The document outlines the principles of Theravada Buddhism, focusing on its sacred scriptures, beliefs, doctrines, and worship practices. It emphasizes the absence of a supreme being in achieving salvation and details the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path as central to Buddhist teachings. Additionally, it discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Buddhist practices and the role of Sangha in preserving teachings.

1. Lesson 9
Theravada
Buddhism
🍻🍻

2. Objectives
1. identify the sacred scriptures of
Theravada Buddhism;
2. explain the worship and
observances of Theravada Buddhism;
3. discuss the beliefs and doctrines of
Theravada Buddhism;
4. determine the different
subdivisions of Theravada Buddhism.
After going
through this
module, you are
expected to:

3. PANDEMIC PRAYER-NEWS ALERT!
Buddhist meditation centers and temples in coronavirus-hit countries
around the world have been closed to the public in order to comply
with social distancing measures. But Buddhist teachers are offering
their teachings from a distance in order to remind their communities
about key elements of the practice. In Asia, Buddhist monks have been
chanting sutras to provide spiritual relief. In Sri Lanka Buddhist
monastic chanting was broadcast over television and radio. In India,
monks chanted at the seat of the Buddha's enlightenment, the
Mahabodhi Temple in the eastern state of Bihar
Buddhist leaders argue that their teachings can help confront the
uncertainty, fear and anxiety that has accompanied the spread of
COVID-19.
5 Buddhist teachings that can help you deal with coronavirus anxiety April 1, 2020
11.10pm AEDT
5 Buddhist teachings that can
help you deal with coronavirus
anxiety
1. Acknowledge the fear
2. Practice mindfulness and
meditation
3. Cultivating compassion
4. Understanding our
interconnections
5. Use this time to reflect

4. A Nontheistic
Religion
Buddhism's central
figure
Buddha's origins
Theravada
Buddhism
Oldest living
tradition
From the Shakyan people of northern
India and Nepal.
Buddhism's foundation: Based on
Siddhartha Gautama’s enlightenment
around 500 B.C.E. (2,500 years ago).
Siddhartha Gautama, known as
the Buddha ("Enlightened One,"
"Awakened One," or "One Who
Knows").
Known as the "Teaching of the
Elders" (Cornelio et al., 2016).
Claims to follow closely the
original teachings and monastic
conduct from Buddha's time
(Cornelio et al., 2016).

5. A Nontheistic
Religion
Offers a pathway to
understand and
overcome suffering.
Acknowledges gods
(devas) but does not
worship them.
The Pali Canon, written in the
Pali language, which Buddha
himself spoke (Cornelio et al.,
2016).
Theravada is practiced in Sri
Lanka, Cambodia, Laos,
Myanmar, and Thailand..
Buddhism's focus
Nontheistic nature
Sacred writings
Geographical
spread

6. 1. SACRED SCRIPTURES OF THERAVADA
BUDDHISM
• The early schools of Buddhism developed their own unique
body of sacred texts. Of these, however, only the Pali Canon
or the Tipitaka/Tripitaka (three baskets) of Theravada
Buddhism survives (Jose and Ong, 2016)
• The Pali Canon, preserved in the Pali language, is the
oldest, most conservative, and most complete collection of
early Buddhist writings.
• The word "Pitaka" in Pali means "basket," referring to the
containers monks used to store palm leaf manuscripts

7. Sutta Pitaka (Discourse)
1. SACRED SCRIPTURES OF THERAVADA
BUDDHISM
• Tipitaka/Tripitaka is divided
into three sections or "baskets"
of scripture.
Buddha's doctrinal discourses,
short poems to long prose
narratives about Siddhartha's
previous lives
Rules of discipline; stories
that illustrate Buddhist moral
principles
Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline)
Systematic analysis of
the categories of
Buddhist thought
Abhidhamma Pitaka (Ultimate
Doctrine)

