THERAVADA BUDDHISM Meaning and
Definition
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Theravada Buddhism is a school of Buddhism that is considered the oldest surviving branch of the religion. It is commonly practiced in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. The term "Theravada" translates to "School of the Elders" or "Doctrine of the Elders," indicating its adherence to the traditional teachings of the Buddha.
At the core of Theravada Buddhism is the belief in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which outline the path to liberation from suffering. It emphasizes self-reliance and individual effort in attaining enlightenment, often through meditation and mindfulness practices.
Theravada Buddhism places significant emphasis on the monastic community, known as the Sangha. Monks and nuns are highly respected and serve as spiritual guides for lay practitioners. The monastic lifestyle is seen as a way to detach from worldly desires and focus on the pursuit of spiritual awakening.
Scripture and textual preservation are vital aspects of Theravada Buddhism. The Pali Canon, also known as the Tripitaka, contains the Buddha's teachings and serves as the primary text. These ancient scriptures are written in Pali, an early Indian language, and are considered the most authentic and authoritative source of the Buddha's teachings.
Theravada Buddhism is known for its conservative and orthodox practices, maintaining a strict adherence to traditional rituals and doctrines. It emphasizes individual responsibility and disciplined practice to attain liberation. This school of Buddhism values wisdom, mindfulness, morality, and meditation as essential components of the spiritual path.
Common Misspellings for THERAVADA BUDDHISM
- rheravada buddhism
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- theeavada buddhism
- thedavada buddhism
Etymology of THERAVADA BUDDHISM
The word "Theravada Buddhism" has its roots in the ancient Indian language of Pali. "Theravada" is a compound word combining "Thera" and "Vada".
1. Thera: Thera comes from the Pali word "thēro", which means "elder" or "senior". In the context of Buddhism, Thera refers to the senior or elder monks who have attained a high level of spiritual realization and are regarded as senior teachers.
2. Vada: Vada comes from the Pali word "vāda", which means "doctrine" or "teaching". It refers to the specific teachings or doctrines of a particular school of thought.
Therefore, "Theravada Buddhism" literally translates to the "Doctrine of the Elders" or the "Teachings of the Elders".
