Foundations of Theravada Buddhism
Historical Context
Theravada Buddhism has its roots in ancient India, where it was one of the early Buddhist schools that emerged after the first schism of the Buddhist monastic community1.
It managed to establish itself in the Sri Lankan Anuradhapura Kingdom, and from there, it continued to spread throughout mainland Southeast Asia2.
The school’s followers, called Theravādins, claim that Theravada is the oldest form of Buddhism being practiced today and that it is directly descended from Buddha’s original teachings3.
Core Teachings and Practices
The foundation of Theravada Buddhism lies in the teachings of the Buddha, which encompass the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
The ultimate goal within Theravada Buddhism is to achieve Nirvana, a state of complete liberation from the cycle of birth and death4.
Theravada places great emphasis on meditation and mindfulness practices, particularly Vipassana (insight meditation) and Samatha (concentration meditation) to cultivate wisdom.
Practitioners often aspire to reach spiritual attainment levels, such as Arahant, a sign of complete Enlightenment5.
Additionally, Theravada Buddhism promotes the monastic life as a vital component of the spiritual journey.
Monks and nuns live within a tightly knit community called the Sangha, adhering to a strict system of ethics laid out in the Vinaya, the collection of monastic rules6.
Theravada Scriptures
The Pali Canon, or Tipitaka, serves as the primary scripture for Theravada Buddhists7.
Composed in the ancient Indian language Pali, it contains a vast collection of teachings and discourses attributed to the historical Buddha and his closest disciples.
The Pali Canon is divided into three main sections:
- Vinaya Pitaka, which includes the rules for monastic life
- Sutta Pitaka, containing the Buddha’s discourses on doctrine and practice
- Abhidhamma Pitaka, a detailed analysis and philosophical exposition of the Dharma8
Theravada Buddhists believe that a thorough understanding and practice of the teachings within the Pali Canon are essential for attaining Enlightenment9.
While Theravada Buddhism shares similarities with other Buddhist schools, such as Mahayana, it remains distinct, highlighting the importance of personal effort and adherence to the original teachings as the path to spiritual liberation10.
Theravada Across the World
Geographical Spread
Theravada Buddhism, also known as the “School of the Elders,” is one of the oldest schools of Buddhism.
It is mainly practiced in Southeast Asia, with strongholds in countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
Initially, Theravada Buddhism was mostly restricted to Mainland Southeast Asia.
However, it later expanded to other regions, such as Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, where it gained prominence under the Anuradhapura kingdom.
The spread of Theravada Buddhism was facilitated by missionary monks who traveled to different countries to teach and establish monastic communities.
Today, Theravada communities can be found in other regions, including the West, due to converts and diaspora populations.
Monastic Community
The Theravada tradition places great emphasis on the monastic sangha, with monks and nuns playing critical roles in the preservation and propagation of the teachings.
They lead lives of simplicity and renunciation, practicing disciplined meditation in search of enlightenment.
Lay people, on the other hand, support the monastic community and engage in religious practices, such as offering food and other necessities to monks, participating in meditation, and observing ethical precepts.
Various regional traditions have evolved within Theravada Buddhism, reflecting the local cultures and practices.
In Thailand, the Thai Forest Tradition has emerged, focusing on forest-dwelling monks, who lead simple lives and emphasize direct experience in meditation.
Influence and Modern Developments
A significant development in Theravada Buddhism is the Vipassana Movement, which stresses mindfulness meditation and self-inquiry.
Established by influential Burmese monks such as Ledi Sayadaw and Sayadaw U Pandita, the movement has played a key role in shaping modern Theravada practice.
Another aspect of Theravada’s modern influence is its interaction with other Buddhist schools, such as Mahāyāna and Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism).
Theravada is often seen as more conservative, adhering to the earliest recorded teachings, while Mahāyāna and Vajrayana tend to incorporate more diverse practices and focus on the bodhisattva ideal.
The growing popularity of Theravada Buddhism has led to increased visibility in the West, with publications like Tricycle playing a role in disseminating information and teachings.
Elements of Buddhist modernism, such as the adoption of scientific language and the emphasis on rationality, have also influenced the practice and spread of Theravada Buddhism in contemporary times.