History of Theravada Buddhism: Very Old and Very New

SUMMARY

Doug Smith, study director at the Secular Buddhist Association, provides an introduction to the history of Theravada Buddhism and its evolution.

IDEAS:

  • Theravada Buddhism’s history spans 2500 years, tracing back to the Buddha’s lifetime.
  • King Ashoka, likened to Constantine, significantly promoted Buddhism’s spread.
  • Ashoka’s children established Buddhism in Sri Lanka, forming Theravada’s roots.
  • Scholar Richard Gombrich views Theravada as conservatively preserving early Buddhist teachings.
  • Pali, the language of Theravada texts, is a dialect of Sanskrit, not Buddha’s language.
  • Theravada focuses on lineage of ordination rather than a set of beliefs.
  • Monastic order centrality distinguishes Theravada, emphasizing monks’ critical roles.
  • Monastics depend on laypeople for sustenance, maintaining a symbiotic relationship.
  • Theravada’s practice and doctrine are grounded in the Pali Canon and commentaries.
  • The goal of Theravada practice is to achieve enlightenment as an arahant.
  • Urban and rural monastics differ in textual orthodoxy and meditation practices.
  • Abhidhamma and commentaries like Buddhaghosa’s Visuddhimagga define Theravada’s uniqueness.
  • Theravada contrasts with Mahayana through practices like the bodhisattva vows.
  • Historical schools like Sautrantika and Sarvastivada influenced contemporary Buddhist thought.
  • The term “Theravada” was first used in the Sri Lankan epic Deepavamsa.
  • Ananda Metteyya coined “Theravada” in 1907 to distinguish it from “Hinayana.”

INSIGHTS:

  • Theravada Buddhism conservatively maintains early Buddhist doctrines through centuries.
  • King Ashoka’s role in Buddhism parallels Constantine’s influence on Christianity’s spread.
  • Ordination lineage in Theravada signifies continuity rather than doctrinal conformity.
  • Monastic life in Theravada Buddhism fosters interdependence with lay communities.
  • Commentaries like Visuddhimagga have shaped Theravada’s distinct meditation practices.
  • The term “Theravada” evolved from a textual reference to a school identity.
  • Historical Buddhist schools’ diversity is often overshadowed by Theravada-Mahayana dichotomy.

QUOTES:

  • “Theravada Buddhism’s history spans 2500 years, back to the Buddha’s lifetime."
  • "King Ashoka can be thought of as the Buddhist Constantine."
  • "Ashoka instituted laws based upon Buddhist texts or learning."
  • "Richard Gombrich views Theravada as conservatively preserving early Buddhist teachings."
  • "Pali is a dialect of Sanskrit, not the language Buddha spoke."
  • "Theravada focuses on lineage of ordination rather than a set of beliefs."
  • "Monastic order centrality distinguishes Theravada, emphasizing monks’ critical roles."
  • "Monastics depend on laypeople for sustenance, maintaining a symbiotic relationship."
  • "Theravada’s practice and doctrine are grounded in the Pali Canon and commentaries."
  • "The goal of Theravada practice is to achieve enlightenment as an arahant."
  • "Urban and rural monastics differ in textual orthodoxy and meditation practices."
  • "Abhidhamma and commentaries like Buddhaghosa’s Visuddhimagga define Theravada’s uniqueness."
  • "Theravada contrasts with Mahayana through practices like the bodhisattva vows."
  • "Historical schools like Sautrantika and Sarvastivada influenced contemporary Buddhist thought."
  • "The term ‘Theravada’ was first used in the Sri Lankan epic Deepavamsa."
  • "Ananda Metteyya coined ‘Theravada’ in 1907 to distinguish it from ‘Hinayana.‘”

HABITS:

  • Doug Smith subscribes to early Buddhist texts for living a wiser life.
  • Emphasizes studying early Buddhism for a kinder, less stress-filled existence.
  • Advocates for understanding Buddhism through historical and philosophical perspectives.
  • Encourages exploring the Pali Canon for foundational Buddhist teachings.
  • Suggests examining monastic rules to understand Theravada Buddhist practices.
  • Recommends learning about the Pali language to grasp Theravada texts.
  • Promotes studying commentaries for deeper insights into Theravada Buddhism.
  • Urges comparison of different Buddhist schools for comprehensive understanding.
  • Advises looking into historical texts to trace Buddhism’s evolution.

FACTS:

  • King Ashoka played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
  • Theravada Buddhism conservatively preserves teachings from ancient India.
  • Pali is the foundational language for all of Theravada Buddhism.
  • Ordination lineage in Theravada traces back to the historical Buddha.
  • Monastic life is central to Theravada, with monks playing key roles.
  • Laypeople support monastics with food, shelter, and medical needs.
  • The Pali Canon forms the doctrinal basis for Theravada practice.
  • Buddhaghosa’s Visuddhimagga is a significant commentary in Theravada tradition.
  • Mahayana and Theravada are differentiated by their respective practices.
  • The term “Theravada” was repurposed by Ananda Metteyya in 1907.

REFERENCES:

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Explore early Buddhist texts for insights into living wisely.
  • Study King Ashoka’s influence on Buddhism’s historical spread.
  • Learn Pali to better understand Theravada Buddhist scriptures.
  • Examine monastic rules to comprehend Theravada Buddhist life.
  • Read Buddhaghosa’s Visuddhimagga for deeper Theravada meditation practices.
  • Compare Mahayana and Theravada to grasp Buddhist diversity.
  • Investigate historical schools for a broader view of Buddhism’s evolution.