Sthaviravada; early Buddhist school
Refers to the Sthaviravāda, one of the early Buddhist schools that later influenced Theravāda. Used in historical and doctrinal contexts.
Sthaviravada is one of the early Buddhist schools.
From Sanskrit 'Sthaviravāda', meaning 'Teaching of the Elders'. The kanji 上座部 literally means 'upper seat section', reflecting the elders' seniority.