Buddha had two kinds of disciples –
-
- Monks (bhikshus) – The monks were organized into the Sangha for the purpose of spreading his teachings. The membership was open to all persons, male or female and without any caste restrictions. There was a special code for nuns restricting their residence and movement. Sariputta, Moggallana and Ananda were some of the famous monks.
- Lay worshippers (upasikas).
- The Sangha was governed on democratic lines and was empowered to enforce discipline among its members. Owing to the organised efforts made by the Sangha, Buddhism made rapid progress in North India even during Buddha’s life time
- Magadha, Kosala, Kausambi and several republican states of North India embraced this religion. The Mauryan Emperor Asoka embraced Buddhism. Through his missionary effort Asoka spread Buddhism into West Asia and Ceylon. Thus a local religious sect was transformed into a world religion
Buddhist Councils:
| Buddhist Council | Place | Importance |
| First Buddhist Council
(after Buddha’s death) |
Rajagriha |
|
| Second Buddhist Council | Vaishali | The Buddhist Order split into two:
|
| Third Buddhist Council | Pataliputra |
|
| Fourth Buddhist Council | Kashmir |
|
Q. At which place Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon? (1980)
(a) Sarnath
(b) Lumbini
(c) Bodh Gaya (
d) Vaishali
Answer: (a)
Q. Which of the following is the most important cause for the decline of Buddhism after Ashoka? (1980)
(a) Non-patronage by the kings
(b) Condemnation of animal sacrifices
(c) Growth of licentious practices in Buddhist centres
(d) Allegiance to the middle path
Answer: (a)
Q. Gautama Buddha attained Nirvana at (1985)
(a) Bodh Gaya
(b) Sarnath
(c) Kushi Nagar
(d) Lumbini
Answer: (a)
