What is the rehearsal (Sanghayana)? How many significant rehearsals recorded in Theravada?

As the maintenance of the ward of the Buddha is essential to the maintenance of Buddhism, it is regarded as an absolute necessity also an issue of crucial importance in Buddhism to preserve the ward of the Buddha.

Assemblies where the Buddha’s teachings as handed down to us were rehearsed, reviewed, and preserved as completely, accurately, pristinely and perfectly as possible.

There are six significant rehearsals recorded in Theravada tradition. Known as the following:

The first Buddhist Council which was held soon after the mahaparinirvana of the Buddha, under the patronage of king Ajatasattu with the presiding monk Mahakassapa at Rajagaha.

The Second Rehearsal which was held 100 years after the demise of the Buddha sponsored by King Kālāsoka at Vesāli.

  The Third Rehearsal which was held 238 years after the Buddha’s parinibbāna. Sponsored by Emperor Asoka at Pātaliputta.

 The Forth Rehearsal in Theravada Buddhism which was held in 238 B.E sponsored by King Devanampiyatissa at Anurathapura with the assembly of 68,000 monks.

 The Fifth Rehearsal was held in 2415 B.E presided by three Elders Ven Jagarabhivamsa, Ven Narindabhidhaja, and Ven Sumangalasami in the company of some monks (2,400), sponsored by King Mindon.

 The sixth rehearsal was held from 17 May 2497 – 24 Nov. 2499 Attended by representatives from Theravada countries. The Chattasangāyanā sponsored by the Burmese government.