Which one of the following is the common element among Rajagriha, Vais...
The First Buddhist council immediately following the death of the Buddha and the Second Buddhist council in the reign of Ashoka occurred in Patliputra and Rajgira. The Second Buddhist Council occurred in Vaisali.
View all questions of this test
Which one of the following is the common element among Rajagriha, Vais...
Rajagriha, Vaishali, and Pataliputra: Common Element
Introduction:
Rajagriha, Vaishali, and Pataliputra are ancient cities in India that hold significant historical and cultural importance. These cities were associated with various events and developments in Buddhism. Among the given options, the common element among these cities is that they were all places where Buddhist Councils were held.
Explanation:
1. Rajagriha:
- Rajagriha, located in present-day Bihar, was the capital city of the Magadha Kingdom during the time of the Buddha.
- The First Buddhist Council, also known as the Rajagriha Council, was held here around 483 BCE, shortly after the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana (passing away).
- The council was convened to preserve and recite the Buddha's teachings (Dhamma) and monastic rules (Vinaya) in order to prevent any distortion or corruption of the teachings.
2. Vaishali:
- Vaishali, also situated in Bihar, was an important center of trade and governance during ancient times.
- The Second Buddhist Council took place in Vaishali around 383 BCE, approximately 100 years after the Buddha's passing.
- This council was called by the conservative Sthaviravadins to address various disputes and disagreements within the Buddhist community regarding monastic discipline (Vinaya).
- The council resulted in a division within the Sangha (Buddhist monastic community), leading to the formation of the Sthaviravadins and the Mahasanghikas.
3. Pataliputra:
- Pataliputra, now known as Patna, was the capital city of the Mauryan Empire under Emperor Ashoka, who played a crucial role in the spread and patronage of Buddhism.
- The Third Buddhist Council was organized in Pataliputra around 250 BCE under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka.
- This council aimed to purify and reconcile the various Buddhist sects, including the Sthaviravadins and the Mahasanghikas, who had different interpretations and practices.
- The council also led to the compilation of the Tripitaka, the Buddhist scriptures, in the form of the Pali Canon.
Conclusion:
In summary, the common element among Rajagriha, Vaishali, and Pataliputra is that they were all places where Buddhist Councils were held. These councils played a significant role in the preservation and development of Buddhism, addressing doctrinal disputes, and fostering unity among the Buddhist community.