Q. The most important event on the death centenary (parinivrana) of the Buddha was the:
(a) Despatch of the Buddhist mission to Sri Lanka
(b) Calling of the second Buddhist Council
(c) Compilation of the teachings of the Buddha
(d) Division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana sects
Ans: (b) Calling of the second Buddhist Council
Explanation: The most important event on the death centenary (parinirvana) of the Buddha was the (b) Calling of the second Buddhist Council.
The second Buddhist Council, also known as the Second Buddhist Synod, was convened approximately 100 years after the death of the Buddha. It took place at Vaishali, an ancient city in present-day Bihar, India. The purpose of this council was to clarify and preserve the Buddhist teachings, as well as to address certain issues and disputes that had arisen within the monastic community.
During the second council, the Buddhist scriptures (Suttas) were recited and reviewed by the senior monks. The council played a significant role in preserving the Buddha’s teachings and maintaining the purity and authenticity of the Buddhist scriptures.
