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What Is The Theravada Buddhism?
Theravada Buddhism is an ancient form of Buddhism that is still widely practiced throughout the world today. It is one of the two major branches of the Buddhist religion, with the other being Mahayana Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is sometimes referred to as “The Way of the Elders” due to its origins in the Pali Canon, which is the oldest surviving record of the Buddha’s teachings. It has its roots in India, and is the main form of Buddhism practiced in many countries in Southeast Asia, such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.
At the core of Theravada Buddhism lies the belief in the Four Noble Truths: that life is suffering, that suffering is caused by attachments to impermanent experiences or things, that it is possible to end suffering through the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path, and that it is possible to achieve Nirvana or enlightenment. The Four Noble Truths are believed to be the founding principles of the Buddhist religion, and they are the basis for the majority of the teachings of Theravada Buddhism. In this way, Theravada Buddhism is very much focused on helping one to attain enlightenment through their own actions, and it does not rely on rituals or gods for salvation.
Theravada Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom and insight, as opposed to concentrating solely on strict adherence to rules and regulations. This can be seen in the practice of meditation, which is a central aspect of Theravada Buddhism, and which is used to help practitioners develop a better understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the way they relate to one’s life. Meditation can help build the qualities needed to overcome suffering, such as self-awareness, patience, and mindfulness.
Theravada Buddhism is also known for its strict adherence to the Pali Canon, which is the earliest record of the Buddha’s teachings. This Canon is believed to be the most authentic record of the teachings of the Buddha, and it is the foundation of Theravada Buddhism. This Canon is made up of three collections: The Vinaya Pitaka, which deals with monastic discipline; The Sutta Pitaka, which contains the discourses of the Buddha; and The Abhidhamma Pitaka, which contains the teachings on Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
The practice of Theravada Buddhism also involves the adherence to a monastic lifestyle, and those who practice Theravada Buddhism are required to follow the rules of monastic conduct. This includes the abstention from any kind of bodily indulgence, such as sexual activities and the consumption of intoxicants, as well as the maintenance of a proper diet, which is mainly vegetarian. Monks and nuns also practice celibacy and renounce worldly goods. These monastic practices are said to help purify the mind and body, allowing for greater focus on spiritual matters.
In summary, Theravada Buddhism is an ancient branch of the Buddhist religion focused on attaining enlightenment through the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path. It is based on the teachings contained in the Pali Canon, and it emphasizes the importance of cultivating wisdom and insight through meditation and the practice of a monastic lifestyle. Theravada Buddhism is practiced in many countries in Southeast Asia, and is still widely practiced throughout the world today.
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