks formed the Mahasanghika school, which eventually gave rise to Mahayana Buddhism
  • This schism marked the beginning of the development of different Buddhist schools and traditions

Major Buddhist Schools

Theravada Buddhism

  • Theravada means "The School of the Elders" or "The Ancient Teaching"
  • Emerged from the Sthaviravada school after the
  • Emphasizes the importance of individual liberation through one's own efforts
    • Follows the path of the arhat, a fully enlightened being who has eradicated all defilements
  • Predominant form of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos
  • Relies primarily on the , the earliest surviving record of the Buddha's teachings

Mahayana Buddhism

  • Mahayana means "The Great Vehicle" or "The Bodhisattva Path"
  • Developed from the Mahasanghika school and other early Buddhist schools
  • Emphasizes the bodhisattva ideal, the aspiration to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings
    • Bodhisattvas postpone their own final liberation to help others on the path
  • Incorporates a wider range of teachings, texts, and practices compared to Theravada
    • Includes the Prajnaparamita sutras, the Lotus Sutra, and the Pure Land sutras
  • Spread to China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Tibet, adapting to local cultures and traditions

Key Buddhist Concepts

The Tripitaka

  • The ("Three Baskets") is the traditional collection of the Buddha's teachings
  • Consists of three main divisions:
    1. Vinaya Pitaka: The collection of monastic rules and regulations governing the conduct of monks and nuns
    2. Sutta Pitaka: The collection of the Buddha's discourses and dialogues on various aspects of the
    3. Abhidhamma Pitaka: The collection of philosophical and psychological analyses of the Buddha's teachings
  • Different Buddhist schools have their own versions of the Tripitaka (e.g., the Pali Canon in Theravada and the Chinese Buddhist Canon in Mahayana)
  • Studying and reciting the Tripitaka is an essential practice for monastics and lay Buddhists alike

The Sangha

  • The is the community of Buddhist practitioners, particularly the monastic order of monks and nuns
  • One of the Three Jewels or Three Refuges in Buddhism, along with the Buddha and the Dharma
  • Plays a crucial role in preserving, practicing, and transmitting the Buddha's teachings
    • Monastics dedicate their lives to studying, meditating, and teaching the Dharma
    • Lay Buddhists support the Sangha through offerings (dana) and receive guidance and teachings in return
  • The Sangha provides a spiritual and social support system for Buddhists, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose
  • Different Buddhist schools have their own lineages and traditions of monastic ordination and practice (e.g., the Theravada Sangha and the Mahayana Sangha)

Key Terms to Review (16)

