The three Buddhist councils

The monks felt there was a need to gather with the purpose of consolidating rules for practising the Middle Way. A set code of conduct could then be established.

The first council at Rajagaha

• Held 3 months  after the Buddha's death
• Its purpose was to establish the principles of practice for the sangha, called the Vinaya, and to establish the teachings of the Buddha that had been transmitted orally
• It was unanimously decided that all rules should…