Difference between revisions of "Theravada"
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| − | '''Theravada''' ([[Pali]] for "The Way of the Elders") is the branch of [[Buddhism]] which adheres strictly to [[Buddha]]'s original teachings. It is | + | '''Theravada''' ([[Pali]] for "The Way of the Elders") is the branch of [[Buddhism]] which adheres strictly to the [[Buddha]]'s original teachings, the [[Pali Canon]] or ''Tipitaka''. It is dominant in [[Sri Lanka]], [[Thailand]], [[Cambodia]], [[Burma]], and [[Laos]]. It is sometimes referred to as '''Hinayana''' ("lesser vehicle", "inferior vehicle"), but this name is usually seen as derogatory by Theravada followers. |
| − | Theravada focuses on the original | + | Theravada focuses on the original Pali writings, purported to record the actual words of the Buddha, and downplays the importance of [[bodhisattva]]s in favor of personal enlightenment. It is the more [[atheistic]] of the main Buddhist denominations.{{fact}} |
[[Category:Buddhism]] | [[Category:Buddhism]] | ||
Revision as of 00:28, December 27, 2012
Theravada (Pali for "The Way of the Elders") is the branch of Buddhism which adheres strictly to the Buddha's original teachings, the Pali Canon or Tipitaka. It is dominant in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, and Laos. It is sometimes referred to as Hinayana ("lesser vehicle", "inferior vehicle"), but this name is usually seen as derogatory by Theravada followers.
Theravada focuses on the original Pali writings, purported to record the actual words of the Buddha, and downplays the importance of bodhisattvas in favor of personal enlightenment. It is the more atheistic of the main Buddhist denominations.[Citation Needed]