Abhidharma: Abhidharma is a key component of Buddhist literature that elaborates on the teachings of the Buddha, focusing on the philosophical and psychological aspects of Buddhism. It serves as a systematic analysis of Buddhist doctrine, presenting detailed discussions on the nature of reality, mental processes, and the path to enlightenment. As early Buddhist schools developed, the Abhidharma texts provided deeper insights into key concepts such as karma, rebirth, and the nature of consciousness, contributing to varied interpretations within Buddhism.
Ashoka: Ashoka was a powerful Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled from approximately 268 to 232 BCE and is best known for his significant role in the spread of Buddhism. After a transformative experience during the Kalinga War, he adopted non-violence and became a patron of Buddhism, promoting its teachings through inscriptions and public works. His reign marked a turning point for Buddhism as it transitioned from a localized faith to an influential religion across Asia.
Buddha: The term 'Buddha' means 'the awakened one' and refers to Siddhartha Gautama, who attained enlightenment and founded Buddhism in the 5th century BCE. His teachings, aimed at alleviating suffering and achieving spiritual awakening, form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy and practice, influencing various aspects of culture, thought, and community over time.
Dharma: Dharma refers to the moral law and duty that governs individual conduct and societal order in Hinduism and Buddhism. It encompasses a range of meanings, including righteousness, ethical behavior, and one's responsibilities based on their social class and stage of life. Understanding dharma is crucial for grasping the historical development, rituals, ethical teachings, and sacred texts within these religions.
Divergence: Divergence refers to the process through which different interpretations, practices, or beliefs emerge within a religious tradition. In the context of early Buddhist schools and councils, divergence highlights how various sects developed distinct views on key teachings, practices, and texts over time, leading to the formation of multiple branches within Buddhism.
Eightfold Path: The Eightfold Path is a core concept in Buddhism that outlines the practical steps one must take to achieve enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It serves as a guide for ethical and mental development with the ultimate goal of reaching Nirvana, connecting closely to the Four Noble Truths, which frame the context of human suffering and its cessation. This path is essential to understanding Buddhist teachings and has influenced various early Buddhist schools and councils throughout history.
First Buddhist Council: The First Buddhist Council was a pivotal gathering of Buddhist monks that took place around 483 BCE shortly after the death of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. This council aimed to preserve and codify the teachings and monastic rules of Buddhism, marking a significant moment in the establishment of early Buddhist traditions and the formation of early schools.
Four Noble Truths: The Four Noble Truths are the foundational teachings of Buddhism that outline the nature of suffering and the path to overcoming it. They serve as a framework for understanding human existence, emphasizing that suffering is inherent in life, its cause is attachment and desire, there is a possibility of liberation from suffering, and that following the Eightfold Path leads to enlightenment. These truths connect deeply to the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, and have influenced various schools of Buddhist thought throughout history.
Mahayana: Mahayana is one of the two main branches of Buddhism, characterized by its inclusive approach and emphasis on the concept of the Bodhisattva, a being who seeks enlightenment not only for themselves but also for the sake of all sentient beings. This tradition is rich in diverse teachings and practices, with a focus on compassion and the potential for everyone to achieve Buddhahood. Its teachings are often linked to core Buddhist principles such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, and it plays a significant role in the history and development of early Buddhist schools and councils, as well as in the spread of Buddhism across different cultures.
Pali Canon: The Pali Canon, also known as the Tipitaka, is the primary scripture of Theravada Buddhism, containing the teachings of the Buddha as well as the rules for monastic discipline. It serves as a foundational text for understanding early Buddhist doctrine and practices, reflecting the diverse teachings and philosophical ideas that emerged during and after the life of the Buddha. The Pali Canon is divided into three main sections: the Vinaya Pitaka (rules for monastic life), the Sutta Pitaka (Buddha's discourses), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical and doctrinal analysis).
Sangha: Sangha refers to the community of monks, nuns, and laypeople who follow the teachings of the Buddha and support one another in their spiritual practice. This community plays a crucial role in preserving Buddhist teachings and practices, as well as providing a supportive environment for individuals seeking enlightenment. Sangha is often considered one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism, alongside the Buddha and Dharma, highlighting its foundational importance in the tradition.
Second Buddhist Council: The Second Buddhist Council was a significant event that took place around 383 BCE, aimed at addressing disputes over monastic discipline and doctrinal purity within the Buddhist community. This council represented an important step in the evolution of Buddhism as it helped solidify the teachings and practices among different schools and paved the way for the emergence of early sects. The decisions made during this council had lasting impacts on the organization of the monastic community and the development of various Buddhist traditions.
Sectarianism: Sectarianism refers to the division and conflict that arises between different groups within a religion or between various religious traditions. It often manifests as hostility or discrimination against those perceived to belong to different sects, leading to fragmentation within communities and sometimes violent confrontations. In the context of religious development, sectarianism can shape the evolution of belief systems and practices, influencing how groups establish their identity and maintain their beliefs.
Theravada: Theravada is one of the oldest branches of Buddhism, often referred to as the 'Teaching of the Elders.' It focuses on the original teachings of the Buddha and emphasizes individual enlightenment through personal meditation and ethical conduct. This tradition has a strong connection to the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, providing a framework for understanding suffering and the path to liberation, and has significantly influenced early Buddhist schools and the spread of Buddhism throughout Southeast Asia.
Tripitaka: The Tripitaka, also known as the Pali Canon, is the traditional scriptures of Buddhism, consisting of three 'baskets' (pitaka) that encompass the teachings of the Buddha. This extensive collection serves as a foundational text for various Buddhist traditions and plays a crucial role in understanding core concepts like the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, as well as the historical development of Buddhist schools and their councils. Its influence extends beyond textual doctrine, impacting the spread of Buddhism and its cultural adaptations across different regions.
Vinaya: Vinaya refers to the regulatory framework for the monastic community in Buddhism, comprising rules and guidelines designed to govern the conduct and discipline of monks and nuns. It plays a crucial role in preserving the integrity of the monastic order, shaping the daily lives of practitioners, and ensuring that they adhere to the teachings of the Buddha. The Vinaya is a foundational text that informs various early Buddhist schools and their councils as they established their practices and beliefs.
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