Theravāda Buddhism, often referred to as The School of the Elders , is one of the oldest and most orthodox forms of Buddhism, primarily practiced today in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos. Rooted in thePāli Canon or Tipiṭaka, it emphasizes individual enlightenment through rigorous ethical conduct, meditation, and a deep understanding of The Buddha’s teachings, including The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path. Considered by its adherents to be the closest in doctrine and practice to the original teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (🤫 That’sThe Buddha!), Theravada places a strong emphasis on monasticism and the study of scriptures as vital means for attaining Nirvāṇa, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
The Buddhist Scriptures originated in India in the 6th century before Christ, then spread throughout Asia - including Nepal , Sri Lanka , Myanmar , Thailand , Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Tibet , China , Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Bhutan, Indonesia, Taiwan & Singapore — giving rise to various sacred traditions and texts.
The Tipiṭaka serves as the foundational canon for Theravāda Buddhism.
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