Why at the 3rd council?

[DarwidHalim]

The gap between the 1st and 3rd council is about 250 years.

However, at the 1st and 2nd council, there is recitation of abidhamma Sutta to put it as a writing record.

Due to this abidhamma record as well, theravada was formed.

Does anybody know why abidhamma only came or recited after 250 years?

[retrofuturist]

Greetings Darwid,

In this Classical Mahavihara Theravada section of the forum you will receive the official internal account of why this is so.

If however you're looking for...

a topic in which to discuss issues surrounding the Abhidhamma Pitaka, such as its:

* Origins (including issues relating to Buddhist Councils etc.)
* Timeframes
* Inclusion in the Pali Tipitaka, versus other Canons (such as the Chinese Canon where it is absent)
* Content, and variations therein with respect to the teachings of the Sutta Pitaka

... plus any other issues of scholarly, academic, practical or casual interest that cannot be pursued within the Abhidhamma Forum on account of its Terms Of Service.

... then I'd recommend checking out ...

The great Abhidhamma Pitaka authenticity debate
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2169

Metta,
Retro.

[Virgo]

The gap between the 1st and 3rd council is about 250 years.

However, at the 1st and 2nd council, there is recitation of abidhamma Sutta to put it as a writing record.

Due to this abidhamma record as well, theravada was formed.

Does anybody know why abidhamma only came or recited after 250 years?

As far as I know it was always recited but in the early days it was not classified as it's own pitika, rather it was classified as part of the Khuddaka Nikaya. Therefore it didn't receive any separate mention. When things were rearranged, it got "pitika" classification. So why it's own basket? It was probably treated that way by teachers and students anyway, so...

That is as far as I know. I may be wrong. Perhaps Robert or others could comment on this.

Kevin

[robertk]

it was recited at the first council. But the katthavatthu , the fifth book, had to wait until the 3rd council until the various controversies that it refutes had taken hold.

[Virgo]

Thank you for that clarification, Robert.

Kevin

[LadyM]

it was recited at the first council. But the katthavatthu , the fifth book, had to wait until the 3rd council until the various controversies that it refutes had taken hold.

Well, that makes sense - I was wondering about this well. Thanks for making it clear!

LadyM