Unit 9: Theravada Buddhism

Lesson 9.2
Theravada Buddhist Customs and Traditions
Contents
Introduction 1

Learning Objectives 2
Explore 3

Discover 5
Doctrines of Buddhism 5
The Four Noble Truths 5
The Eightfold Path 8
Law of Dependent Origination 9
Customs and Traditions 10
Meditation 10
Lay and Monastic Life 11
Celebrations and Festivals 12
Wrap-Up 15

Try This! 15
Challenge Yourself 16

Re ect on This 18
Photo Credit 18

Bibliography 19

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Unit 9: Theravada Buddhism

Lesson 9.2
Theravada Buddhist Customs and Traditions

Introduction
As you have learned in the previous lesson, Buddhism is a system of spiritual,
philosophical, and social teachings based on Buddha's life. The central concept of Buddha's
teachings is eliminating suffering as laid out in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold
Path. A deeper examination of the elements of these Buddhist doctrines will be provided in
this lesson. Specifically, this lesson explains how the fundamental doctrines guide
Buddhists in achieving the ultimate goals of enlightenment and overcoming suffering.
Moreover, the lesson details how the ideologies have shaped the customs and practices in
Theravada Buddhism.

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Unit 9: Theravada Buddhism

Learning Objectives DepEd Learning Competency

At the end of this lesson, you should be
In this lesson, you should be able to do the able to explain that the core teaching of

following: Theravada Buddhism is that life is

suffering; suffering is due to craving; there
● Explain how suffering is a central concept
is a way to overcome craving; and the way
in the teachings of Theravada Buddhism. to overcome craving is the Eight-fold Path,
● Analyze situations in a person’s life the Middle Way (between pleasure and

that cause suffering. mortification) (HUMSS_WRB12-II/IVb-9.3).

● Describe how an understanding of the

Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path is
key to overcoming suffering.
● Identify the customs and traditions that
contribute to attaining the Buddhist goal
of enlightenment.

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Explore
4 Pics 1 Word 15 minutes

Instructions

1. Examine the photos below and guess the nine-letter word that describes the
general theme of the images.
2. Answer the guide questions that follow.

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Guide Questions

1. Have you encountered any of the situations depicted in the pictures? How did you
feel?
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2. What is the role of religion in these situations?

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3. Why do you think pain, poverty, and diseases exist?

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Discover

Doctrines of Buddhism Words to Remember

The fundamental doctrines of Buddhism are ● adherent – someone who
based on Buddha’s original teachings. These supports a particular
include the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold person, party, or set of
Path and the belief in the concepts of ideas
dependent origination and impermanence of ● lay people – religious
things. followers who are not part
of the clergy
These doctrines act as a framework for which ● nirvana – place of perfect
interpretations, customs, practices, and peace and profound
traditions in Buddhism are conceived. These wisdom; a state of
guide the adherents on how to end the enlightenment
different kinds of suffering they experience in
their everyday lives.

How can people overcome suffering according to Buddhism?

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths was the first and most important teaching of Buddha. It centers on
the concept of suffering, its causes, and how it can be eliminated. Although all sects of
Buddhism accept it, it is mainly emphasized in the teachings of Theravada Buddhism.
Precisely defining the Four Noble Truths is difficult as slight differences in interpretations of
it exist.

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Table 1. An interpretation of the Four Noble Truths

Sanskrit
Noble Truth Meaning
Term

The truth of dukkha According to Theravada Buddhists, the real

suffering meaning of the Sanskrit term dukkha is “incapable
of satisfying.” However, it is often translated into
English as “suffering,” making the first Noble Truth
be interpreted as “life is suffering.” Suffering comes
in many forms. Outward or physical manifestations
of suffering include those that Buddha saw in his
journey: old age, sickness, and death. However,
other forms of suffering are internal or mental and
characterized by the feeling of not being satisfied.
Pain, sorrow, betrayal, and frustration from not
getting what is wanted are all manifestations of
suffering.

The truth of the samudaya Buddha taught that desire causes all suffering. It
cause of suffering includes the desire to control things, the desire for
sensual pleasures and material goods, and the
desire for fame or immortality. When one’s
expectations and desires are not fulfilled, it leads
to suffering and frustration.

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Sanskrit
Noble Truth Meaning
Term

The truth of the nirodha Desires that cause suffering can be overcome. It
ending of suffering can be started by recognizing the concept of
impermanence. This Buddhist concept emphasizes
that nothing lasts forever. Enjoyable things and
sources of happiness eventually end or change.
Therefore, desiring or being attached to anything
temporary or impermanent causes suffering.
However, people who understand the principle of
impermanence can let go of desires or cravings
quickly. Those who no longer crave or desire
anything are said to have reached enlightenment
or nirvana, which is the state of profound peace
and wisdom.

The truth of the magga Magga means “path.” It is the path or cure
path to ending identified by the Buddha to eliminate suffering and
suffering achieve nirvana. It is composed of practices known
as the Eightfold Path, which provides Buddhists
the wisdom and mental training to lead an ideal
life.

