"Today we can see many different forms of Buddhism, such as Zen and Theravada Buddhism. All these different aspects are practices of Buddha's teachings, and all are equally precious; they are just different presentations."
- Kelsang Gyatso
Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world. Buddhists make up approximately make up 6% of the world’s population, mainly in Asia, but nowadays we see Buddha’s teachings all over the world and in popular culture via paintings, social media, jewelry and more.
Theravada Buddhism is the older of two major Buddhist traditions that bases the philosophy on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, better known as the Buddha. Theravada means ''Way of the Elders'' in Pali, the original language of these teachings. These teachings are usually referred to as sutras.
Theravadins only adhere to what they consider to be the original sutras. Theravada began in India around 500 B.C. and has been practiced in numerous, mostly south Asian, countries. Today it is practiced primarily in Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Sri Lanka.
They believe everything in the world are different by three characteristics, two elements, and five constituent groups. They also believed that the only way to reach the Middle Path is through full understanding the true nature of the things around them.
Theravada Buddhists aspire to a perfect state of enlightenment, or nirvana.
Nirvana comes with the recognition that the ego, or the thing we think of as our self, is an illusion that causes us and others pain and suffering. For these Buddhists, attainment of nirvana ends a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth characterized by this pain and suffering.
In Theravada countries, the New Year is celebrated for three days from the first full moon day in April. On this day, Buddhists visit temples to offer prayers and worship Lord Buddha. Buildings and homes are cleaned, new clothes are worn, and feasts are prepared.
The truest test of Theravada Buddhism teachings, of course, is whether they yield the promised results inside. The Buddha presents the challenge; the rest is up to you.
Our "Colors of Life" Lucky Handmade Buddhist Knots Rope Bracelet, brings good luck to the wearer and attract all that is good. Let this be your guide and reminder that belief and faith of any path that serves you are the spiritual soul of every one of us.
