Buddhist Councils (sangiti) And Its Literature: A Review

ABSTRACT

There are two main philosophical sciences in India; ?theistic (Charavka, Jain and Bauddha) and theist (Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vai?ehika, purva ?imansa and ?ttar ?imansa). In India, abundant literatures of philosophical sciences are available except Buddhist literature and the reasons are unknown. Buddhist literatures were in Pali language which was a dialect of ancient India and to preserve the invaluable teaching of the Buddha, till dated six Councils (?angiti) were convened out of which three Councils were assembled in ?ncient India. It is said that the knowledge of history of Indian culture is incomplete without the knowledge of Pali literature. ?yurv?da is a ?ar?an?a?tra [Philosophy] as well as clinical science having the goal of ?ok?a. Every ?ar?an?a?tra has its goal to achieve the ?ok?a. ?astika & ?astika ?ar?an?a?tras have their influence on ?yurv?da. The science of ?yurv?da and its basic concepts are based upon the Indian fundamental sciences which are called dar?an(a system of philosophy).1 ?he purpose of this paper is to know about the Buddhist councils along with at least appellations of the Buddhist literature.