The role and importance of early Sangyana meetings in the institutionalization of Buddhism

The Sangha organization is in a very important position in terms of the history of Buddhism. While Sakyamuni Buddha was alive, he led the Sangha organization himself and did not appoint a leader after him. Therefore, it became a matter of debate who would take over the Sangha after his death. However, some monks were in higher positions due to their characteristics in the Sangha. These monks have gained the right to make decisions on the Sangha. It is also known that the prominent rulers of that region have the right to have a say on the Sangha. Divisions and corruptions have emerged in the Sangha organization from time to time. The common reason for the first, second and third Sangayana meetings, which are the subject of our study, is to eliminate the divisions and distortions that occur in the Sangha organization and to restore order in the organization. The first Sangayana meeting was held in the city of Rajgir under the chairmanship of Maha-Kasyapa, one of the chief disciples of Sakyamuni Buddha. Support was received from King Ajatasattu for this meeting. The second Sangayana meeting was held in the city of Vesali under the chairmanship of a selected eight- person delegation. It is rumored that King Kalosaka supported this meeting. In these meetings, firstly the monks who were authorized over the Sangha organized the meeting and then they received support from the administrator of the region where they held the meeting. However, in the third Sangayana meeting, the exact opposite happened. It is King Ashoka who wants this meeting to be held. Thus, upon Ashoka's request, the third Sangayana meeting was held in Pattaliputta under the chairmanship of Moggali-putta. In our study, we discussed the reasons and results of the first three Sangayana meetings held after the death of Sakyamuni Buddha. Along with these, we tried to include in the study issues thought to be related to the first three Sangayana meetings. Keywords: Budhism, Sangayana, Sangha, Vinaya, Dharma