Over 2000 years ago, Buddhism divided into two major schools – Theravada and Mahayana. According to Kevin Trainor (Buddhism: The Illustrated Guide), Theravada means “The Doctrine of Elders” since followers of this school trace its origin to Gautam Buddha and maintain that the Buddha’s teachings were passed down in continuation within the monastic order and hence, the reference to “elders.”
Theravada is a major school with a huge following in southeast Asia – Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos and hence, the alternate name of “Southern School” or “Southern Buddhism.” Theravada advocates introspection and insight into one’s own actions and actual experiences and consequences rather than a blind belief.
Here is an introduction to the main features of Theravada Buddhism and its concepts.
The Sangha in Theravada
The Sangha or monastic community plays a central role in Theravada Buddhism. Kevin Trainor writes that one of the primary responsibilities of the Sangha is to preserve and exemplify the Buddha’s teachings.
Moreover, nations and societies that are profoundly influenced by the Theravada tradition usually, demonstrate a close relation between the Sangha and the state.
Scriptures of Theravada Buddhism
Like all the other schools of Buddhism, the beliefs and concepts of Theravada are taken from the Pali Canon and includes the Four Noble Truths, the Hindrances to Enlightenment and The Noble Eightfold Middle Path. Theravada uses the Pali script rather than the Sanskrit for its terminology.
Theravada Belief in Individual Enlightenment and Power of Self
Enlightenment and power of self are important concepts of Theravada Buddhism. Sue Penney writes that Theravada Buddhists believe that while Gautama Buddha taught people how to live he was just a man and therefore, enlightenment is through his teachings and Theravada Buddhists do not worship the Buddha. Theravada stresses on self-enlightenment that is realized through one’s own efforts.
According to TheravadaBuddhism.org, the ultimate level of attainment is to become an arahant – a person who is fully enlightened but not the Buddha of moderntime.
Vipassana – Theravada Meditation
Unlike the Mahayana school of Buddhsim, Theravada does place great emphasis on meditation and its powers. Vipassana or ‘insight meditation’ is practiced by Theravada Buddhists.
Vipassana meditation involves observing one’s body and thoughts and the relationship between them According to Prebish and Baumann, “The various forms of vipassana meditation are based on, or at least, inspired by, the meditation techniques preserved in the Pali writings of Theravada Buddhism.” According to Theravada, vipassana is also the main means of attaining enlightenment.
According to AccessToInsight.org, Theravada Buddhism gained popularity in the West, starting in the 1960s and has continued to expand. With its principles of self-enlightenment and practices such as Vipassana and teachings that encourage human happiness, contentment and peace. Theravada Buddhism is no longer restricted to southeast Asia and shows significant presence in the Western world as well.
Readers of this article may also like An Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism, along with A Brief Introduction to Taoism History and Use Buddhism Teachings for Better Relationships.
Sources:
- Trainor, Kevin. Buddhism: The Illustrated Guide. Oxford University Press US, 2004.
- Penney, Sue. Buddhism. Heinemann, 1995.
- Prebish, Charles, S. Baumann, Martin. Westward Dharma: Buddhism Beyond Asia. University of California Press, 2002.
 |
