Download Theravada Buddhism - University of Mount Union

Theravada Buddhism
The Way of the Elders
Theravada
Passes Buddha’s teachings unchanged
they were first oral in nature
now they are written down
Although some changes have occurred
they have probably kept many early
traditions.
They tend to be conservative.
Theravada
Stresses reaching nirvana through
detachment and desirelessness by way of
meditation.
The life of the monk is the surest path.
The ideal of “arhat” or perfect being or
worthy is a person who has reached
nirvana.
The Life of a Theravada Monk
Beg daily for food and therefore live close
to the lay people.
Wander throughout the town.
The monasteries are located in the center
of town very often.
Donors believe that there are increasing
their karma but giving the monks food
and supporting the monasteries.
Reciprocal Relationship
In return for donations the monasteries
set-up schools, hospitals, meditation
centers, and care for stray animals.
They are honored guests at civic events
and in homes.
They are also role models of gentleness
and compassion and are often consulted
for advice.
Teachings and Literature
The Pali Canon is the Theravada collection
of the teachings of Buddha
As a whole the material is called
“Tripitaka” which means three baskets.
The first collections of the sayings of
Buddha in the form of sermons or
dialogues.
This type of material is called “sutra.”
The Division of the Teachings
The Sutra is divided into five groups
Digha Nikaya (long teachings)
Majjhima Nikaya (middle length teachings)
Samyutta Nikaya (connected teachings)
Anguttara Nikaya (graduated teachings)
Khuddaka Nikaya (small book collections). It
includes the Dhammapada.
The Second Collection
The second collections of writings are
called “vinaya.”
It outlines the procedural rules for monastic
life.
It includes rules about begging, eating,
relations with monks and non-monks, and
other disciplines.
The Third Collection
It is called he abhidharma which means
the “the works that go beyond elemental
teachings.”
It is systematized the doctrine presented in
more or less randomly in the sutras.
Art and Architecture
Although images of Buddhism did not
appear early on, symbols were used to
represent Buddha and his teachings.
The eight-spoken wheel represents the Eight
Fold Path and all of the basic Buddha
teachings, the Dharma.
The umbrella symbolized Buddha’s authority.
The “stupa” or large mound represents the
remains of important Buddhist monks and
sites.
Stupa
Mandala
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