Theravada Buddhism, Origins, Characteristics, Spread

Theravada Buddhism, also known as the "Doctrine of the Elders," is one of Buddhism's oldest and most influential traditions. It adheres to "vibhajjavada," which means "analytical instruction."Theravāda is renowned for preserving the Buddha’s teachings and practices in their most authentic form.

Theravada is one of the two major schools of Buddhism, the other being Mahayana, with some considering Vajrayana as the third school, though it is based on Mahayana philosophy.

About Theravada Buddhism

Theravāda Buddhism is the oldest surviving school of Buddhism, tracing its origins to theFirst Buddhist Council held shortly after the Buddha's passing. During this council, the Buddha's teachings, known as Buddha Dhamma, were compiled and organised. Sthaviravadin or Thervadins, the followers of this tradition, have preserved these teachings in the Pāli Canon for over a thousand years.

Theravada Buddhism Characteristics

Theravāda Buddhism is widely regarded as the most historically grounded and conservative form of the tradition. It is distinguished by several key characteristics that set it apart from other schools of thought:

• Conservative approach: Unlike Mahāyāna and Vajrāyāna, Theravāda emphasises a more orthodox doctrine (pariyatti) and strict monastic discipline (Vinaya).
• Rejection of Mahāyāna Sūtras: Theravāda regards the Mahāyāna texts, which emerged around the 1st century BCE, as non-authentic.
• Doctrinal core: It is founded on the Buddha's teachings as preserved in the Pāli Canon which continues the Hinayāna ("Lesser Vehicle") tradition.
• Ultimate objective: Theravāda Buddhism aims at achieving Nirvāna, the cessation of kleshas (mental afflictions such as fear, jealousy, and depression) and the cycle of suffering (samsāra). This is achieved by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which incorporates:
  • Samatha: Mind-calming practices.
  • Vipassanā: Insight into the three marks of existence—impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
• Core tenets:
• Vibhajjavāda (Instruction of Analysis): Advocates analytical understanding and direct experience of the teachings.
• Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification): A seminal text by Buddhaghosa (5th century CE) outlines the seven stages of purification (Satta-visuddhi) for salvation.
• Theravāda’s view on the Arhat: An Arhat in Theravāda has attained nirvāna through deep insight into existence.In Mahāyāna, an Arhat is considered to be on the path toward nirvāna but has not yet fully achieved it.
• Buddha chose Sixteen Arhats from among his disciples to safeguard the Dharma until the arrival of Maitreya, the future Buddha. Their names are:

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Theravada Buddhism Spread

Theravāda Buddhism, originating around 250 BCE from the original disciples of the Buddha, gained prominence under King Ashoka, who embraced and promoted it. It spread from India to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century.

• To address corruption in the Sangha, Ashoka convened the Third Buddhist Council (250 BCE), chaired by Moggaliputtatissa, which documented the Tipitaka (Three Baskets).
• Ashoka’s son, Mahinda, helped spread Theravāda to Sri Lanka, where it flourished.
• Theravāda is prevalent in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
  • Modern movements like Vipassanā (mindfulness) have also emerged from this tradition.
• Influence: Theravada Buddhism has significantly influenced the cultures and societies of these regions, shaping their art, architecture (Shwedagon Pagoda), literature (3 Tripitaka) and social structures (Sangha). 
  • It has also played a role in shaping their political and economic systems.

Today, Theravada Buddhism remains the dominant form of Buddhism in much of Southeast Asia and continues to be an important part of the cultural and religious landscape of the region.

Theravada Buddhism UPSC PYQs

Question 1: With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2020)

1. Sthaviravadins belong to Mahayana Buddhism.
2. Lokottaravadin sect was an offshoot of Mahasanghika sect of Buddhism.
3. The deification of Buddha by Mahasanghikas fostered the Mahayana Buddhism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)