Theravada Buddhism

One hundred years after the death of the Buddha, Buddhism split into two main groups, or schools: Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism.

The primary goal within Theravada Buddhism is to achieve Parinibbana for yourself. Although helping others is very important, Theravada Buddhists believe that achieving Parinibbana should not be delayed for this reason.

Theravada Buddhists believe the best way to gain enlightenment is to become a monk or nun and dedicate your whole life to spiritual practices. A person who does not become a monk or nun is known as a lay person. Lay people cannot, according to Theravada Buddhism, become enlightened because enlightenment requires a person to give up craving and attachment to things such as a husband or wife, a family and a job. However, it is possible for lay people to achieve Angami, which is the nearest stage to enlightenment.

Although Theravada Buddhists believe that the Buddha’s example and teachings are extremely important, they do not believe the Buddha himself was anything more than a man. It is for this reason that Theravada Buddhists do not pray to the Buddha.