First council - pavillion where the arahats recited it

Authenticity of Texts
1

I saw this post on dhammawheel today

The hundreds of Arahants met in Saptaparani cave. Google for it. Does it even look like it can fit that many bhikkhus inside of it?

The poster of this apparently saw a photo of the cave and thought the arahats were all inside the cave. Whereas of course the Hall was built outside the cave.

The great King Ajatasattu following the request of the Sangha erected a great hall after the Parinibbana of the Buddha.
THE
INCEPTION OF DISCIPLINE AND
THE VINAYA NIDANA translated by N. A. JAYAWICKRAMA (Bahiranidana of
Buddhaghosa’s Samantapasida, the Vinaya Commentary)

At that time there were eighteen great monasteries at Rajagaha.
And all of them were soiled with the cast-off and
accumulated rubbish. For, at the time of the of the Exalted One in
passing away perfect Nibbana all the monks took each his bowl and robe and went away deserting the monasteries and cells. The Elders there, in order to honour the request of the Exalted One and to escape
the adverse criticism of members of heretical schools, thought of repairing the dilapidations during the first month. For, should the heretics say,
disciples of the Recluse Gotama looked after their
monasteries while their Teacher was alive ;now that he has
passed away in perfect Nibbana, they have deserted them," it is said that they thought so to escape the blame from them.
[10] And so it has been said ^ :
" Friends, the Exalted One has praised the effecting of
It then occurred to the Elder monks, repairs to dilapidations.
month, repair the dilapidations and assemble to rehearse the Dhamma and the Vinaya during the second month."

1 Like
2
  1. The following day they went and stood at the palace gates. King Ajātasattu came forth, saluted them, and inquired from them why they had come and what they expected him to do.

The Elders intimated their need of labour to effect the repairs to the dilapidations in the eighteen great monasteries.

“Very well, Sirs,” said the King, and gave artisans.

The Elders had all the monasteries repaired during the first month and informed the King:

“Great King, the repairs to the monasteries are completed; we now wish to rehearse the Dhamma and Vinaya.”

“Very well, Sirs, do so with full confidence. Mine is the wheel of command, let yours be the Wheel of the Dhamma. Command of me, Sirs, whatever you wish me to do.”

“A place for the monks who make the rehearsal of the Dhamma to assemble, Great King.”
Where shall I build it, Sirs?”

“It is meet you erect it at the entrance to the Sattapaṇṇi Cave on the side of the mountain Vebhāra, Great King.”

So be it, Sirs,” said King Ajātasattu, and had a pavilion erected, resembling the handiwork of Vissakamma, with well-apportioned walls, pillars, and stairways, adorned with diverse decorative designs of garlands and creepers—as though surpassing the splendour of the royal palace, or mocking with derision the glory of divine mansions.

It was like unto a veritable abode of Siri or a unique emporium, or a world of delight to the birds—the eyes of devas and men—or like a conglomeration of the choice essence of all that the eye should see.

He decorated it like the abode of Brahmā, with its floor well laid out and ornamented with variegated decorative motifs of many kinds of flowers, resembling a floor of polished crystal inlaid with gems of many colours, and with a delightful overflowing canopy with manifold festoons of flowers suspended from it.

In that large pavilion he spread out 500 rugs which were permissible for use for the 500 monks. He prepared a seat for the president at the southern end facing the north, and a seat for the preacher in the centre of the pavilion facing the east—a seat worthy even of the Buddha, the Exalted One. Placing there a fan inlaid with ivory, he sent word to the Order of monks:

“My task, Sirs, is done.”

3

It is very good that you set the record straight for the DhWh folks.. I’m so glad I don’t have to deal with them anymore. :grin:

1 Like