WORLD RELIGIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Theravāda ("Elders") is a branch of the Vibhajjavāda ("Doctrine of Analysis", “the analysts") school, which was a division of the Sthāvira Nikāya, one of the Indian early Buddhist schools. The Sthāviras had emerged from the first schism in the Buddhist community.

Detailed explanation-2: -Theravada originated in India around 500 B.C. and has been practiced in numerous, mostly south Asian, countries. Today it is practiced primarily in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Detailed explanation-3: -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.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Theravada form of Buddhism resulted from a series of divisions that began in the Buddhist communities, within the 4th century BCE.