THERAVADA BUDDHISM

The term "Theravada" means "Teaching of the Elders."  Theravada Buddhism is found in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Theravadins maintain that they alone possess the true doctrines and disciplines of Buddhism, while others are either too rigid or too lax in their interpretation. 

Theravada, originally called Hinayana, has kept the Buddhist scriptures in Pali rather than Sanskrit, which is employed, along with other languages, in the Mahayana schools.  The Pali dialect is used because Sanskrit is moreover the language of Brahmanism which Theravadins reject.

Theravadin beliefs include that the Buddha was a man like any other, the difference being his high state of understanding and intuition into life as it truly is.

Theravadins further believe that Buddhism has nothing to do with religious mysticism or with dreams and ecstasies, visions and trances, which other religions, including various forms of the Mahayana, regard as leading to supernatural powers. 

They also hold that belief in a permanent self or soul is a pernicious error, the result of longing for a deathless life which is certain to produce attachment to life.

The central institution of Theravada Buddhism is the Sangha, the celibate Brotherhood of bhikkus (monks) who wander about singly or in small groups begging for a livelihood and existing in utmost simplicity.  Some women may also belong to such groups.

Theravada stresses the Three Refuges, namely the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and again the Sangha.

Theravada is dismissed by Mahayanists, especially the Chinese, who say that it is merely a preparation for more complex methods.  They say too that it is preached to disciples of limited receptiveness.