In the history of Buddhism six Buddhist councils were convened. These councils were held under the patronage of different rulers and presided by different monks. The agenda of these councils were to preserve and spread Buddhism.
List of Different Buddhist Councils
| Buddhist Councils | Description |
| First Buddhist Council | Time: 400 BC Location: Sattapanni caves Rajgriha Patronage: King Ajatashatru Presided by: Monk Mahakasyapa Agenda: To preserve the sayings of Buddha and the monastic discipline or rules. Facts: It was held right after the death of Buddha. In this council Suttas were recited by Ananda, and the Vinaya was recited by Upali. Abhidhamma Pitaka was also recited. |
| Second Buddhist Council | Time: 383 BC Location: Vaishali Patronage: Kalasoka Presided by: Sabakami Agenda: To settle the disputes of different subgroups. Some subgroup (Mahasangikas) were in favor of relaxed monastic rules. Facts: Many people regard this council as historical. The council rejected the Mahasangikas. |
| Third Buddhist Council | Time: 250 BC Location: Patliputra Patronage: Ashoka Presided by: Moggaliputta Tissa Agenda: To analyze the different schools of Buddhism and to purify them. Facts: Ashoka sent many groups to different parts of countries to spread the Buddhism. |
| Fourth Buddhist Council | Time: 78 AD Location: Kashmir Patronage: Kanishka Presided by: Vasumitra & Asvaghosha Agenda: To preserve and remedy of different conflict Facts: From this council division of Buddhism occurred into Hinayana & Mahayana. Many people has doubt on authenticity of this council. |
| Fifth Buddhist Council | Time: 1871 Location: Myanmar Patronage: King Mindon Presided by: Jagarabhivamsa, Narindabhidhaja, and Sumangalasami Agenda: To recite all the Buddhist teaching and examine them in minute details Facts: This council is generally not recognized outside of Myanmar |
| Sixth Buddhist Council | Time: 1954 Location: Kaba Aye in Yangon, Burma Patronage: prime Minister U. Nu Presided by: Mahasi Sayadaw and Bhadanta Vicittasarabhivamsa. Beside them, many monks and scholars joined this council. Agenda: To affirm and preserve the genuine Dhamma and Vinaya Facts: For this council, a special Maha Passana Guha was constructed which was similar to the guha where the first Buddhist council was constructed. |
