Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A major school of Buddhist doctrine: Theravada is one of the two primary schools of Buddhism. It emphasizes the path to personal salvation (nirvana) achieved primarily through one's own disciplined efforts and meditation.
   • A conservative form of Buddhism: It is characterized by its strict adherence to the earliest recorded Buddhist scriptures, the Pali Canon, and its focus on the ideal of self-purification to attain enlightenment.
   • A dominant religious tradition: Theravada Buddhism is the predominant religion in several Southeast Asian nations.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Theravada is known for its preservation of the earliest Buddhist teachings.
  • Monks practicing Theravada Buddhism follow a very disciplined path.
  • The dominant form of Buddhism in Thailand is Theravada.

Advanced Usage

• "Theravada Buddhism": The full term often used to specify this school as a religious and philosophical system.

  • She studied the meditation techniques of Theravada Buddhism.

• "Theravada tradition": Refers to the customs, practices, and lineage of this school.

  • The ceremony was conducted according to the Theravada tradition.

Variants and Related Words

• Theravadin (noun): An adherent or practitioner of Theravada Buddhism.

  • The Theravadin monk led the meditation session.

• Hinayana (noun): An older, sometimes considered derogatory, term historically used to refer to Theravada and other early schools, meaning "Lesser Vehicle." The term "Theravada" (Teaching of the Elders) is preferred.

Synonyms

• Southern Buddhism: A geographical descriptor for Theravada, as it is predominant in South and Southeast Asia.
• Pali Buddhism: Refers to its use of the Pali language for its scriptures.

Related Concepts

• Mahayana (noun): The other great school of Buddhism, often called the "Great Vehicle," which contrasts with Theravada in some doctrines and practices.
• Nirvana (noun): The ultimate goal in Theravada Buddhism, the liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
• Pali Canon (noun): The authoritative collection of scriptures in the Pali language revered in Theravada.

Noun

1. one of two great schools of Buddhist doctrine emphasizing personal salvation through your own efforts; a conservative form of Buddhism that adheres to Pali scriptures and the non-theistic ideal of self purification to nirvana; the dominant religion of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) and Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand and Laos and Cambodia