Theravada

Meanings

Proper Noun

• A sect of Buddhism, whose teachings are based on Buddha's scriptures in the Pali canon, widely practised in Southeast Asia, mainly in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. It tends to be conservative in contrast to the more liberal Mahayana, rejects the existence of gods, and teaches non-universal salvation.

Noun

• A Buddhist of this particular school.

Origin

• Borrowed from Pali theravāda, from Sanskrit स्थविरवाद, from स्थविर + वाद.