First Council

First Council (Pali: Paramatta Sangiti) was the assembly of senior disciples of the Buddha held at Rajagriha shortly after his death.

Overview

The council was convened by Mahakasyapa to preserve the Buddha’s teachings. Ananda recited the Sutta Pitaka, and Upali recited the Vinaya Pitaka.y/vinaya) Pitaka.

Philosophical Context

The First Council established the oral tradition of Buddhist canon preservation. It marked the beginning of the organized sangha’s role in maintaining the dharma.

Interpretations

The council lasted seven months and resulted in the compilation of the Vinaya and Sutta Pitakas. It established the precedent for future councils and doctrinal standardization.

Verification Notes

• Held approximately 483 BCE at Rajagriha
• Presided over by Mahakasyapa
• Ananda and Upali recited the canonical texts