Question

Choose the complaints charged against Ānanda in the first Buddhist Council : A. While sewing robes of Buddha, he walked on it. B. He didn't stop Buddha going to Chunda's house. C. He didn't clean the seat of Buddha. D. Allowed entry of women into Saṃgha because of Mahāprajāpati Gautamī E. He ate the food of Buddha Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. D and E only
• B. A and D only
• C. A and C only
• D. B and C only

Hint:

Ānanda is most commonly associated with two famous issues in examinations: (1) Admission of women into the Saṃgha and (2) Failure to ask Buddha about the minor Vinaya rules.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: After the Mahāparinirvāṇa of the Buddha, the First Buddhist Council was held at Rājagṛha under the leadership of Mahākāśyapa. Ānanda, despite being the Buddha's closest attendant, was questioned regarding certain acts considered improper by senior monks.

Step 1: Examining the authentic charges against Ānanda.
• A. Walking on Buddha's robe --- This is mentioned in the Vinaya traditions. Ānanda admitted stepping on the robe unintentionally while sewing it.
• D. Allowing women into the Saṃgha --- Ānanda strongly requested the Buddha to permit Mahāprajāpati Gautamī and women to enter monastic life. This was treated as one of the charges during the council.

Step 2: Rejecting the incorrect statements.
• B. Chunda's house --- No such charge appears in canonical records.
• C. Cleaning the seat --- This is not listed among the formal accusations.
• E. Eating Buddha's food --- Completely incorrect and unsupported by Buddhist literature.

Step 3: Understanding the significance of these accusations. The charges were not meant to insult Ānanda. Instead, they emphasized strict discipline and equality within the Saṃgha. Even a revered disciple had to accept communal correction.

Step 4: Final Conclusion. The historically accepted charges among the given options are: \[ \boxed{A \text{ and } D} \] Hence, Option (2) is correct.