What is Theravada Buddhism?
The meaning of Theravada comes from the Pali language: “thera” means "elders" + “vada” means “word” or “doctrine.” This translates to the "Doctrine of the Elders."
Theravada is the school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Pali Canon which scholars generally accept as the oldest record of the Buddha's teachings.
For many centuries, Theravada has been the predominant religion of Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand, and is practiced in various countries across Asia, and since the 1970s has taken root in western countries. Bhante Dhammawansha is part of this tradition.
The Theravada practice is based on the Pali Canon or Tripitaka. The Tripitaka has 3 baskets of information: the Suttas (discourses of the Buddha), the Vinaya (rules of conduct), and Abhidharma (nature of the mind and reality). Meditation, Dhamma talks, discussion groups, and celebrations (to include the Robe Ceremony (Kathina) and Buddha’s Birthday (Vesak)) form the practical practice.
We hope this bit of background helps with understanding our center. We are not exclusive to the Theravada and accept practitioners of all spiritual practices regardless of tradition.
Theravada is the school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Pali Canon which scholars generally accept as the oldest record of the Buddha's teachings.
For many centuries, Theravada has been the predominant religion of Sri Lanka, Burma, and Thailand, and is practiced in various countries across Asia, and since the 1970s has taken root in western countries. Bhante Dhammawansha is part of this tradition.
The Theravada practice is based on the Pali Canon or Tripitaka. The Tripitaka has 3 baskets of information: the Suttas (discourses of the Buddha), the Vinaya (rules of conduct), and Abhidharma (nature of the mind and reality). Meditation, Dhamma talks, discussion groups, and celebrations (to include the Robe Ceremony (Kathina) and Buddha’s Birthday (Vesak)) form the practical practice.
We hope this bit of background helps with understanding our center. We are not exclusive to the Theravada and accept practitioners of all spiritual practices regardless of tradition.