Theravada Buddhism

• Theravada Buddhism is older and the more conservative of the divisions of Buddhism and is often referred to as the ‘traditions of the elders’.

• Many Theravada Buddhists follow the teachings of the Buddha exactly, and many of them a monks or nuns.

• Theravada Buddhists strive to be arhats. Arhats are perfected people who have gained true insight into the nature of reality. 

• They followed the Noble Eightfold Path to ‘blow out’ the three fires of greed, hatred and ignorance and have become enlightened.

• In Buddhism, enlightenment leads to nibbana (or nirvana), which means freedom from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Consequently, they will no longer be reborn through samsara.