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Check Your Progress

Do you agree with the Buddhist idea that life is nothing but
suffering? Explain your answer.
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The Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path is the Fourth Noble Truth. It is also the “middle way” referred to by the
Buddha as the path to enlightenment. It is composed of eight practices that guide
Buddhists on how to live their lives precisely by guiding every action of their bodies,
speech, and minds. In Theravada Buddhism, these eight practices are further categorized
into the three fundamental aspects of Buddhist life: ethics, meditation, and wisdom. It is
called the Threefold Way.

Table 2. The Eightfold Path clustered into the three fundamental aspects of Buddhist life

Threefold Way The Eightfold Path Meaning/Examples

behaving properly and not causing harmful

right action actions such as killing, stealing and engaging in
sexual misconduct

1. Ethics avoiding lies, malicious talks, gossips, and

right speech
abusive words

earning a living that does not harm others;

right livelihood
being honest in doing business

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Threefold Way The Eightfold Path Meaning/Examples

being alert and fully aware of one’s mind, body,

right mindfulness and emotions; not lost in daydream, worry, or
indulgences

2. Meditation exerting effort to develop one’s wholesome

right effort
qualities and eliminate bad qualities

practicing proper meditation to achieve a

right concentration
higher state of consciousness

having a clear understanding of the connection

right understanding
between reality and suffering
3. Wisdom
right intention being committed to following the Buddhist path

Law of Dependent Origination

Another fundamental doctrine of Buddhism is the Law of Dependent Origination. In simple
terms, this law states that nothing exists on its own; everything came from something or
had a cause. For example, paper was made from combining wood pulp and water. The
wood came from trees, which came from seeds of other trees. Similarly, a baby born
comes from two individuals, their meeting circumstances, and everything that occurred
before. In other words, the origin of things depends on the events that happened
previously. Everything has a cause and effect. For this reason, the law of dependent
origination is also known as the Buddhist Doctrine of Causality.

This doctrine explains the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Desire leads to
suffering, but following the Path reduces desire, which then reduces suffering. The law of

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dependent origination also explains the concept of karma and rebirth in Buddhism. Desires
and cravings produce karma or “willful action.” The creation of karma, in turn, sets
samsara, the endless cycle of rebirth and suffering, into motion. The goal is, therefore, to
attain nirvana and escape samsara.

Check Your Progress

Which among the Eightfold Path is the most difficult to live out?
Explain your answer.
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Customs and Traditions

A variety of rituals and customs are practiced in Buddhism. These are believed to bring
blessings to the adherents and guide them in the spiritual journey to enlightenment.
Among these is the practice of meditation, monks and laypeople's work, and the
observance of important festivals and holidays. These practices are discussed in Theravada
Buddhism, mainly practiced in Sri Lanka and some Southeast Asian countries.

Meditation
With Buddha as the best example, Theravada Buddhists emphasize meditation as an
essential tool in achieving enlightenment. It transforms and sharpens the mind by
developing concentration, clarity, and calm necessary to understand Buddha’s teachings.
There are two forms of meditation in Theravada Buddhism: Samatha and Vipassana.

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Both formats use techniques on mindful breathing. However, their aims differ. As its name
means, Samatha, or calming meditation, is done to calm the mind and improve focus. It
helps reduce stress. On the other hand, Vipassana, or insight meditation, aims to clear the
mind of impurities or worldly thoughts and desires. Therefore, it is useful when one is
concentrating to achieve insights into the true nature of things.

Fig. 1. A young monk doing meditation

Lay and Monastic Life

In Theravada Buddhism, monks and laypeople have distinct roles. Monks live in monastic
communities known as sangha. They usually pattern their lifestyle to that of Buddha and
his disciples by residing near forests and mountains. They also shave their heads and wear
yellow robes. In Southeast Asia, most men become monks even for a short period, usually
three months, since this is believed to cleanse their karma. In Sri Lanka, however,
temporary ordination is not allowed. Monks typically wake up before dawn to do
meditation and chanting. Afterward, they go out to surrounding villages bare-footed to beg
for food. The rest of the day is spent studying Buddha’s teachings and more meditation.

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Those who serve as community monks are expected to take care of the laypeople's needs
by preaching, accepting alms, and officiating funerals. Monks are not allowed to work,
handle money, listen to music, or cook.

Fig. 2. A layperson giving food to begging monks in Thailand

Since monks do not have their income source or food, the laypeople are expected to
provide monks' material and economic needs. It follows Buddha's teaching that laypeople
should look after the needs of monks. Lay people must ensure that monks do not suffer
from a lack of food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Fulfilling these duties is seen as
merit-making or earning good deeds for the laypeople, which improves their karma. In
recent times, laypeople are also encouraged to donate to temples, burn incense or candles
before Buddha's images, and chant protective verses from the Tripitaka.

Celebrations and Festivals

Theravada Buddhists look forward to numerous celebrations and festivals. These are
commonly based on the lunar calendar and commemorate the life of the Buddha. Activities
usually involve merit-making practices such as visits to the local temple, offering food and
donations to monks, and listening to the dharma or teachings.

