Manual of Indian Buddhism c7.s2.26

c7.s2.26

In the Simhalese sources the leaders of the Mahāsānghikas are identified with the Vrjian monks of Vaiśālī. Now we know that these were in possession of the Kūṭāgāra Hall of the Mahāvana, as the chronicles affirm³. In order to obviate this difficulty, the Simhalese have invented a tale. The King Kāla Aśoka at first favoured the heretics — exactly as the historical Aśoka did —, but afterwards he changed his mind, thanks to the interference of the gods and to a dream of his sister. By his protection the orthodox could assemble in the Mahāvana monastery, whereas the committee had its sittings in the Vālīkārāma. The canonical account knows nothing of an assembly in the Mahāvana, nor is any mention made of it in the Bodhivamsa nor by Buddhaghoṣa⁴, though the latter, after saying that the second Council is called that of the 700, adds that it was attended by 1 200 000 monks, precisely as in the Dipav. All available Sin halese accounts agree in asserting that the whole collection of the Dhamma and Vinaya was revised, against the authority of the canon, which only speaks of a Vinaya Sangīti. In the N. tradition just alluded to there is, indeed, likewise question of a revision of the complete sacred texts, but by the Mahāsānghikas.