The first Dhamma Sanghayana

Nikini Poya Falls on August 05:

More than two thousand five hundred years ago, it was on a Nikini Full Moon Poya Day that the first Dhamma Sanghayana was held at Sattapanni Cave in Rajagahanuwara. The great event took place in order to settle the Buddhist canon, three months after the Great Parinirvana.

It was on the same Nikini Poya Day that the Buddha's Chief Attendant, 'Dhamma Bhandagarika' Ananda Thera attained Arhathood. Also Nikini Poya marks the commencement of "Pasu Vas"; the Bhikkhus who failed to commence the normal "Vass" on the day following Esala Poya are allowed to observe "Pasu Vas".

Moreover Nikini Poya is significant to Sri Lankan Buddhists as the Kandy Esala Perahara, normally ends on this Poya Day.The immediate cause for conducting the first Dhamma Sangayana was the unruly behaviour of a Bhikku named Subaddha. After the Parinirvana of the Buddha all the Bhikkus who had not attained Arhathood lamented profusely. But Subadda though he was not an Arhat, was extremely happy over the Parinirvana of the Buddha. He even wanted the weeping Bhikkus not to do so. The Arhats headed by Maha Kashshapa Thera considered Subaddha's behaviour as an indication of probable problems among other Bhikkus which may lead to divisions among them. So they thought that it is quite appropriate to hold a Dhamma Sangayana in order to ensure the purity of Dhamma.

Though such problems had arisen even during the time of the Buddha they were settled amicably. The first Dhamma Sangayana is known as Pancha Sathika Sangikthi as it was held with the participation of 500 Theras who had attained Arhatship.

Maha Kassapa Thera

It was Maha Kassapa Thera who organised this great convocation. The thera very well knew that the Dhamma Sangayana would be useless if Ananda Thera does not participate as he was the "Dhamma Bandhagarika". But Ananda thera had not attained Arhathood by then.

So Maha Kassapa Thera selected only 499 Arhats for the convocation knowing that Ananda Thera would be able to attain Arhathood before the commencement of the Dhamma Sanghayana. Ananda Thera could fulfil the aspiration of Maha Kassapa Thera by attaining Arhathood on the previous night.

The role Ananda Thera played as the Chief attendant of the Buddha is exemplary. Though he could not attain Nibbana by the time of the Parinirvana of the Buddha he had gained eminence and a reservoir of knowledge in Dhamma and was second only to Buddha in preaching. He was even appreciated by the Buddha after listening to the preaching he made to a group led by King Mahanama Sakya.Having heard almost all the discourses of the Buddha, his knowledge of Dhamma was only second to the Buddha. He was known for his intelligence, good sense, prudence and circumspection.

He attended his master with great devotion. Yet for all such noble qualities, he could not attain Arhathood until the Parinirvana of the Buddha. It was said that it was not proper for an Arhat to attend to anyone even to Buddha. That may be the reason why Ananda Thera could not attain Nibbana while the Buddha was living.

As the Buddha informed Ananda Thera of his decision to attain Parinirvana in another three months, Ananda Thera lamented profusely. Then the Buddha had explained to him the transitory nature of all existing things from which even a Buddha cannot deviate.

The Buddha who knew that Ananda Thera had collected enough merits to attain Arhathood, advised him to be mindful and courageous.

Third Dhamma Sanghayana

The convocation was held for seven months under the patronage of King Ajasatta. Dhamma Pitaka and Vinaya Pitaka were classified into Digha Nikaya, Majjima Nikaya, Sanyuktha Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya and Kuddaka Nikaya.

Pitakas were learnt by heart. The responsibility for each part was entrusted to leading participants of the convocation. Arhat Ananda Thera and his followers were assigned with the responsibility for Digha Nikaya.

The followers of Arhat Sariputta Thera were entrusted with Majjima Nikaya. Sanyutta Nikaya was entrusted to Arhat Maha Kassapa Thera and his followers. Anguttara Nikaya was the responsibility of Arhat Anuruddha Thera and his followers. All the Theras were made responsible for the Kuddaka Nikaya. Vinaya Pitaka was entrusted to Arhat Upali Thera.

(SW)