The first was appointed to repeat his teaching upon discipline; "for discipline," said they, "is the soul of the law." Whereupon Upali, mounting the pulpit, repeated all of the precepts concerning morals and the ritual.

Then Ananda was chosen to give his master's discourses concerning faith or doctrine.

Finally, Kasyapa announced the philosophy and metaphysics of the system.

The council sat during seven months, and the threefold division of the sacred Scriptures of Buddhism was the result of their work; for Sakya-muni wrote nothing himself.

He taught by conversation only.
The second general council was called to correct certain abuses which had begun to creep in.