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Pali Tipiṭaka

Since Pali language, being the one the Buddha used in proclaiming Buddhism,

did not have written alphabets, the compilement of the Buddha’s Teachings was

memorized by heart named “Oral Tradition.” The pattern of compilement was called
“Rehearsal” (A Council) (Saṅgīti in Pali). In “Dictionary of Buddhist Terms” by Phra

Brahmagunabhorn (P.A. Payutto), 2015, the “Rehearsal was described as “Chanting

Together,” the general convocation of the sangha in order to settle questions of
doctrine and to fix the text of the Scriptures and set up as one pattern.”

The compilement and categorization of the Buddha’s Teaching called

“Dhammavinaya” was initiated as the guide and principle since the Buddha Era.

Venerable Sariputta was appointed in the audience of the Buddha to explain the

Buddha Dhamma to the monks. The explained Dhamma by Venerable Sariputta
consisted of 7 categories called “Bodhipakkhiya dhamma 37” (The thirty seven

qualities contributing to enlightenment). At that time, Venerable Sariputta

introduced the assembly to perform rehearsal by citing the Dhamma categories from
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Category 1 to Category 10. Venerable Sariputta’s explanation at that time was called
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“Saṅgītisuta ” meant the Suta on rehearsal. After the Buddha Great Decease
(Parinibbāna), there have been another 5 Rehearsals as follows:

1. The First Rehearsal was done 3 months after the Great Decease of the

Buddha. Venerable Mahakassapa who was the Senior Monk, had invited
500 Arahants (the Holy Ones) to perform Rehearsal. The Rehearsal,

having Venerable Mahakassapa to ask, Venerable Upāli to answer on

Vinaya, Venerable Ananda to answer on Dhamma, was done at
Sattapannaguha Cave, Vebharapebbata Mountain in Rajagaha City. King

Ajatisattu was the Rehearsal Patron. It took 3 months to complete.

2. The Second Rehearsal was performed by Venerable Yasakandhakaputta.

He invited 400 Arahants to the Rehearsal. Having Venerable Revata to

ask, Venerable Sabbagāmī to answer, the Rehearsal was performed at
Valikārama, Vesāli City, B.E. 100. King Kālāsokarāja was the Patron. It

took 8 months to complete.

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Phra Brahmagunabhorn also categorized the Dhamma in his book “Dictionary of Buddhism, 2015
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