________________ Vaisali in Indian History and Culture The Council did not have smooth sailing, and, as it could not come to a conclusion, Revata decided to refer the dispute to a committee of eight, four monks of the East, and four of the West. The Committee met at Balikarama as a secluded spot. With the Committee was associated the oldest Thera Sabbakamiz by rame, of highest authority. The committee decided against the Vajjian monks. The decision was put before the plenary Session of the Assembly (Samgiti) attended by 700 mooks. The Vinaya was rehearsed at the Assembly and its text was settled. Some of the members brought with them the copies of the Vinaya current in their districts, while others trusted to their memory, in presenting before the council the exact teachings of the first apostles. Each of the Vaisali innovations was separately condemned by vote as being against the Vinaya, on the strength of the Sutras or the Vinaya concerned. Then the Council proceeded to reduce to order and finally decide the Text of the Vinaya. It was thus left to Vaisali to play a most important part in the history of Buddhism and the evolution of its canonical literature. The Sinhalese documents record the tradition that, after the Second Buddhist Council had ended, the lsing party, who were called the "wicked Bhikkhus, the ex-communicated Vajji. Puttakas", held a council of their own (Mahasamgiti). The schism apparently became serious. This rival council established what is called the Mahasamgika School or Acaryavada, as against the orthodox Theravada of the other council. It seems that the Mahasamgikas made a new collection of scriptures and did not confine their attention merely to the ten points of the dispute. They are also stated to have met in Kutagarasala of the Mahavana, the holy abode of the Buddha himself, which was in their possession. These traditions made Vaisali the first centre of schism and heresy within the Buddhist church, as embodied in the Mahasamgbika School. which branched off from the orthodox doctrine, as a separate sect, with its own redactions of the canonical Scriptures. It is to be noted that the material prosperity of Vaisali and its cultural progress were ultimately due to its National and Popular Govern. ment. It was governed by a Republic, the like of which was not seen in India's entire history. The Buddha was a born republican, but the Licchavis were the older Republicans. The Licchavi Republican President, Cetaka, took the lead in organizing a Federation of Republics comprising 9 Mallakis, and 18 Gana-rajas of Kasi-Kosala besides the 9 Licchavi Republics.
