Religious studiesLesson 4 of 5 in the course Buddhism

Theravāda Buddhism: History, Canon, Doctrine, Practice, and Community

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Theravāda is one of the major living traditions of Buddhism. This lesson introduces its name, early roots, historical development, and spread across South and Southeast Asia.

The Pali term Theravāda is commonly translated as Doctrine of the Elders. Thera means elder or senior monk, and vāda means doctrine, teaching, or school. The name connects the tradition with the early Buddhist Sthavira lineage. Followers are called Theravādins.

All flashcards

What does Theravāda mean?
“Doctrine of the Elders”; *thera* means elder or senior monk, and *vāda* means doctrine, teaching, or school.
What are the three collections of the Pali Tipiṭaka?
The Vinaya Piṭaka, Sutta Piṭaka, and Abhidhamma Piṭaka.
What role did the Mahāvihāra play in Theravāda history?
The monastery in Anuradhapura became a major center of Sri Lankan Theravāda learning and monastic life.
What is Nibbāna in Theravāda teaching?
Final release from suffering and rebirth, associated with the ending of defilements.
What are the four requisites traditionally offered to monastics?
Food, clothing, shelter, and medicine.

Quiz questions

  1. Which three collections make up the Pali Tipiṭaka?Answer: Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidhamma
  2. When does Theravāda tradition date the writing down of the Pali Canon in Sri Lanka?Answer: The first century BCE
  3. According to the Four Noble Truths, what is a principal cause of dukkha?Answer: Craving
  4. What does samatha meditation primarily cultivate?Answer: Calm and concentration
  5. Which group of necessities do lay followers traditionally offer to monastics?Answer: Food, clothing, shelter, and medicine

Based on the Wikipedia article Theravada, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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