A secret police force and brutal methods, raising questions about the extent of his peacemaking.
The Third Buddhist Council: Patiloputra
Context for the Council
Call for the third council arose due to the proliferation of monks.
Many individuals, particularly wealthy ones, claimed monastic status for tax exemptions but did not genuinely adopt a monastic lifestyle.
Goals of the Council
The council aimed to purify the sangha by removing nominal monks who misrepresented their commitment to Buddhism.
Reinforcement of the strict monastic code (Vinaya) to ensure true adherence to Buddhism.
Ashoka's Role in Globalizing Buddhism
Missionary Activities
Ashoka initiated a mission to spread Buddhism beyond India:
Sent missionaries to regions including the Eastern Mediterranean and Sri Lanka.
This outreach established Buddhism as a global religion.
Preservation of Buddhism
Ashoka's missionary efforts played a crucial role in preserving Buddhism during periods of persecution under later empires in India.
The Next Council in Sri Lanka
The Need for a New Council
Approximately two to three centuries post-Ashoka, inconsistencies in oral transmissions of Buddhist teachings prompted the need for a new council.
Documentation of Teachings
Decision made to document teachings in the Pali language, a vernacular as opposed to the elite-oriented Sanskrit.
Introduced the Pali Canon, which consists of recorded teachings accessible to the general population.
Structure of the Pali Canon
Comprises three sections known as the Tripitaka (Three Baskets):
Vinaya Pitaka: Rules governing monastic life.
Sutta Pitaka: Records of the teachings of the Buddha.
Abhidhamma Pitaka: Philosophical and doctrinal summaries of teachings developed since the Buddha's enlightenment.
Theravada Buddhism
Definition and Characteristics
Theravada translates to "The Doctrine of the Elders."
Represents one of the earliest codified forms of Buddhism developed from the Pali Canon.
The Council of Chandelhar (Kashmir)
Context and Outcome
This council marked a significant division in Buddhism.
Some monks argued that Buddha had provided advanced teachings (sutras) to select disciples that were to be revealed only when humanity was ready.
Emergence of Mahayana Buddhism
The concept of the "Greater Vehicle" (Mahayana) emerged, allowing wider access to enlightenment, not limited to monks.
Prominent sutras include the Heart Sutra, the Lotus Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, and the Pure Land Sutra, emphasizing compassion.
Symbolism in Buddhism
Differentiation of Buddhist Icons
Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism represented by two iconic figures:
Thin Buddha: Represents the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, an enlightened teacher.
Fat Buddha (Budai): A later Chinese monk known for humor and compassion, incorrectly conflated with the historical Buddha in Western contexts.
Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism
Role and Definition
Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings that choose to remain in the cycle of reincarnation to help others achieve enlightenment.
Mahayana Buddhism conceptualizes Buddha as divine, with Buddha and bodhisattvas intervening in the lives of the suffering.
Comparison of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism
Understanding the Difference
Theravada Buddhism
Buddha as a man; emphasizes individual meditation and the monastic path.
Reverence without worship; statues serve as reminders of the path to enlightenment.
Mahayana Buddhism
Buddha as divine, with bodhisattvas that help lead others to liberation.
Incorporation of compassion and the greater vehicle philosophy.
Cultural Interactions in Southeast Asia
Hindu Influence on Theravada Buddhism
Combines Buddhist and Hindu elements:
Brahma repurposed as a protector deity in the context of Buddhist dharma.
Ganesh serves as a remover of obstacles on the path to Nirvana.
Conflicts and Syncretism
Historical conflicts between Hinduism and Buddhism in Southeast Asia led to both rivalry and cultural blending.
Examples include the integration of Hindu deities into Buddhist worship contexts.
Conclusion: Modern Presence of Buddhism
Theravada Monastic Life
Central to Theravada practice, with a strong emphasis on monasteries as reservoirs of tradition and learning.
Monks are revered figures in societies practicing Theravada Buddhism, resembling royal status.
Legacy of Ashoka
Ashoka's actions and councils played a vital role in shaping the trajectory of Buddhism, from a localized tradition to a global religious force, while presenting a philosophical framework that endures to this day through various cultural expressions and practices.