ABSTRACT
In 80 b.c.e., virtually all of the leading Buddhist monks and scholars of the time gathered at Anuradhapura, the capital city of the island kingdom of Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon). In addition to nourishing their own practice, they were there for the purpose of formally establishing an authentic body of Buddhist scripture. They worked long at the task, debating issues and weeding out what they believed to be questionable sources. It was their hope that they could come to an agreement on a fundamental corpus of documents that faithfully preserved Buddha’s teaching, including his teaching regarding the proper organization and discipline of the sangha. After many months of work the members of this Great Council put their seal of approval on a collection of writings that has come to be known as the Pali Canon.
