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.