Objectives and Achievements: Clarifying Doctrine, Creating Legacy

The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened with several key objectives, including resolving disagreements between the monastic communities of Gandhara and Kashmir, systematically collecting and codifying Sarvastivadin Abhidharma texts, and preparing comprehensive commentaries on the entire Buddhist canon. Additionally, one of the council's major tasks was to translate existing Buddhist scriptures from regional Prakrit dialects into classical Sanskrit, promoting wider dissemination and intellectual engagement.

Among its many outcomes, the most significant and enduring was the compilation of the Abhidharma Mahavibhasha Shastra, often referred to simply as the Mahavibhasha. This monumental text serves as an encyclopaedic commentary on the Sarvastivadin Abhidharma Pitaka, with particular emphasis on the Jnanaprasthana, a foundational text of the school. The sheer scale of the Mahavibhasha is remarkable — reportedly encompassing hundreds of thousands of verses — meticulously compiled over twelve years through the collective efforts of a large assembly of monks under the guidance of the esteemed scholar Vasumitra.

This comprehensive commentary held immense authority within the Sarvastivada tradition, especially its Vaibhasika branch, serving as a definitive exposition of their core doctrines. Its subsequent translation into Chinese ensured its survival and extended its influence across East Asian Buddhism, even as the Sarvastivada school gradually declined in its native India.

Beyond the Mahavibhasha, the council also produced supplementary treatises like the Upadesa-sastras, systematized Sarvastivadin Abhidharma teachings, and potentially formalized the distinction between Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism. Notably, the adoption of Sanskrit as the primary language for Buddhist discourse further unified Buddhist literature, fostering greater intellectual exchange across the subcontinent.

Kashmir's Transformation: A Center of Buddhist Learning

The Fourth Buddhist Council had a profound and lasting impact on the religious and cultural life of Kashmir across vast areas including regions like that we know today as Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan. This era marked a golden age for Buddhism in the valley, characterized by a flourishing of intellectual exchange and religious growth. By attracting numerous scholars and systematically organizing Buddhist teachings, the council catalysed Kashmir’s emergence as a major centre of Buddhist learning and scholarship — a reputation that resonated throughout Central Asia.

The Sarvastivada school, already prominent in the region, experienced further intellectual growth, with significant philosophical works and commentaries being composed within its tradition. Additionally, the council likely contributed to the rise and expanding influence of Mahayana Buddhism in Kashmir, with some accounts suggesting that Emperor Kanishka’s patronage extended to formally declaring Mahayana as the state religion.

The adoption of Sanskrit during this period facilitated deeper interaction with other intellectual traditions, including Hindu and Jain philosophies. This linguistic shift enriched Buddhist discourse and expanded its influence. The presence of renowned Buddhist philosophers like Nagarjuna, whose works profoundly shaped Mahayana thought, highlights the valley’s intellectual vibrancy and its central role in the continued development of Buddhist philosophy.

Broader Significance: A Turning Point in Buddhist History

The Sarvastivada Fourth Buddhist Council holds a significant place in the broader history of Buddhism, primarily for its profound contributions to Buddhist thought and the linguistic evolution of Buddhist traditions. The Mahavibhasha Shastra, compiled during the council, became a cornerstone for the subsequent development of Buddhist philosophy, influencing not only the Sarvastivada school but also other Buddhist traditions.

The council is often regarded as a defining moment in the formalization of the distinction between Hinayana (Sravakayana) and Mahayana Buddhism, although scholarly debate continues regarding the precise nature and timing of this division. Alongside other major assemblies dedicated to preserving, clarifying, and disseminating the Buddha's teachings, the Sarvastivada council remains a key milestone in the historical narrative of Buddhism.

In contrast to the Theravada Fourth Council in Sri Lanka, which focused on preserving the Pali Canon in written form, the Sarvastivada council in Kashmir emphasized the systematization of Abhidharma and the adoption of Sanskrit. This contrast underscores the distinct priorities and evolving trajectories of early Buddhist schools, reflecting the rich diversity within the Buddhist tradition.

A Legacy Threaded with Kashmir's Identity

Despite its significant historical impact, Buddhism eventually declined in the Kashmir Valley primarily due to the rise of Islam. Nevertheless, the legacy of this once-thriving Buddhist culture persists through archaeological sites scattered across the valley and beyond. The ruins of the Harwan Monastery, believed to be the location of the ancient Kundalvana Vihara, stand as a tangible reminder of Kashmir's rich Buddhist past, though their historical significance may not be widely appreciated in modern times.

Further north, in the region of Gilgit-Baltistan and Ladakh, enduring symbols of Kashmir’s Buddhist heritage are evident in the form of rock carvings and inscriptions. The Kargah Buddha and Manthal Buddha, majestic rock reliefs carved into towering cliffs, serve as silent witnesses to the Buddhist influence that once flourished along these ancient trade routes. These striking images, often accompanied by inscriptions in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts, stand as powerful reminders of the region’s historical connection to Buddhism.

Moreover, the discovery of the Gilgit Manuscripts in the early 20th century was a monumental event in the study of Buddhist literature. Unearthed from a stupa in Gilgit-Baltistan, these manuscripts represent one of the oldest surviving collections of Buddhist texts, covering a wide array of philosophical, doctrinal, and narrative works. Preserved on birch bark and written in the Gupta script, they offer invaluable insights into the Sarvastivada tradition and other Buddhist schools that once thrived in the region. These texts also underscore the role of Kashmir and its neighbouring regions as vibrant centres of Buddhist scholarship and textual transmission.

Exquisite examples of Kashmiri Buddhist art and sculptures can be found in museums around the world, serving as a testament to the region's historical importance in Buddhist art and culture. In recent years, a renewed interest has emerged in preserving and understanding Kashmir's Buddhist heritage, with ongoing efforts to restore ancient sites and raise awareness of their significance. Kashmir's role as a crucial conduit for the transmission of Buddhism to Central Asia, Tibet, and China continues to be recognized and studied by scholars worldwide.

Reflecting on the story of this council and its broader legacy invites important questions about cultural preservation and historical memory. How many more chapters of Kashmir's rich intellectual history remain understudied or forgotten? The ruins at Harwan, the Gilgit Manuscripts, the Kargah and Manthal Buddhas, the scattered manuscripts preserved in various languages, and the philosophical concepts that originated in the valley all point to a heritage that deserves greater recognition and understanding.

The digital age presents an unprecedented opportunity for scholars and students of Buddhism to collaborate in preserving and disseminating this rich heritage. With access to ancient texts, archaeological findings, and scholarly discussions, a renewed wave of Buddhist studies can flourish. By embracing these opportunities, the intellectual and spiritual legacy of Kashmir’s Buddhist heritage can continue to illuminate and inspire future generations.