Theravāda Buddhism is one of the oldest branches of Buddhism. It is often called the “Teaching of the Elders.” This tradition tries to follow the original teachings of the Buddha as closely as possible.
Theravāda uses the Pāli Canon, which is one of the earliest collections of the Buddha’s teachings. It focuses on meditation, moral living, and gaining wisdom through direct experience.
Where Did Theravāda Buddhism Begin?
Theravāda Buddhism began in India, where the Buddha lived and taught around 2,500 years ago. After the Buddha’s death, his teachings were passed down by monks. Over time, these teachings spread to other parts of Asia.
One of the key moments in its spread was when Emperor Ashoka of India sent Buddhist missionaries to other lands. One mission went to Sri Lanka, where Theravāda Buddhism became deeply rooted.
Where Is Theravāda Buddhism Practiced Today?
Today, Theravāda Buddhism is mainly practiced in Southeast Asia and parts of South Asia. Below are the main countries where it is most common:
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is considered the heartland of Theravāda Buddhism. The tradition has been present there for over 2,000 years. Most people in Sri Lanka are Theravāda Buddhists. The religion influences daily life, festivals, and education.
Monasteries, known as viharas, are found throughout the island. Monks play a big role in teaching and guiding laypeople. Pilgrimage sites like the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy are important to believers.
Thailand
Thailand has one of the largest Theravāda Buddhist populations in the world. Over 90% of the population are Buddhists. Temples, or wats, are present in nearly every town and village.
Thai Buddhism has a strong connection to everyday life. Many Thai men become monks for a short period as a rite of passage. Buddhist holidays and rituals are part of national culture.
Myanmar (Burma)
In Myanmar, Theravāda Buddhism is the most widespread religion. It has shaped the culture, arts, and politics of the country. Monks in Myanmar are highly respected and often lead peaceful protests or community movements.
The country is also known for meditation centers. Vipassanā, or insight meditation, is widely taught and practiced in both urban and rural areas.
Laos
Theravāda Buddhism in Laos is practiced by the majority of the population. It arrived from neighboring Thailand and Cambodia centuries ago. The religion is tied closely to village life, and monks often serve as teachers and spiritual leaders.
Traditional festivals like Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year) involve visiting temples and making merit through donations and acts of kindness.
Cambodia
Theravāda Buddhism became the main religion of Cambodia in the 13th century. Today, it is deeply woven into the country’s culture and identity. The Khmer Rouge era caused great damage to the Buddhist community, but the religion has since recovered.
Many Cambodians regularly give alms to monks, attend temple ceremonies, and observe Buddhist precepts during holy days.
Other Countries With Theravāda Communities
Although Southeast Asia is the center of Theravāda Buddhism, it is also practiced in other places:
India
While India is where Buddhism began, Theravāda Buddhism was not dominant for centuries. In the 20th century, it saw a revival. This was especially due to the Dalit Buddhist movement led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Many Indian Buddhists today follow the Theravāda path.
Bangladesh
In the Chittagong Hill Tracts of Bangladesh, several indigenous groups practice Theravāda Buddhism. Monasteries and pagodas are common in this region, and the tradition remains active despite being a minority faith.
Nepal
Nepal is the birthplace of the Buddha. While most Nepalese are Hindu or follow Mahāyāna Buddhism, there is a small but active Theravāda community. It became more prominent in the 20th century, especially in urban areas like Kathmandu.
Western Countries
Theravāda Buddhism has spread to the West through immigration and interest in meditation. You can find Theravāda temples and meditation centers in countries like:
- The United States
- The United Kingdom
- Australia
- Germany
Many people are drawn to Theravāda teachings for their clarity and focus on mindfulness and self-discipline.
Why Is Theravāda Buddhism Important?
Theravāda Buddhism keeps many of the early teachings of the Buddha. It focuses on personal effort and meditation to reach enlightenment. This tradition encourages followers to follow the Noble Eightfold Path and practice mindfulness and compassion.
Main Beliefs
- All things change (impermanence)
- Nothing has a permanent self (non-self)
- Suffering exists, but it can end
Goal of Practice
The final goal in Theravāda Buddhism is to become an Arahant, a person who is free from all greed, hatred, and ignorance. This is different from the Mahāyāna idea of becoming a Bodhisattva.
How Is Theravāda Buddhism Practiced?
Monastic Life
Monks and nuns follow hundreds of rules. They live simply, own few things, and focus on study and meditation. Many people give food and supplies to monks as a way of gaining merit.
Lay Life
Laypeople follow five basic rules called the Five Precepts:
- Do not kill
- Do not steal
- Do not lie
- Do not misuse sex
- Do not take alcohol or drugs
Lay followers also meditate, visit temples, and support monastic communities.
Meditation
Meditation is a key practice in Theravāda Buddhism. There are two main types:
- Samatha (calm) – focuses the mind and brings peace
- Vipassanā (insight) – leads to wisdom and understanding of reality
Many people attend meditation retreats to deepen their practice.
Key Texts in Theravāda Buddhism
The sacred texts of Theravāda are written in the Pāli language. They are called the Tipiṭaka or “Three Baskets”:
1. Vinaya Piṭaka
These texts give rules for monks and nuns.
2. Sutta Piṭaka
These are the discourses of the Buddha. They cover teachings on ethics, meditation, and wisdom.
3. Abhidhamma Piṭaka
This is a more detailed analysis of the mind and reality.
Famous Theravāda Temples
Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar
This is one of the most famous Theravāda temples in the world. It is said to house relics of the Buddha.
Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand
Located in Bangkok, this temple is home to the Emerald Buddha, a symbol of Thai Buddhism.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Sri Lanka
This temple holds a tooth relic of the Buddha and is one of the most sacred places for Theravāda Buddhists.
Theravāda Buddhism vs. Other Traditions
Theravāda is different from other Buddhist schools like Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna.
Main Differences
- Theravāda focuses on becoming an Arahant
- Mahāyāna aims to become a Bodhisattva to help others
- Theravāda uses the Pāli Canon, while Mahāyāna uses other texts
Modern Developments
Today, Theravāda Buddhism is reaching more people through technology, books, and online teachings. Many temples offer virtual meditation classes and Dhamma talks. Scholars and monks translate texts into English and other languages to make the teachings more accessible.
Examples of Global Theravāda Teachers
- Ajahn Geoff (Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu) – a Western monk with many free resources
- Sayadaw U Pandita – a respected teacher from Myanmar
- Ajahn Chah – a Thai forest monk whose students now teach around the world
Conclusion
Theravāda Buddhism is mainly located in Southeast Asia, especially in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Smaller communities also exist in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Western countries.
This tradition remains strong due to its deep roots in local culture and its focus on the original teachings of the Buddha. As interest in meditation grows worldwide, Theravāda Buddhism continues to spread and guide people on the path to peace and wisdom.
