First Buddhist council

What is Theravada Buddhism?

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, June 1, 2023

Its adherents consider Theravada to be the most authoritative branch because they believe their teachings come directly from the historical Buddha.

Key Points: 
  • Its adherents consider Theravada to be the most authoritative branch because they believe their teachings come directly from the historical Buddha.
  • As a scholar of Buddhism, I explain in my 2023 book “Living Theravada: Demystifying the People, Places and Practices of a Buddhist Tradition” that Theravada Buddhism has a number of distinguishing features.
  • An important ritual for Theravada monks includes collecting alms every morning.
  • Diversity in the tradition
    Practitioners following the Theravada tradition form part of the Buddhist diaspora throughout the world, but countries with a majority population of Theravada Buddhists live in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.