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Significance of Assemblies

Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism both emphasize the concept of Assemblies, albeit with different interpretations. In Mahayana, Assemblies involve gatherings of individuals within a community, highlighted by acts of generosity such as Karna's provision of food. Conversely, Theravada views Assemblies as gatherings primarily focused on discussion and deliberation, particularly within a monastic setting. Both interpretations underscore the importance of communal interaction and decision-making in these religious contexts.

Synonyms: Conferences

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Assemblies'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Assemblies represent communal gatherings for religious purposes, emphasizing the importance of collective support, like Karna's food donations, as well as discussions and decisions vital to monastic life and governance.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara

(1) Gatherings of individuals to discuss, deliberate, or resolve matters of importance, particularly in a monastic context.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Gatherings of individuals, particularly in a community or religious context, for which Karna provided food through his donation.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.