Second Buddhist Council

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Buddhist Council was convened in Vaishali and was primarily concerned with correcting perceived laxities in monastic discipline.
2. It is estimated that around 700 monks participated in this council, representing various regions within the Buddhist community.
3. The council resulted in a split among monks, leading to the formation of different sects, including the Mahasanghika school, which held differing views on monastic rules.
4. The outcome of this council helped establish a framework for subsequent councils and debates within Buddhism, influencing its development for centuries.
5. The Second Buddhist Council emphasized the importance of maintaining strict adherence to monastic codes, which continues to be a significant aspect of many Buddhist traditions today.

Review Questions

• What were the main issues addressed during the Second Buddhist Council, and how did they reflect broader concerns within the early Buddhist community?
  • The main issues addressed during the Second Buddhist Council revolved around disputes over monastic discipline and doctrinal purity. These concerns reflected a growing divide within the early Buddhist community regarding how strictly to adhere to the Buddha's teachings and rules. The council aimed to reinforce these practices, indicating that as Buddhism spread, variations in interpretation and practice began to emerge, necessitating a formal discussion to maintain unity.
• Analyze how the decisions made during the Second Buddhist Council contributed to the development of different sects within Buddhism.
  • The decisions made during the Second Buddhist Council were pivotal in shaping the direction of Buddhism by highlighting disagreements over monastic rules and interpretations of doctrine. The council's outcome led to a schism among monks, most notably giving rise to schools like the Mahasanghika, which diverged from others on key issues. This division illustrates how early councils not only sought unity but inadvertently laid the groundwork for diverse interpretations and practices that characterize Buddhism today.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the Second Buddhist Council in relation to modern Buddhist practices and communities.
  • The long-term significance of the Second Buddhist Council lies in its foundational role in establishing essential principles regarding monastic discipline that continue to resonate in modern Buddhist practices. The council's focus on strict adherence to rules influenced subsequent councils and has led to ongoing discussions about orthodoxy within various Buddhist traditions. As contemporary Buddhists navigate their beliefs and practices, they often reflect on these early councils' decisions, illustrating how historical events continue to shape religious identity and community dynamics in Buddhism today.

Related terms

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.