Theravada Buddhism “Way of the Elders” Sometimes referred to as the “Lesser Vehicle:” smaller in number than Mahayana

Theravada The term Theravada first arose in the disputes which arose about a hundred years after the Buddha's death. A council of Buddhist monks was convened at the Mauryan capital of Patna during 3 BC to purify the doctrine..

Background Founded in India Predominant religion of Sri Lanka The oldest and most conservative branch of Buddhism that adheres to Pali scriptures (the Pali Canon) and the nontheistic ideal of self-purification to nirvana The oldest record of the Buddha's teachings Dominant in southern Asia

Purpose of Life The purpose of life for Theravadins is to become an arhat, a perfected saint who has achieved nirvana and will not be reborn again. There are four stages to becoming an arhat: Sotapanna "stream-enterer" - a convert, attained by overcoming false beliefs Sakadagamin "once-returner" - one who will only be reborn once more, attained by diminishing lust, hatred and illusion Anagamin "never-returner" - one who will be reborn in universal consciousness, after which he or she will become an arhat Arhat "worthy one" - one who has attained perfect enlightenment and will never be reborn

Sacred Scripture Pali- Oral Tradition Tripitaka- “Three Baskets” Vinaya Pitaka- Basket of Discipline Sutta Pitaka- Basket of Discourse Abhidhamma Pitaka- Basket of Metaphysics Post-canonical texts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zzBUulmUiQ

Tripitaka The first basket was known as the Vinaya Pitaka, translated “Basket of Discipline” the Buddha’s rules of discipline for the monks and nuns The second basket is known as the Sutta Pitaka, translated “Basket of Discourse” the teaching of Buddha that include the necessities to reach Nirvana the doctrine and practices of the Buddha the first songs of Buddhist nuns, which is the first documents writings of women’s sacred poetry The final basket is the Abhiddhamma Pitaka, translated “Basket of Metaphysics” last basket contains commentaries on the teachings of the Buddha

Rituals and Belief Because the most desirable way of life is to be a monk, all boys enter the monastery- a right of passage Wesa Spring Candles and incense Rockets set off Trees are decorated

Rituals and Beliefs Theravada Buddhism is highly ritualistic. Purpose of ritual is to help in the journey to becoming enlightened. Another purpose is to bring good things upon oneself and upon others. Central practice: meditation

Continued … Other rituals would be the use of Mudras (symbolic gestures). These gestures are used symbolically in images of Buddha. They are used in practice to induce specific ideas in the mind during time of Buddhist meditation or sometimes in ritual.