3.4 Early Buddhist Schools and Councils

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: The teachings and doctrines of the Buddha that outline the path to enlightenment and guide ethical conduct.

Nirvana: The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the state of liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, achieved through enlightenment.

Sangha: The community of monks, nuns, and lay followers who practice Buddhism and support each other in their spiritual journey.

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.

Buddhism: A spiritual tradition founded on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, which encompasses various schools and practices aimed at achieving enlightenment.

Pali Canon: The scriptures of Theravada Buddhism, containing the teachings of the Buddha, monastic rules, and philosophical texts in the Pali language.

Meditation: A key practice in Theravada Buddhism that involves focused mental training aimed at developing mindfulness, concentration, and insight.

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.

Bodhisattva: A being who has attained enlightenment but delays their entry into Nirvana to help others achieve enlightenment.

Sutra: A sacred text in Buddhism that records the teachings of the Buddha and other important figures in Mahayana Buddhism.

Zen Buddhism: A school within Mahayana that emphasizes meditation (zazen) as a means to attain enlightenment and experience reality directly.

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.

Sutras: The Sutras are teachings attributed to the Buddha that cover various aspects of doctrine, ethics, and practice, complementing the Vinaya in guiding the lives of Buddhists.

Buddhist Councils: These are gatherings of monks aimed at reciting, clarifying, and preserving the teachings of Buddhism, including discussions on the Vinaya and its application within different schools.

Monasticism: Monasticism in Buddhism refers to a lifestyle characterized by renunciation and commitment to a life of meditation and ethical living, primarily governed by the rules found in the Vinaya.

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.

First Buddhist Council: The First Buddhist Council was held shortly after the death of the Buddha in 483 BCE, with the purpose of preserving his teachings and establishing a unified monastic order.

Sangha: The Sangha refers to the community of monks and nuns in Buddhism who follow the teachings of the Buddha and uphold monastic discipline.

Theravada Buddhism: Theravada Buddhism is one of the oldest surviving schools of Buddhism that emphasizes adherence to the original teachings of the Buddha and places a strong focus on individual enlightenment.

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).

Vinaya: The section of the Pali Canon that outlines the rules and regulations governing the monastic community.

Sutta: A collection of discourses attributed to the Buddha, which form a significant part of the Sutta Pitaka within the Pali Canon.

Abhidhamma: The portion of the Pali Canon that provides a systematic analysis of Buddhist doctrine and philosophy.

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.

Pali Canon: The Pali Canon is another name for the Tripitaka, emphasizing its origins in the Pali language and its significance in Theravada Buddhism.

Sutras: Sutras are a category of texts within the Tripitaka that contain discourses attributed to the Buddha, detailing his teachings and philosophy.

Buddhist Councils: Buddhist Councils are gatherings of monks that were convened to preserve and standardize the teachings found in the Tripitaka, addressing various interpretations and practices over time.

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.

Karma: Karma is the law of cause and effect in which a person's actions influence their future circumstances, creating a moral balance that is essential to understanding dharma.

Samsara: Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Hinduism and Buddhism, where adherence to dharma can influence one's journey through this cycle.

Varna: Varna is the classification system of society in Hinduism, which includes four main categories (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras) that help determine an individual's specific dharma.

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.

Buddha: The title given to Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, who attained enlightenment and shared his insights to help others achieve liberation from suffering.

Dharma: The teachings and doctrines of the Buddha, which guide practitioners on the path toward enlightenment and help them understand the nature of reality.

Vinaya: The code of monastic discipline that governs the behavior and practices of monks and nuns in the Buddhist tradition, ensuring a harmonious and supportive community.