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Furthermore, Theravada teaches that enlightenment is not attainable in a single life-time, nor should it be thought to be.  Isntead, one must break free of their worldly fetters (hatred, lust, shame) before being reborn and continuing on the path to eventual enlightenment.

Furthermore, Theravada teaches that enlightenment is not attainable in a single life-time, nor should it be thought to be.  Isntead, one must break free of their worldly fetters (hatred, lust, shame) before being reborn and continuing on the path to eventual enlightenment.

Theravadan Buddhism's main text can be considered the Pali Cannon, though a wealth of scripture, sutras and treatises have arisen and shall continue to be written as the philosophy continues to deversify.

Theravadan Buddhism's main text can be considered the Pali Cannon, though a wealth of scripture, sutras and treatises have arisen and shall continue to be written as the philosophy continues to diversify.

 

Buddhism is currently the majority religion in the following states:

Buddhism is currently the majority religion in the following states:

Country Percent  

 

Thailand 95%  

|'''Country'''

 

|'''Percent'''

Cambodia 90  

 

|Thailand

Myanmar 88  

|95%  

 

Bhutan 75  

|Cambodia

 

|90  

Sri Lanka 70  

 

|Myanmar

Tibet * 65  

|88

 

Laos 60  

|Bhutan

 

|75  

Vietnam 55  

 

|Sri Lanka

Japan ** 50  

|70  

|Tibet*

|65  

|Laos

|60

|Vietnam

|55  

|Japan**

|50

<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[China]]: Is the country with the most buddhists, with an estimated 100 million adherents.  

<nowiki>*</nowiki> [[China]]: Is the country with the most Buddhists, with an estimated 100 million adherents.  

<nowiki>*</nowiki> Tibet is an estimate, as there has never been a reliable survey. Furthermore, it is debatable whether Tibet should be considered an independent nation.

<nowiki>*</nowiki> Tibet is an estimate, as there has never been a reliable survey. Furthermore, it is debatable whether Tibet should be considered an independent nation.

<nowiki>**</nowiki> [[Japan]] is an "odd" case, as surveys of adherence are conducted rather differently. Firstly it is debatable at what point various Japanese beliefs shift from being traditions to being religions. This is indicated by the fact that "85% of Japanese claim Buddhism as their preferred religion", yet "75% percent claim to practice and believe in no religion" -a more accurate estimate may be 20%.

<nowiki>**</nowiki> [[Japan]] is an "odd" case, as surveys of adherence are conducted rather differently. Firstly it is debatable at what point various Japanese beliefs shift from being traditions to being religions. This is indicated by the fact that "85% of Japanese claim Buddhism as their preferred religion", yet "75% percent claim to practice and believe in no religion" -a more accurate estimate may be 20%.<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_buddhist.html The Largest Buddhist Communities]</ref>

<ref>[http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_buddhist.html The Largest Buddhist Communities]</ref>

 

[[Image:Obon.jpg|thumb|Obon remains one of the most important Buddhist observances]]

[[Image:Obon.jpg|thumb|Obon remains one of the most important Buddhist observances]]

</blockquote>

</blockquote>

{{Clear}}

{{Clear}}

==References==

==References==