THERAVADA

BUDDHISM
Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism, rooted in the teachings of the Buddha,
focuses on individual enlightenment through the Four Noble
Truths and the Eightfold Path. Emphasizing personal
discipline and meditation, it is known as the "Way of the
Elders." Practitioners seek Nirvana by understanding and
following Buddha's guidance on the nature of suffering, its
cause, its cessation, and the path to enlightenment.
 Founder of Buddhism
•Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as
the Buddha, in the 6th century B.C. Born a
prince, he renounced worldly life, attained
enlightenment, and spent his life teaching the
path to liberation from suffering.
 Sacred Text
The Tripitaka, or Pali Canon, is the sacred text of
Buddhism, attributed to Gautama Buddha.
Divided into three sections - Vinaya (monastic
rules), Sutta (Buddha's discourses), and
Abhidhamma (philosophical analysis), it guides
followers on ethical conduct, wisdom, and
meditation.
 DOCTRINES
A. The Four Noble Truths
(1)Life is suffering (dukkha)
(2)There is suffering because there is desire.
(3)In order to get rid of suffering, one has to get rid of desire.
(4)There is a path that leads from suffering (the eightfold path).
 DOCTRINES
B. The Noble Eightfold Path
(1) Right View (Samma-ditthi)
(2) Right Thought (Samma-sankappa)
(3) Right Speech (Samma-vaca)
(4) Right Action (Samma-kammanto)
(5) Right Livelihood (Samma-ajivo)
(6) Right Effort (Samma-vayamo)
(7) Right Mindfulness (Samma-sati)
(8) Right Concentration (Samma-samadhi)
 DOCTRINES
C. Impermanence (Anicca)
All things are transient and subject to change. Understanding
impermanence is crucial for overcoming attachment and
suffering

D. Non-Self (Anatta)
There is no permanent, unchanging self or soul. The concept
challenges the idea of a fixed identity and helps in reducing ego
and attachment.
 DOCTRINES
E. Karma
Actions have consequences, shaping one's present and future
experiences. Good actions lead to positive outcomes, while
negative actions lead to suffering.

F. Nirvana
The ultimate goal, Nirvana is liberation from the cycle of rebirth
and suffering. It is a state of profound peace, freedom from
craving, and the end of suffering.
 Buddhism: A non-theistic Religion
Buddhism is considered non-theistic because it
doesn't involve a belief in a supreme creator deity.
Instead of focusing on a personal god, Buddhism
emphasizes the understanding of suffering and the
pursuit of enlightenment through practices like
meditation and ethical living. The absence of a
central deity sets Buddhism apart from theistic
religions like Christianity or Hinduism.
 ISSUES IN BUDDHISM
■ Cultural clash
■ Monk Behavior
■ Unequal roles for women
■ Making money from Buddhism
■ Changing beliefs
‼QUIZ‼
½ lengthwise:3
I. FILL IN THE BLANKS

1. _______ also known as Buddha, founded 2. _______ in the 6 th

century.
3. The Tripitaka or Pali Conon is the _______ of Buddhism.
4. _______ is one of the oldest forms of Buddhism.
5. The word ‘Theravada’ means _______
6. _______ serves as the main scripture.
7. Buddhism is considered a _______ because it doesn’t involve a
belief in a supreme creator deity
8-10. Tripitaka is divided into three sections: _____, _____, and
_____.
II. TRUE OR FALSE

11. Theravada Buddhism places a strong emphasis on

meditation, moral, conduct, and the pursuit of wisdom as the
path to liberation from suffering.
12. Anatta means that all things are subject to change.
13. Theravada Buddhism is prevalent in Southeast Asia and Sri
Lanka, focusing on personal enlightenment through meditation.
14. Anicca means there is no permanent self or soul.
15. Buddhism originated in the 6th century B.C. with Siddhartha
Gautama, who later became known as Buddha.
III. Enumeration

16-20. Give at least 5 of The Noble Eightfold Path.

21-23. Give 3 Doctrines
24-25. Give 2 issues in Buddhism.