The second Buddhist council was held in the reign of king ..............

The correct answer is - Kalashoka

Key Points

• Second Buddhist Council
  • The Second Buddhist Council was convened around 383 BCE, approximately 100 years after the Buddha's Mahaparinirvana.
  • It was held in Vaishali, a significant center of Buddhist activity.
  • The council was organized to address disputes regarding the interpretation of Vinaya rules (monastic discipline).
• King Kalashoka's Role
  • King Kalashoka was the ruler during the time of the Second Buddhist Council.
  • He provided royal patronage and supported the Buddhist monks in organizing the council.
  • His reign is often associated with the promotion and consolidation of Buddhist teachings.

Additional Information

• Buddhist Councils
  • First Buddhist Council
    • Held in Rajgir, shortly after Buddha's death.
    • Presided over by Mahakassapa, aimed at compiling the Buddha's teachings (Sutta) and monastic rules (Vinaya).
  • Third Buddhist Council
    • Held during the reign of Emperor Ashoka in Pataliputra.
    • Aimed at purifying the Sangha and spreading Buddhism beyond India.
  • Fourth Buddhist Council
    • Conducted under King Kanishka in Kashmir.
    • Focused on compiling commentaries and clarifying doctrinal differences.
• Vinaya Rules
  • Vinaya refers to the monastic code of discipline for Buddhist monks and nuns.
  • Disputes over its interpretation often led to the convening of Buddhist councils.
• Vaishali's Significance
  • Vaishali was an important center of early Buddhist activity and the site of the Second Buddhist Council.
  • Known for its strong association with the Buddha's teachings and the establishment of early monastic traditions.