Question

The first Buddhist Council was held at __________________.

Answer 1

Hint: Buddhism is originally a doctrine and religion based on Gautam Buddha's (also known as Prince Siddhartha) teachings. It is known that different Buddhist councils, six in number were convened in the history of Buddhism. Preservation of the sanctity of Buddhism and to spread this faith was the aim of the councils.

Complete answer:
Buddhism began as a movement that aimed at reform. It opposed Hindu faith and culture. Various rulers supported this religion and convened assemblies called 'councils' to promote its religious practice. Six councils have been organized and have taken place. Four councils were carried out within ancient India itself.

The first Council took place shortly after Buddha's Mahaparinirvan. Mahaparinirvan is a practice of rebirth to cleanse the people of their sins done in their earthly life. This was in about 483 BC. The council was organized under King Ajatshatru, the then patron. It was presided over by a monk named Mahakasyapa.

This council had taken place in Rajgriha's Sattapani cave. The council was held to preserve Buddha's teachings (Sutta) and laws created for the disciples of Buddhism. It was known that around 500 of the senior monks accepted the Vinaya-pitaka and Sutta-pitaka as the correct doctrine of the Buddha, to be respected and held by future generations of nuns and monks. This was the First Council's true significance.

Therefore, in Rajagriha, the king Ajatshatru convened the First Council of Buddhism along with the monk, Mahaksyapa Upali.

Note: There are no holy books written for Buddhism. The followers of Buddhism do not believe in a divine being or a deity who created the universe. Buddhism is often misunderstood as a type of psychology instead of a religion, due to its focus on mindfulness and meditation.