Theravada -

(Pali) The way of the elders. The oldest, most orthodox form of Buddhism. The teachings and practices are virtually unchanged from the time of the Buddha, including the monastic orders and the rules for the monastic communities and the emphasis on meditation and the teachings of the Eightfold Middle Path. There are two basic forms of Theravada that have developed in modern, developed countries. One is the ethnic-Asian form which has come to modern countries virtually unchanged from its form in its home country (typically or usually a Southeast Asian country). In the ethnic-Asian form there are more rituals, chanting, and ceremonies. In many cases the Buddhist temple is also a cultural center. The other form of Theravada that has developed in modern countries is a non-sectarian Vipassana. In this form there are few, if any, rituals chanting, or ceremonies and the Dhamma teacher is more likely to be a lay person rather than a monk or nun. The emphasis is on Vipassana meditation and many of the members of such a group are likely to report that they are not Buddhist. Both are excellent forms of practice to follow. They are not in conflict with each other just as no Buddhist school is in conflict with another or any other religion.

Tipitaka - (Pali) Three baskets. It refers to the three large parts of the Buddhist scriptures, the Suttas, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma. The tipitaka is approximately 20,000 pages long, in 40 volumes.

Vipassana - (Pali) Insight. Insight meditation, the procedure for seeing Reality, attaining wisdom, calming and purifying the mind, and attaining enlightenment.

The Buddha’s teachings are focused on the Eightfold Middle Path which is characterized by Morality, Concentration, and Wisdom. All three are cultivated in the 8 fold path. There are many schools of Buddhism and many varieties all of which emphasize different aspects in practice, such as chanting, meditation, bodhisattva ideal, and prostrations.

The Theravada places a balance between the different types of practice with about an equal importance given to all the types including chanting / prayer (such as loving kindness prayers), meditation, generosity and helping others, and reading / studying and analyzing. Contrary to some belief, the Theravada does include an emphasis on compassion, generosity, and helping others, including aiding them in their attainments. There is just more of an equal footing given to individual attainments along with helping others and the other practices mentioned here.

The Buddha did not call his followers Buddhists and in fact in at least one instance recommended that Buddhism be called vibhajjavada, which means “doctrine of analysis.” The followers would be called vibhajjavadins, which would basically mean “analysts” or “those who analyze.”

The Theravada also acknowledges that progress on the Path is gradual, which is supportive of the gradual training involved with meditation and study. In the Pali Canon, Majjhima Nikaya, Kiagiri Sutta 70. 22 the Buddha says,“Bhikkhus, I do not say that the final knowledge is achieved all at once. On the contrary, final knowledge is achieved by gradual training, by gradual practice, gradual progress.”

The Buddha further talks about studying the Dhamma, following the Dhamma, having faith or confidence in the teachings by hearing it and memorizing some of it, and practicing it. In MN Subha Sutta 99. 4 the Buddha says,“I am one who speaks after making an analysis.”

In MN Ganakamoggalaha Sutta 107. 3 the Buddha states,“It is possible, Brahmin, to describe gradual training, gradual practice, and gradual progress in this Dhamma and Disciplne.”

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