After the death of Buddha two principle schools of Buddhism emerged. One was Theravada Buddhism and the other was Mahayana Buddhism. Till date Theravada Buddhism is referred to as the School of the Elders. Theravada Buddhists claim that they follow the original teachings of Buddha. The doctrines included in Theravada Buddhism are an extension of the doctrines discussed in the Buddhist Council. The teachings of Buddha were then penned down in Pali and are known as the Tripitaka. Till date the Theravada Buddhists strictly follow all the teachings and rules that Buddha had once formulated.

History of Theravada School of Buddhism: While tracing the roots of Theravada School it has been found out that it has been derived from the Vibhajjavada group. This group is rooted in the Sthavira group. The Third Buddhist Council took place in the presence of Emperor Ashoka. Later this group into four groups. One of these groups, Tamraparniya, is considered the base for Theravada Buddhism. In Sri Lanka this school is known as Tamraparniya whereas in India it is popularly called Theravada. The doctrines of both these schools is the same. Apart from India and Sri Lanka Buddhism also spread to Myanmar, Thailand, China and other Far East and South East Asian countries.

Doctrine of of Theravada School of Buddhism: The fundamental principle of Theravada Buddhism is that an individual must rely on his or her analytical power to understand the world around him. Although a rational man is self sufficient with his logic yet he needs a guide or a wise man to guide him. In order to break the cycle of misery and agony man needs to free his mind from the defilements of the temporal world. One of the major features of the Theravada is that it considers Buddha as the supreme leader who paved the way to nirvana for other Buddhist followers.

Scriptures of of Theravada School: The Tripitika is followed by the Theravada Buddhists. It consists of three segments--Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka. It is written in Pali as Buddha propagated that teachings should be delivered in native language. Hence Pali was chosen over Sanskrit.

In many Buddhist countries Theravada Buddhism still exists and attracts numerous followers.