Theravada

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/theravada

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the canonical language?Pāli, the most complete Buddhist canon in a classical Indian language
2. What is the historical lineage?Descended from the early Indian Sthavira nikāya school
3. What is Theravada Buddhism?Theravada is the oldest surviving school of Buddhism, keeping the Buddha’s early teachings for more than 2,000 years. It means "School of the Elders" and is followed in many Southeast Asian countries.
4. Why is Theravada called the "School of the Elders"?It is called the School of the Elders because its followers keep the Buddha’s teachings in their original form, just like the elders of the past. The name shows respect for the ancient tradition.

Pāli Canon: The authoritative collection of scriptures in Theravada Buddhism, preserved in the Pāli language.
Dhamma: The fundamental truths, teachings, and laws of the universe as expounded by the Buddha.
Vinaya: The monastic code of conduct and discipline governing the lives of monks and nuns.
Arhat: An enlightened being who has achieved liberation from samsara (the cycle of rebirth) in Theravada Buddhism.