Refers to the oldest surviving branch of Buddhism, prevalent in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Often contrasted with Mahayana Buddhism (大乗仏教).
Theravada Buddhism is widely practiced in Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The scriptures of Theravada Buddhism are written in Pali.
Mahayana Buddhism, the other major branch, which includes traditions like Zen and Pure Land. Theravada is often considered more conservative and closer to early Buddhist teachings.
From 上座部 (じょうざぶ, 'Sthaviravāda', literally 'school of the elders') + 仏教 (ぶっきょう, 'Buddhism'). The term reflects the tradition's claim to preserve the original teachings of the historical Buddha.