theravada buddhism

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Theravada Buddhism

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Theravada Buddhism is one of the two main schools of Buddhism. It focuses on personal spiritual growth and emphasizes that individuals can achieve enlightenment (or nirvana) through their own efforts. This form of Buddhism is more traditional and follows ancient texts written in the Pali language. It is the main religion in countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "Theravada Buddhism" when discussing the specific school of Buddhism that focuses on individual effort for spiritual enlightenment.
• It is often compared to Mahayana Buddhism, which has different beliefs and practices.

Example Sentence:

"Many people in Thailand practice Theravada Buddhism, which teaches that reaching nirvana requires personal discipline and meditation."

Advanced Usage:

• In discussions about religious practices, you might hear phrases like "Theravada traditions," which refer to the various customs and rituals associated with this school of thought.
• Scholars may also refer to "Theravada texts" when discussing the Pali scriptures that guide this form of Buddhism.

Word Variants:

• Theravada (adj.): Used to describe things related to Theravada Buddhism, e.g., "Theravada teachings" or "Theravada monks."
• Buddhism (noun): The broader religion that encompasses various schools, including Theravada and Mahayana.

Different Meanings:

• While "Theravada Buddhism" specifically refers to the school of thought, the term "Buddhism" itself can refer to the entire religion, including its various schools and practices.

Synonyms:

• Southern Buddhism: Another term sometimes used to refer to Theravada Buddhism, emphasizing its prevalence in southern Asia.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Theravada Buddhism," but you might hear phrases like "finding one's path" in the context of personal spiritual journeys.

Summary:

Theravada Buddhism is a traditional school of Buddhism that emphasizes personal effort towards enlightenment, primarily followed in several Southeast Asian countries.

Academic

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

Synonyms

• Theravada
• Theravada Buddhism