8. COLLECTION MEANING
1. Digha Nikaya collection of long discourses
2. Majjhima Nikaya collection of middle-length discourse
3. Samyutta Nikaya collection of Kindred Sayings
4. Anguttara Nikaya
collection of discourses arranged in
accordance with number
5. Khuddaka Nikaya smaller collection
1. The First Basket (Sutta Pitaka) contains the conventional teaching
delivered by Siddhartha on different occasions. This is divided into five
collections, namely:

9. Books MEANING
1. Parajika Pali Major offences
2. Pacittiya Pali Minor offences
3. Mahavagga Pali Great Section
4. Cullavagga Pali Smaller section
5. Parivara Pali Epitome of the Vinaya
2. The Second Basket (Vinaya Pitaka) contains the disciplinary
code required of Buddhist monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis).
Various rules and regulations must be followed by the monastic
community. It consists of five books, namely

10. WORKS MEANING
1. Dhamma-Sangani Enumeration of phenomena
2. Vibhanga The book of Treatises
3. Katha Vatthu Point of controversy
4. Puggala Pannatti Description of Individuals
5. Dhatu Katha Discussion with reference to elements
6. Yamaka The book of Paris
7. Patthana The book of relations
3. The Third Basket (Abhidhamma Pitaka), is work on moral
psychology. The reflective philosophies of Siddhartha's teachings are
contained in the Abhidhamma Pitaka that is strictly a Theravada
collection. It is composed of seven works, namely:

11. 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF
THERAVADA BUDDHISM'S
• - Siddhartha Gautama did not intend to create a new religion;
his teachings focus on ethics and self-understanding (Jose &
Ong, 2016).
• - Individuals are encouraged to work for their own salvation
without relying on any supreme being (Jose & Ong, 2016).
• - A key difference between Buddhism and other religions is
the absence of a god or savior, with salvation fully in the
control of the individual (Ong & Jose, 2016)

12. 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF
THERAVADA BUDDHISM'S
• - Siddhartha acted as a guide and teacher, showing others the
path to spiritual bliss rather than claiming to be a savior.
• - Buddhism rejects the Hindu belief in an eternal soul
anatman/anatta (atman) and teaches the principle of anatta
(no-soul).
• - The concept of impermanence anity/anicca emphasizes that
all things are temporary and subject to change, having both a
beginning and an end.

13. 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA
BUDDHISM'S
Human existence or what we call soul, is a composite of
five mental or physical aggregates or khandas. These
aggregates include the following:
1. Physical form or corporeality
2. Feelings or sensations
3. Understanding or perception
4. Will or mental formation
5. Consciousness
Hence, humans do not have a
permanent, unchanging, real
soul that dwells within them.
In effect, no soul is being
reborn because there is no
permanence in anything.

14. 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA
BUDDHISM'S
The Four Noble Truths
Siddhartha's teachings focus on key Buddhist
principles like the "Four Noble Truths" and the
"Noble Eightfold Path," which address the concept
of suffering (dukkha) and its causes (Jose & Ong,
2016). His analysis of dukkha led to the development
of the "Four Noble Truths," a central doctrine in
Buddhism.

15. 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA
BUDDHISM'S
1. The First Noble
Truth
it is summarized,
The Four Noble Truths
This identifies the origin of the problem, the dukkha Suffering can
be experienced throughout the different stages of a person's life
from birth, sickness, old age, to ultimate death.
When one clings to one of the previously stated aggregates, this
leads to suffering. When one unites with the unpleasant, it causes
suffering. When one dissociates from the pleasant, it also results in
suffering.

16. 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA
BUDDHISM'S
2. The Second Noble
Truth
it is summarized,
The Four Noble Truths
This explains the cause of suffering or the samodaya,
in craving or desire (or tanha), in the perpetual thirst of
humans to consume things, experiences, or ideas. People
are never satisfied as they always want more or
something else, want something new, or just want to
discontinue something.

17. 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA
BUDDHISM'S
3. The Third Noble
Truth
it is summarized,
The Four Noble Truths
This asserts that there is a cessation or
nirodha to suffering and bondage by
eliminating craving and desire. By dropping the
bonds of craving one gets to be released from
the fundamental nature of reality.

