Why did Buddha not appoint a successor?

He wanted the Sangha to be a democratic community guided by impersonal laws (Dhamma) rather than by the personal authority of a single leader.

Buddhist Monastic Organization

UPSC Archival Analysis

Exam Year

2002

Evidence Source

Link

ID: HIS_PHI_2002_141 Ref: Chapter 4: Thinkers, Beliefs and Buildings

Whom of the following did Gautam Buddha nominate for the leadership of Buddhist Sangha after his death?

AI Quick Summary (View Answer)

Correct Option: D

Gautama Buddha did not nominate any single person to lead the Sangha after his death. He instructed his followers to let the Dhamma and the Vinaya be their guide.