Buddhism is a philosophy propounded by Gautama Buddha which arose as a powerful religion gaining equal weightage as that of Hinduism in India. Many scholars have different opinions on the period of its flourish in India. Roughly, it is understood to have emerged between 6th century BC to 4th century BC. There are various reasons for its growth like the discontent among the people following Hinduism, need for new ideology for the salvation etc.
Buddhist Council:
One of such major reasons is the patronage offered by the Kings to Buddhism. The peaks of the patronages resembled in the form of Buddhist councils. The Kings in order to show their support convened Buddhist councils. There are four main councils treated to be the famous Buddhist councils in India. Lets the see them in detail.
First Buddhist:
First Buddhist council was convened by King Ajatashatru of Haryanka dynasty around 483 BC. Venue was Rajgriha. It was presided by the Buddhist monk Mahakasyapa. The two pitakas called Suttapitaka which holds the teachings of Buddha and Vinayapitaka which holds the code of discipline to be followed by the disciples were compiled in this council.
Second council:
Second council was convened by King Kalasoka of Sisunaga dynasty around 383 BC. The venue was Vaishali. Presiding monk was Sabakami. Main agenda of the council was to discuss about the controversial rules under Vinaya pitaka. But it ended in vain. Result was the emergence of various sects like Sthaviravada, Mahasanghika etc within Buddhism.
Third Council:
The convenor of third council was the greatest patronage of Buddhism, King Ashoka of Mauryan dynasty. It held in Pataliputra, the very capital of Magadhan Kingdom. It was around 250 BC. The presiding monk was Mogalliputta Tissa. The third pitaka called Abhidhamapitaka was compiled in this council.
Fourthcouncil:
Fourthcouncil was convened by the greatest king Kanishka of Hun dynasty. It was around 1 AD. The venue was Kashmir. Vasumitra was the presiding monk. He was joined by Ashvagosha, the author of Buddha charita. Main outcome of the council was the split of Buddhism into Hinayana, the followers of original teachings of Buddha and Mahayana, the followers who later adopted idol worship of Buddha.
After this major split, it also saw another sect emerging which is known as Teravada Buddhism, which is the conservative branch of Buddhism. Now Buddhism is spread among various countries and stands as the fourth largest religion of the world. Eventhough Buddhism and Jainism emerged almost at the similar period, Buddhism still has its roots stronger while Jainism lost its bloom outside India.
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