18. 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA
BUDDHISM'S
4. The Fourth Noble
Truth
it is summarized,
The Four Noble Truths
This directs an individual to the path or magga leading to the termination
of craving and desire, and to eventual cessation of pain. Likewise, one must
avoid self-indulgence and self-torture since both are painless.
This is the path toward moderation or the "Middle Way" aimed at ending
suffering known as the "Noble Eightfold Path" which is an entirely practical
path - and each described as "right" or samma it is divided into three aspects,
namely, wisdom, morality, and meditation.

19. 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA
BUDDHISM'S
Eightfold Path
Aspect of
Path
What one Must Do
1. Right view
2. Right intention
Wisdom
-Understand the "four noble truth"
-Free one's self from ill-will, cruelty, and untruthfulness
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right
livelihood
Morality
-Abstain from untruthfulness, tale-bearing, harsh
language, and vain talk
-Abstain from killing, stealing and sexual misconduct
-Earn a living in a way not harmful to any living thing
6. Right effort
7. Right
mindfulness
8. Right
concentration
Meditatio
n
-Avoid evil thoughts and overcome them, arouse good
thoughts and maintain them
-Pay vigilant attention to every state of the body, feeling
and mind
-Concentrate on a single object to induce certain special
states of consciousness in deep meditation

20. 2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA
BUDDHISM'S
4. The Fourth Noble
Truth
The Four Noble Truths
The mastery of the various truths and observances of the
path would lead a person to break the bond that binds him
or her to life and obtain release from the eternal cycle of
death and rebirth or samsara. This cycle is influenced by
karma which is a law of cause and effect.

21. LAW OF
DEPENDEN
T
ORIGINATI
ON
Karma operates
independently,
unaffected by prayers
or rituals.
The law of Dependent Origination
(Paticca Samuppada) is one of
Siddhartha's most insightful
teachings (Jose & Ong, 2016). Every
effect has a definite cause, and every
cause has a definite effect; nothing
happens by accident or at random.
All actions have
consequences: virtuous
actions lead to good
outcomes, while bad deeds
result in negative ones.
A being's rebirth is
determined by the
accumulation of good
and bad actions from
past lives.

22. Impermanence of
Things
Nothing in this world is fix and permanent and everything is subject to
change and alteration. Impermanence is an unavoidable fact of human
existence. Buddhism affirms five processes deemed uncontrollable by any
individual such as (1) old age, (2) sickness, (3) dying. (4) decay, and (5) death.
However, when one is released from samsara, a being escapes all these
phenomena. That being has then reached a state called nirvana wherein
desire has been extinguished from one's self.
When one achieves nirvana, a person's mind is at perfect peace. Everyone
can attain nirvana in this life just as the saints of Buddhism did in their lives.
Those who have achieved nirvana are called arhat or one who is "worthy
of honor."

23. The Sangha
The Pali word "sangha" means "sharer," referring to monks
who share in the community's alms.
Translated as "association" or "assembly," sangha denotes
the Buddhist order and monastic community established by
Siddhartha after his enlightenment.
To join the sangha , one must take refuge in Siddhartha and
may start as a novice by following certain vows, including
celibacy.

24. The Sangha
Fully ordained monks or nuns must commit to an extensive set of
vows, but bhikkus and bhikkunis can choose to return to lay life.
Members of the sangha are responsible for preserving and
transmitting Buddhist teachings, both orally and in writing.
The "Three Jewels" or triratna summarize the Buddhist faith: I
take refuge in the Buddha, in teaching, and in the sangha (Jose
and Ong, 2016).

25. 3. WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES
OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM
According to Jose and Ong, (2016), the attainment
of salvation for any Buddhist is by way of one's own
action without the assistance of any supreme or
supernatural being. Followers are guided by the
teachings of Siddhartha as lay people offer gifts to
Siddhartha and the sangha during the days of
worship and observances.

