Theravada Buddhism is the oldest existing school of Buddhism and is the most commonly accepted name for it. Its adherents, called Theravādins, have preserved their version of Gautama Buddhas teaching or Buddha Dhamma in the Pāli Canon for over two millennia. The school draws its scriptural inspiration from the Tipitaka, or Pali canon, which scholars generally agree contains the earliest surviving record of the Buddhas teachings. Theravada is the official religion of Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Cambodia, and the dominant religion in Laos and Thailand, and is practiced by minorities in India, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, North Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

Theravada Buddhism claims to adhere most closely to the original doctrines and practices taught by the Buddha. The ideal of Theravada Buddhism is the arhat, or perfected saint, who attains enlightenment as a result of his own efforts. The role of the layman and monk are clearly differentiated by the Theravadins, who do not consider it possible to attain enlightenment while one is living the life of a layman.

Theravada Buddhism has a number of distinguishing features, including its emphasis on meditation, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path. It has a rich diversity of beliefs and practices, and its teachings of Awakening have garnered interest in the West in recent decades.

In summary, Theravada Buddhism is a school of Buddhism that draws its scriptural inspiration from the Pali canon and claims to adhere most closely to the original doctrines and practices taught by the Buddha. It is the official religion of several countries in Southeast Asia and has a rich diversity of beliefs and practices.