One of the major events of Ashoka’s reign was the convening of the ______ Buddhist Sangha (council) in 250 BCE in the capital Pataliputra.
Third
Understanding the Buddhist Councils under Ashoka
The question asks about a significant event during the rule of Emperor Ashoka, specifically concerning the convening of a Buddhist council (Sangha) in his capital, Pataliputra, around 250 BCE. Ashoka is a pivotal figure in the history of Buddhism, known for his efforts to spread the faith.
Buddhist councils are historical assemblies held to discuss doctrinal and disciplinary matters within the Buddhist Sangha. Several such councils have been held throughout history, each addressing specific issues relevant to the time.
The council convened during Ashoka's reign in Pataliputra was a major event aimed at purifying the Sangha from dissenting views and clarifying the Buddhist doctrines. According to tradition, this council was chaired by Moggaliputta Tissa.
Let's look at the commonly accepted sequence of early Buddhist councils:
- First Buddhist Council: Held shortly after the Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha at Rajagriha.
- Second Buddhist Council: Held about a hundred years after the First Council at Vaishali.
- Third Buddhist Council: Held during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in Pataliputra around 250 BCE.
- Fourth Buddhist Council: Traditionally, two Fourth Councils are recognized - one in Kashmir under the Kushana king Kanishka (Sarvastivada school) and another in Sri Lanka (Theravada school).
Based on this historical sequence, the council convened by Ashoka in Pataliputra in 250 BCE was the Third Buddhist Council.
| Council Number | Approx. Date | Location | Patron King (if any) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | c. 400 BCE | Rajagriha | Ajatashatru | Compilation of Vinaya Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka |
| Second | c. 383 BCE | Vaishali | Kalashoka | Addressing disciplinary issues, led to early schisms |
| Third | c. 250 BCE | Pataliputra | Ashoka | Purification of the Sangha, compilation of Abhidhamma Pitaka, dispatch of missionaries |
| Fourth (Kashmir) | c. 1st Century CE | Kashmir | Kanishka | Compilation of Mahavibhasa Shastra (Sarvastivada) |
| Fourth (Sri Lanka) | c. 1st Century BCE | Sri Lanka | Vattagamani Abhaya | Writing down the Tipitaka (Theravada) |
Therefore, the council held during Ashoka's reign in Pataliputra in 250 BCE was indeed the Third Buddhist Sangha (council).
Revision Table: Ashoka and the Third Buddhist Council
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Ashoka (Mauryan Dynasty) |
| Council Convened | Buddhist Sangha (Council) |
| Council Number | Third |
| Year | c. 250 BCE |
| Location | Pataliputra (Capital) |
| Key Purpose | Purification of the Sangha, clarification of doctrine |
| Chaired by | Moggaliputta Tissa |
Additional Information: Ashoka's Contribution to Buddhism
Emperor Ashoka played a crucial role in the expansion of Buddhism. After witnessing the horrors of the Kalinga war, he embraced Buddhism and dedicated his life to propagating its principles, known as Dhamma. His contributions include:
- Sponsoring the Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra.
- Erecting pillars and rock edicts throughout his empire inscribed with messages about Dhamma (righteous conduct, social welfare, tolerance).
- Appointing Dhamma Mahamatras (officers) to spread the message of Dhamma.
- Sending missionaries (including his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta, according to tradition) to various regions outside India, such as Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and possibly parts of Central Asia and the Mediterranean world, significantly contributing to Buddhism becoming a world religion.
- Building stupas and viharas (monasteries).
Ashoka's efforts transformed Buddhism from a regional religion into a major force that spread across Asia.
Important Questions from Buddhism
- Early Buddhist sculptors did not show Buddha in human form. Through which of the following symbols was Buddha's presence shown by the early sculptors?
Where is Central Institute of Buddhist Studies situated?
Ashoka's connection with Buddhism is evident from which one of the following edicts?
Which one of the following is the common element among Rajagriha, Vaishali and Pataliputra?
At which of the following places did Lord Buddha attain enlightenment?
