Question

The venue of the Second Buddhist Council was held at ______
1. Vaisali
2. Rajagriha
3. Patliputra
4. Kashmir

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Vaisali

The correct answer is Vaishali.

• The Second Buddhist council took place at Vaishali approximately one hundred years after the Buddha's parinirvaṇa.
• The Second Council resulted in the first schism in the Sangha, probably caused by a group of rigorist reformists called Sthaviras who split from the majority Mahasaṃghikas.
•  After unsuccessfully trying to modify the Vinaya, a small group of "elderly members", broke away from the majority Mahasaṃghika during the Second Buddhist council, giving rise to the Sthavira sect.

• Buddhist Councils marked important turning points in early Buddhism.
• These councils resulted in sectarian clashes and the eventual Great Schism that resulted in the two major schools, Theravada and Mahayana.
• In total, 4 major Buddhist councils were convened:
• First Council-
  • It was held soon after the Mahaparinirvan of the Buddha, around 483 BC under the patronage of King Ajatshatru, and was presided by Mahakasyapa, a monk.
  • The council was held in the Sattapani cave at Rajgriha.
  • The council was held with the purpose of preserving Buddha’s teachings (Sutta) and rules for disciples.
  • The teachings of Buddha were divided into three Pitakas i.e Sutta Pitaka, Vinaya Pitaka, and Abbhidhdham Pitaka.

 

• Third Council-
  • It was held in 250 BC in Patliputra under the patronage of Ashoka and was presided by Moggaliputta Tissa.
• Forth Council
  • It was held in 72 AD at Kundalvana, Kashmir.
  • It was presided by Vasumitra, while Asvaghosa was his deputy under the patronage of King Kanishka of the Kushan Empire.
  • Buddhism was divided into two sects namely Mahayana and Hinayana.