Theravada Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism is the earliest known form of Buddhism, founded in ancient India and based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. It places emphasis on personal spiritual development through meditation, wisdom, and ethical living. The scriptures of Theravada Buddhism are recorded in the Pali Canon, which is considered the most complete collection of the Buddha's teachings. This school of thought emphasizes the attainment of enlightenment through individual effort and understanding, rather than relying on faith or divine intervention. It values monasticism and a disciplined lifestyle, with many practitioners choosing to ordain as monks or nuns. Theravada Buddhism is practiced primarily in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, but has also gained popularity in the West. As a subset of Buddhism within the broader context of Religions and Agnosticism, it offers a distinct perspective on spirituality and the nature of existence.