What is Theravadin Buddhism?

There are two main divisions in Buddhism. These are Theravadin Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. 'Theravada' translates as the "tradition of the Elders" and is widely considered to be the form of Buddhism most closely related to the original teachings of the Buddha. It is the form of Buddhism most widely practised today in India and Southeast Asia.

'Mahayana' or the 'Greater Path' is a later development of Buddhism and is more widely recognised in its Tibetan and Zen schools.

Theravdin Buddhism is also made up of a wide variety of different traditions that can often be traced back to a particular country of origin. The Buddhism practised at Harnham monastery, and its related monasteries in the UK and around the world, is the Thai Forest Sangha Tradition.

The Forest Sangha has a number of monasteries and related meditation groups in the UK. More information can be found at the Forest Sangha web site link below.

Theravadin Buddhist practice is based firmly on the Buddha's Four Noble Truths:

1 The nature of life is dukkha (usually translated as either'suffering' or 'unsatisfactoriness'.

2 There is a cause of dukkha - namely tanha or 'craving'.

3 The ending of dukkha - through the elimination of craving, hatred and ignorance.

4 The Eightfold Path leading to the cessation of dukkha. The Path comprises:-

Right View
Right Thinking
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration

More information on the method of practice can be found on the Meditation Practice page.