The Buddha's Parinirvana

What happened after the Buddha died?

At age 80, following 45 years of teaching and in the presence of a substantial assembly of his followers, the Buddha entered Parinirvana. In this event, marking the culmination of his earthly existence, his physical form came to its ultimate conclusion. However, his teachings and the vibrant Buddhist community he had nurtured persisted and thrived beyond his mortal passing.

Shortly following the Buddha's Parinirvana, a council was assembled in Rajgir to safeguard his teachings and the monastic code. Guided by Mahakassapa, this council culminated in the collation and oral transmission of the Buddha's discourses and guidelines for pious conduct. This collective effort was pivotal in solidifying a harmonized rendition of the teachings.

The propagation of the Buddha's teachings extended across vast distances, spanning not only the Indian subcontinent but also reaching far-flung regions. The Sangha, the monastic order, concurrently experienced expansion, attracting a growing number of individuals who embraced the Buddha's teachings and embarked on the path of monastic life as monks and nuns. As time unfolded, diverse interpretations and distinct Buddhist schools emerged, each accentuating specific facets of the teachings uniquely.

Following the Buddha's Parinirvana, his teachings were diligently safeguarded, shared, and embraced by his followers and the following generations. The foundation of the monastic order, the dissemination of the Dharma, and the emergence of diverse Buddhist traditions collectively nurtured the lasting impact of the Buddha's teachings. This enduring legacy continues to resonate with millions around the globe.