 Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism is strongest in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Burma (Myanmar). It is sometimes called "Southern Buddhism".
The name means the doctrine of the elders - the elders being the senior Buddhist monks.
This school of Buddhism believes that it has remained closest to the original teachings of the Buddha. However, it does not over-emphasise the status of these teachings in a fundamentalist way - they are seen as tools to help people understand the truth, and not as having merit of their own.
* Theravada beliefs
- The Supernatural: Many faiths offer supernatural solutions to the spiritual problems of human beings. Buddhism does not.
The basis of all forms of Buddhism is to use meditation for awakening (or enlightenment), not outside powers.
Supernatural powers are not disregarded but they are incidental and the Buddha warned against them as fetters on the path.
- The Buddha: Siddhartha Gotama was a man who became Buddha, the Awakened One - much in the same way as Jesus became Christ.
Since his death the only contact with him is through his teachings which point to the awakened state.
- God: There is no omnipotent creator God of the sort found in Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Gods exist as various types of spiritual being but with limited powers.
- The Path to Enlightenment: Each being has to make their own way to enlightenment without the help of God or gods. Buddha's teachings show the way, but making the journey is up to us.
* Theravada life
Theravada Buddhism emphasises attaining self-liberation through one's own efforts. Meditation and concentration are vital elements of the way to enlightenment. The ideal road is to dedicate oneself to full-time monastic life.
The follower is expected to "abstain from all kinds of evil, to accumulate all that is good and to purify their mind".
Meditation is one of the main tools by which a Theravada Buddhist transforms themselves, and so a monk spends a great deal of time in meditation.
When a person achieves liberation they are called a 'worthy person' - an Arhat or Arahat .
Despite the monastic emphasis, Theravada Buddhism has a substantial role and place for lay followers.
* Monastic life
Most Theravada monks live as part of monastic communities. Some join as young as seven, but one can join at any age. A novice is called a samanera and a full monk is called a bikkhu.
The monastic community as a whole is called the sangha .
Monks (and nuns) undertake the training of the monastic order (the Vinaya) which consist of 227 rules (more for nuns). Within these rules or precepts are five which are undertaken by all those trying to adhere to a Buddhist way of life. The Five Precepts are to undertake the rule of training to:
- Refrain from harming living beings
- Refrain from taking that which is not freely given
- Refrain from sexual misconduct
- Refrain from wrong speech; such as lying, idle chatter, malicious gossip or harsh speech
- Refrain from intoxicating drink and drugs which lead to carelessness
Of particular interest is the fact that Theravadan monks and nuns are not permitted to eat after midday or handle money.
* Meditation
"Meditation is impossible for a person who lacks wisdom. Wisdom is impossible for a person who does not meditate. A person who both meditates and possesses wisdom is close to nibbana."
The Theravada tradition has two forms of meditation.
- Samatha: Calming meditation
- Vipassana: Insight meditation
* Samatha
This is the earliest form of meditation, and is not unique to Buddhism. It's used to make the mind calmer and take the person to higher jhanic states. (Jhanic states are hard to explain simply; states of consciousness is probably the closest easily understandable definition.) The effects of Samatha meditation are temporary.
* Vipassana
This form of meditation is used to achieve insight into the true nature of things. This is very difficult to get because human beings are used to seeing things distorted by their preconceptions, opinions, and past experiences.
The aim is a complete change of the way we perceive and understand the universe, and unlike the temporary changes brought about by Samatha, the aim of Vipassana is permanent change.
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