HIRE WRITER

Theravada Buddhism as a Branch of Buddhism

  • Updated July 25, 2023
  • Pages 2 (404 words)
  • Views 285
  • Subject
  • Category
This is FREE sample
This text is free, available online and used for guidance and inspiration. Need a 100% unique paper? Order a custom essay.
  • Any subject
  • Within the deadline
  • Without paying in advance
Get custom essay

Theravada Buddhism, the most ancient branch of Buddhism, originated in North India around the 5th century BCE. It began after the death of a prince named Siddhartha Gautama. Prince Siddhartha turned his back from his life that contained riches and protection in order to seek awakening. At the age of 29, he left home and traveled to the city of Kapilavasru. Along this journey, Siddhartha encountered four sights which included an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and a holy man. These sights were new and shocking to him, but after six years of abstinence, he became enlightened and by following the middle way, he became known as the Buddha, the Awakened One.

After the Buddha completed nirvana, which is the state of total freedom and calmness, he completed the final goal of Buddhism. Following the Buddha’s death, the sangha, also known as community, broke up into few different sections. The 4th century BCE was when the first separation occurred. The group, Sthaviravadins, split and became known as the Mahasanghika. Another group, Sarvastivadins, separated from the Vibhajyavadins. The Vibhajyavadins soon spread throughout Southern India and Sri Lanka and became known as Theravadins.

Theravada Buddhism is the most genuine branch of Buddhism since it aims to follow the lessons the Buddha taught. While the Mauryan emperor Ashoka was in reign, the school of Theravada traveled throughout Sri Lanka, where it divided into three smaller groups known as the Mahaviharika, the Abhayagirika, and the Jetavaniya. They were all named after their monastic centres. When Theravada Buddhism was discovered in Sri Lanka, a man who was believed to have been the son of emperor Ashoka, originally taught this religion (New World, n.d). The religion slowly spread to many places and soon became dominant in Myanmar in the late 11th century, in Cambodia in 13th century and in Laos by the 14th century. Theravada Buddhists trace their ancestry back to the Elders, in Pali called Theras. The Elders followed the tradition of the senior monks of the very first Buddhist community.

Overall, the years after the Buddha’s death resulted in a diversion of the religion, forming different sections. Theravada Buddhism, considered to be the most genuine branch as it follows the practices of the Buddha’s teachings, expanded through more countries outside of India and continues to carry the most distinct traditions all throughout.

References

Cite this paper

Theravada Buddhism as a Branch of Buddhism. (2021, Jan 11). Retrieved from https://samploon.com/theravada-buddhism-as-a-branch-of-buddhism/

FAQ

FAQ

How are the Theravada and Mahayana branches of Buddhism different?
Theravada Buddhism emphasizes individual liberation and the attainment of enlightenment through personal effort, while Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the liberation of all sentient beings and the attainment of enlightenment through the assistance of bodhisattvas.
Is Theravada a branch of Buddhism?
Theravada is one of the earliest surviving Buddhist schools and is a branch of Buddhism. The Theravada school is based on the Pali Canon, which is the earliest surviving Buddhist scripture.
What are the branches of Buddhism?
Buddhism has many branches, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Each branch has different beliefs and practices.
We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

Hi!
Peter is on the line!

Don't settle for a cookie-cutter essay. Receive a tailored piece that meets your specific needs and requirements.

Check it out