26. Stupas
Commemorative monuments in Buddhism that contain
sacred relics associated with Siddhartha and vulnerable
monks and nuns. Represents the path to enlightenment
and evolved into pilgrimage sites, adorned with depictions
of Siddhartha's life.
Buddhists aspire to visit as many holy shrines as possible,
with four significant sites designated by Siddhartha: (1) his
birthplace, (2) the place of his enlightenment, (3) the
place of his first sermon, and (4) the place of his
parinirvana.
3. WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES
OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM

27. Vesakha/Vesok
The most important Buddhist festival,
celebrated every May on the full moon
night, commemorating Siddhartha's
birth, enlightenment, and death, also
known as "Buddha Purnima" or
"Buddha Day."
3. WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES
OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM

28. Vesak refers to the lunar month that falls in May and "Vesak Day" is the
holiest day for all Buddhists. They also perform rituals at stupas.
CELEBRATION S DAY
Magha Puja Day Sangha Day
Asalha Puja Day Dhamma Day
Uposatha Observance Day
Pavaran Day
Kathina Day
Bodhi Day
Enlightenment Day
3. WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM
Apart from Buddhist New Year, other celebrations include the following:

29. Subdivision
s
4. SUBDIVISIONS AND SELECTED ISSUES OF
THERAVADA BUDDHISM
Theravada Buddhism, considered the more
conservative branch compared to Mahayana, adheres
closely to the original teachings of Siddhartha
Gautama. Predominant in countries such as Sri Lanka,
Myanmar, and Thailand, Theravada is characterized by
its strict observance of traditional practices.

30. 1.
Mahavihara
4. SUBDIVISIONS AND SELECTED ISSUES OF
THERAVADA BUDDHISM
The subdivisions of Theravada that existed during the
early history of Sri Lanka can be traced from the three
monasteries such as:
It is the Great monastery of Anuradhapura was
founded by the king Devanamiya Tissa who ruled
between 307 B.С.Е.

31. 4. SUBDIVISIONS AND SELECTED ISSUES OF
THERAVADA BUDDHISM
2. Abhayagiri
vihara
A major monastery in Sri Lanka where an ancient stupa
stands today, it is established by the king Valagamba
between 89 B.C.E. and 77 B.C.E.

32. 3. Jetavana
4. SUBDIVISIONS AND SELECTED ISSUES OF
THERAVADA BUDDHISM
The popular monastery founded by the king Mahasena
who ruled between 277 B.C.E. and 304 B.C.E. The layout
of this monastery is like the Abhayagiri vihara though
smaller in dimensions.

33. 1. War and Violence
• In Buddhism, war is considered evil or akusala, with some scholars
arguing it lacks justification in Siddhartha's teachings, although
historical instances exist where Buddhist monks engaged in
conflict, such as in China and Japan. Recently, monks have become
active in political and social movements, notably during Myanmar's
"Saffron Revolution" in 2007 and the 2008 Tibet demonstrations,
with some, like those in Sri Lanka's National Heritage Party,
supporting military solutions to civil strife. Despite these exceptions,
Buddhist teachings advocate for non-violence and peaceful conflict
resolution, encouraging practitioners to resist evil and uphold
principles of brotherhood and liberty.
Selected
Issues

34. 2. Women in
Buddhism
• Historically speaking, Siddhartha allowed
women to participate in the sangha although
there were some stipulations. Siddhartha's
outlook is very different when one considers
the status of women in ancient India as
being viewed as inferior to men. (Jose and
Ong, 2016).
Selected
Issues

35. 2. Women in
Buddhism
• In Buddhism, however, both sexes are equally relevant
in society as they share equal responsibilities in their
family duties. Within the sangha, Siddhartha recognized
the potential and value of the bhikkunis who were also
experts in teaching the dharma. These include the
following:
1. Dhammadina
2. Khema
Selected
Issues

36. Thank
you!
2030 - 2031