Theravada Buddhism The Way Of The Elders Essay - 2442 Words

Theravada Buddhism, or otherwise known as ‘The Way of the Elders’, is the oldest form of Buddhism, and was formed just after 500 BC. It was established by the Second Buddhist Council, which was assembled 100 years after the Buddha’s death who died approximately around 483 B.C.E. During the time of the Second Council, there was plentiful controversy revolving around monastic beliefs and followers. Many monks were disagreeing with the set beliefs and interpretations of the Buddha’s teachings and were consequentially being expelled or leaving by their own will. In order to settle this controversy there was a split instituted in the religion, with the group of monks who remained faithful to the initially set beliefs deeming themselves ‘The Elders’ (or ‘Thera’ in Pali). The other group regarded themselves as ‘The Great Community’ (Mahasanghika in Sanskrit), and they interpreted the Buddha’s teachings more liberally o r openly, as they believed this was in fact more accurate to the Buddha’s beliefs. Over time, these groups evolved into Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism respectively. Today, Theravada Buddhism is active in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos, and Cambodia and in other parts of Southeast Asia. Its origin language is Pali, while Mahayana’s is Sanskrit. Theravada is known to be the stricter and more traditional division of Buddhism, and therefore has a smaller number of followers compared to Mahayana. The belief system of Theravada Buddhism follows the traditionalShow MoreRelatedDifferences Of Theravada And Mahayana Buddhism1181 Words   |  5 Pages There are two major divisions of Buddhism. These two major divisions are Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Both of these divisions of Buddhism are similar but also different in some aspects. Theravada Buddhism is known as the traditions of the elders and Mahayana Buddhism is known as the expansive way. I will talk about three difference in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. There are also many little differences in both they will also be brought up in the describing the two divisions. OneRead MoreSimilarities And Differences Between Mahayana And Two Major Branches Of Buddhism1281 Words   |  6 Pages In Buddhism, the two major branches are the Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada is known as the â€Å"tradition of the elders.† Mahayana is called the â€Å"large vehicle.† Mahayana Buddhist came about after the first Buddhist council split. The second Buddhist council began a hundred years after the death of the Buddha. The councils came together to discuss the differences in buddha orders in which some Monks believed. They talked about the true meaning behind the Buddha teachings and certain practices. MonksRead MoreTheravada Buddhism767 Words   |  4 Pages Theravada Buddhism Angela Dodd REL/133 03/14/2016 Melissa Singer Theravada Buddhism Buddhism is one of the oldest and most influential religions in the world. It has had a great impact on an array of societies in eastern cultures. Buddhism began in India from the experience of one person originally named Siddhartha, who later became known as Buddha. It can be said that religion can help people to grasp and understand reality better. It can give inspiration to people and bring them together asRead MoreThe Impact Of Theravada Buddhism On Myanmar1288 Words   |  6 PagesTheravada Buddhism is one of two major sects of Buddhism and is practiced primarily in Southeast Asia. Its practice began in Sri Lanka and spread to Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, and has influence in the West today. 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Theravada Buddhism is often found in southern locations, which include Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, and parts of Southeast Asia (Mitchell, pp. 91). Mahayana Buddhism, however, is found in the northern areas of the world, such as: Tibet, China, Taiwan, Japan, and more. These two schools of Buddhism bothRead MoreA Brief History of Buddhism1417 Words   |  6 PagesBuddhism is one of the major religions of the world. It was founded by Siddhartha Guatama (Buddha) in Northeastern India. It arose as a monastic movement during a time of Brahman tradition. Buddhism rejected important views of Hinduism. It did not recognize the validity of the Vedic Scriptures, nor the sacrificial cult which arose from it. It also questioned the authority of the priesthood. Also, the Buddhist movement was open to people of all castes, denying that a persons worth could beRead MoreReligion Is Not A Single Term1613 Words   |  7 Pageshence the reason why Religion is not a single term. However, the following paper will only focus on Buddhist religion. Buddhism is said to have existed for more than 2,500 years, which surrounds a variety of beliefs, traditions and practices. All of which gives sentiment beings the true meaning and purpose of life. Particularly about death, rebirth and suffering (Strong 2008). Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. Siddhartha Gautama is considered theRead MoreEssay on Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism2768 Words   |  12 Pages There are two forms of Buddhism that are still prevalent in society today, these are Theravada and Mahayana. Both these traditions have existed for many centuries and encompass important beliefs derived from the Pali Canon and other ancient Indian Buddhist literature. They revert back to the o rthodox teachings presented by the historical Gautama Buddha such as The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path. Both these forms of Buddhism stay devoted to the traditional beliefs that the religion