Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The First Buddhist Council was held at Rajgriha under the chairmanship of Mahakassapa.

Statement-II: The council was convened by Ashoka to compile the Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Which one of the following is correct?

Question

Question

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 3.

Key Points

The First Buddhist Council was indeed held at Rajgriha under the chairmanship of Mahakassapa and convened by Ajathsatru (Haryanka Dynasty). However, Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council, not the First, and that council led to the compilation of the Abhidhamma Pitaka, not the First.

Additional Information

1st Buddhist Council - held at Rajgriha under the chairmanship of Mahakassapa & convened by Ajathsatru (Haryanka Dynasty).
- Outcome - Vinaya Pitaka composed by Upali & Sutta Pitaka composed by Ananda
2nd Buddhist Council - held at Vaishali under the chairmanship of Sabakami & convened by Kalashoka (Shisunaga Dynasty).
- Outcome - Buddhism split into two sects Sthaviravadin & Mahasanghika.
3rd Buddhist Council - held at Patliputra under the chairmanship of Mogaliputta Tissa & convened by Ashoka (Mauryan Dynasty).
- Outcome - Compiled Abhidhamma Pitaka
4th Buddhist Council - held at held at Kundalavana (Kashmir) in 72 AD, under the chairmanship of Vasumitra & convened by Kanishka (Kushana Dynasty).
- Outcome - Division of Buddhism into Hinayana & Mahayana.