Why in the News?
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) recently celebrated Ashadha Purnima, also known as Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath.
About Dhammachakra Pravartana Divas:
- First Sermon: It marks the day when Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
- Date of Observance: The day is observed annually on the full moon of Ashadha (Ashadha Purnima), usually in July.
- Name and Location: The sermon, called Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, was delivered at Deer Park (Isipatana), Sarnath, near Varanasi.
- Core Teachings Introduced: It laid the foundational teachings of Buddhism by introducing the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
- Formation of Sangha: His five former ascetic companions—Kaundinya, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama, and Assaji—became the first monks of the Buddhist Sangha.
- Symbolic Representation: The Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Dharma) symbolizes this “turning of the wheel of law” and spread of the Buddha’s teachings.
- Significance:
- Monastic Practice: It marks the beginning of the Varsha Vassa, a three-month monastic retreat during the rainy season.
- Religious Importance: It is the second most important Buddhist festival after Buddha Purnima.
Modern Day Significance:
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Back2Basics: Buddhist Councils
| Council | Date & Venue | Patron & President | Objective | Key Outcomes |
| 1st Buddhist Council | 483 BCE, Rajagriha (Bihar) | Ajatashatru (Haryanka dynasty), Presided by Mahakasyapa | To preserve the Buddha’s teachings after his Mahaparinirvana | – Vinaya Pitaka compiled by Upali (rules for monks) – Sutta Pitaka compiled by Ananda (discourses of Buddha) |
| 2nd Buddhist Council | 383 BCE, Vaishali (Bihar) | Kalasoka (Shishunaga dynasty), Presided by Sabakami | To resolve disputes over lax discipline and the ‘Ten Points’ followed by Vaishali monks | – Split into Sthaviravadins (orthodox) and Mahasamghikas (liberal) – Reaffirmation of stricter Vinaya rules |
| 3rd Buddhist Council | 247 BCE, Pataliputra (Patna) | Ashoka (Maurya dynasty), Presided by Moggaliputta Tissa | To eliminate heretical monks and consolidate Buddhist doctrine | – Compilation of Abhidhamma Pitaka – Composition of Kathavattu (philosophical debates) – Launch of Buddhist missions to 9 countries |
| 4th Buddhist Council | 72 CE, Kashmir | Kanishka (Kushan dynasty), Presided by Vasumitra (with Asvaghosha) | To formalize doctrines and address doctrinal splits | – Formal split into Hinayana and Mahayana schools – Compilation of Vibhasha Sastras (commentaries) |
| 5th Buddhist Council | 1871 CE, Mandalay (Burma) | Burmese Monarchy | To preserve Buddhist texts | – 729 stone slabs inscribed with the Pali Canon – Considered a Burmese affair; not internationally recognized |
| 6th Buddhist Council | 1954 CE, Yangon (Burma) | Burmese Govt & International Sangha | To commemorate 2500 years of Buddhism and preserve Theravada canon | – Global recitation and review of entire Pali Canon – Participation from monks across Buddhist countries |
| [UPSC 2008] The concept of Eight-fold path forms the theme of-
Options: (a) Dipavamsa (b) Divyavadana (c) Mahaparinibban Sutta (d) Dharma Chakara Pravartana Sutta* |
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