Query: What are the three features of Theravada Buddhism?
Context: The three key features of Theravada Buddhism are as follows: Pali Canon: The Pali Canon, also known as the Tipitaka, is the sacred scripture of Theravada Buddhism. It is considered the oldest and most complete collection of the Buddha’s teachings and is written in the Pali language. The Pali Canon is divided into three “baskets” or “pitakas”: the Vinaya Pitaka (rules for monastic life), the Sutta Pitaka (teachings of the Buddha), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical and doctrinal analysis). These texts form the foundation of Theravada Buddhist doctrine and practice. Monastic Sangha: The monastic community, or Sangha, is a vital aspect of Theravada Buddhism. Monks and nuns follow a strict code of conduct known as the Vinaya, which outlines rules and guidelines for monastic life. Monasticism is highly revered in Theravada countries, and people often support the Sangha through offerings of food, robes, and other necessities. Monks play a crucial role in preserving and disseminating the Buddha’s teachings, and their practice is centered around meditation, study, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Focus on Individual Liberation: Theravada Buddhism places a strong emphasis on personal effort and individual liberation from suffering. The ultimate goal of a Theravada practitioner is to attain enlightenment and become an Arhat, a fully awakened being who has transcended the cycle of samsara. While lay practitioners are encouraged to follow ethical precepts and cultivate wholesome qualities, the highest aspiration is often associated with monastic life and the pursuit of nirvana, the state of ultimate liberation. These three features distinguish Theravada Buddhism from other Buddhist traditions, such as Mahayana and Vajrayana, and highlight its focus on the early teachings of the Buddha and the path of individual liberation.