This school of thought, prominent in Southeast Asia, represents one of the oldest surviving branches of Buddhism. It emphasizes a path of self-cultivation through meditation and adherence to monastic discipline, aiming for individual enlightenment. The goal is to achieve Nirvana, a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. Its doctrines are largely based on the Pali Canon, considered the most complete collection of early Buddhist texts. A key feature is the focus on the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, as an exemplary figure, but not as a god.
This form of Buddhist practice holds significant historical importance due to its role in shaping the cultural, social, and political landscapes of countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. It facilitated the spread of literacy and education through monastic schools, influenced art and architecture with its unique iconography, and provided a framework for moral and ethical conduct. The emphasis on individual effort and self-reliance has contributed to resilience and stability in these societies. Historically, its influence extended to the development of legal systems and governance structures.
