The follower of Buddhism are called Buddhists. Baudh Dharma was founded by Lord Gautam Buddha, who lived from 563 BCE to 483 BCE. Buddhism Philosophy and religion was spread all over India and its continents by its Buddhists Councils.

The Chronology of the Six Buddhist Councils of India held by 



Councils

Ruler

Presidentship [time]

Location

First Buddhist Councils

Ajatashatru

(Haryaka Dynasty)

Mahakasyapa [483 BCE]

Saptaparani Cave, Rajagriha, Bihar

Second Buddhist Councils

Kalasoka (Sisunaga Dynasty)

Sabakami [383 BCE]

Viashali, Bihar

Third Buddist Councils

Ashoka (Maurya Dynasty)

Mogliputra Tissa [250 BCE]

Patliputra, Bihar

Fourth Buddhist Council

Kaniska (Kushana Dynasty)

Vasumitra (deputy- Aswaghosa) [72 AD]

Kundalvana, Kashmir

Fifth Buddhist Council

Mindon

Jagarabhivasma,

Sumangalasami, Narindabhidhaja [1871 AD]

Mandalay, Myanmar

Sisth Buddhist Council

U. Nu (the PM of the Myanmar)

Mahasi Sayadaw (Deputy- Bhadanta) [1954 AD]

Kaba Aye, Rangoon

Buddhists Councils PDF Download- Click Here

First Buddhist Council

  • It was conducted right after the demise of Lord Buddha.
  • The First Buddhist Council was held at Sattapanni Caves of Rajagriha in 483 BCE.
  • Conducted under the presidentship of Rishi (Monk) Mahakasyapa and King Ajatashatru.
  •  Rishi Ananda and Upali described the Suttas and Vinaya Respectively, Abhidhamma Pitaka was also cited in first council.
  • Sutta means- Teachings and Vinayaka Means- Instructions for Rishi (Monk)

Second Buddhist Council

  • The Second Buddhist Council was conducted at Viashali in 383 BCE in the presidentship of Sabakai and king Kalasoka.
  • It is regarded as historical council because of the disagreement between the Monks (Rishi). 

  • Some of the monks were are against the rules of the Vaishali's monks, which was cause of disputes.

Third Buddhist Council

  • It was held during the reign of Maharaja Ashoka at Patliputra in Magadha Empire in 250 BCE.
  • Conducted under the Monk Moggaliputta Tissa.
  • Maharaja Ashoka sent many groups for the purpose of expansion, ads and recognition of Baudha religion in many countries. 

Note-

     The last two councils were held in Rangoon, Myanmar (Burma). First was held by the king Mindon of Burma in 1871 and second was held by the PM U. Nu of Myanmar in 1954.

    All of the councils were held to preserve the teachings of Buddha, disciplines of living and guidelines for monasteries.