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Table 3. The most important celebrations and festivals in Theravada Buddhism

Celebration/ English
Description
Festival Translation

It is the most important Buddhist festival as it

1. Vesak Buddha Day celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death in
a single day, usually in May.

It is the second most important festival. It is usually

2. Magha Puja Sangha Day held in February, and it commemorates the first
meeting of Buddha and his first 1,250 disciples.

Held every July, it commemorates Buddha’s first

3. Asalha Puja Dharma Day
sermon in the Sarnath Deer Park.

Observance It is a weekly practice of coming together to reaffirm

4. Uposatha
days commitment to Buddha’s teachings and meditation.

It is a three-month retreat observed annually during

5. Vassa Rain Retreat the rainy months (starts in July). It is when laypeople
spend time in the monastery under temporary vows.

Check Your Progress

What are the challenges in doing meditation?
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In Philippine Context

Although Buddhism does not have a huge following in the Philippines, traces of its
influence are evident. Hindu-Buddhist religions and culture have had a lasting impact
on Philippine culture since precolonial times (Churchill 1977; Mercado 1994),
particularly in many religious concepts and terminology. One example is the concept
of karma. Many Filipinos believe in karma despite being mostly Christians and karma
not being a Biblical concept. However, in the Philippine context, karma is narrowed
down to mean “bad karma” or the negative consequence of bad behavior committed.
It is far from the original meaning in Indian religions as the “action driven by intention”
that powers the rebirth cycle. Besides karma, other examples of religious words from
Hindu-Buddhist tradition that entered Filipino vocabulary are listed below:

Table 4. Religion-related Sanskrit words adopted in the Filipino language

Sanskrit Word Meaning Filipino Word Meaning

batthara noble, lord bathala supreme being,

God

bodhi understanding budhi conscience

jiva principle of faith diwa spirit, soul

dukkha one who suffers dukha poor,

miserable

sampratyaya trust, confidence sampalataya faith

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Wrap-Up
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● The Law of Dependent Origination is the Buddhist doctrine of causality. It
states that everything has been caused into existence. This law explains karma
and samsara, or the cycle of birth and rebirth.
● Meditation is an important tool in achieving enlightenment. It has two types:
Samatha (calming meditation) and Vipassana (insight meditation).
● In Theravada Buddhism, monks and laypeople engage in merit-making by fulfilling
their distinct but complementary roles. Monks propagate Buddha’s teachings and
guidance to laypeople. In return, laypeople support monks by providing them with
material and economic assistance.
● Most festivals and holidays in Theravada Buddhism celebrate the life and
teachings of the Buddha. Vesak or Buddha’s Day is the most important festival.
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Try This!
A. Identification. Identify which practice in the Eightfold Path is described in the following
items.

________________ 1. It is committed to follow the Buddhist path.

________________ 2. It is being honest in doing one’s job or business.

________________ 3. It is avoiding lying and gossiping.

________________ 4. It is practicing proper meditation to achieve a higher state of

consciousness.

________________ 5. It is being alert and fully aware of one’s mind, body, and
emotions.

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B. Matching Type. Match the phrase in column A with the Buddhist term in
column B.
Column A Column B

_____________ 1. community of monks a. dukkha

_____________ 2. enlightenment b. karma
_____________ 3. insight meditation c. magga
_____________ 4. truth of path to ending suffering d. nirodha
_____________ 5. truth of the ending of suffering e. nirvana
_____________ 6. truth of suffering f. Samatha
_____________ 7. truth of the cause of suffering g. Sakya
_____________ 8. willful action h. Samsara
_____________ 9. calming meditation i. sangha
_____________ 10. cycle of birth and rebirth j. samudaya
k. Vipassana

Challenge Yourself
Essay. Answer the following questions.

1. Does it make sense to believe in the doctrines of dependent origination, karma, and
rebirth? Explain your answer.
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2. Which desires bring the most suffering to people nowadays? Why?

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Suggested Rubric for Grading

The rubric below is a suggested one. Your teacher may modify it based on your needs.
Consult your teacher for the final rubric.

Performance Levels
Suggested
Criteria 1 2 3 Score
Weight
Beginning Proficient Advanced
Proficiency Proficiency

Content The answer was The answer was clear The answer was
unclear and but barely sufficient. clear and sufficient.
insufficient. There There was a minor The argumentation ×3
was a major flaw in flaw in the is excellent.
the argumentation. argumentation.

Organization The answer did not The answer flowed The answer flowed
flow logically and its logically, but its parts logically and its parts
parts were not clearly were not clearly were clearly
×2
structured. structured. structured.

Syntax There are major There are minor There are no errors
errors in sentence errors in sentence in sentence
construction, construction, construction, ×1
grammar, and/or grammar, and/or grammar, and/or
spelling. spelling. spelling.

Total Possible Score 18

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Re ect on This
Answer the following question briefly.

How relevant are the teachings of Theravada Buddhism to modern times?

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Photo Credit
Monks in Thailand by Sry85 is licensed under CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

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Bibliography
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). “Theravada Buddhism.” October 2, 2002.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/subdivisions/theravada_1.shtml.

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). “Buddhist beliefs.” February 10, 2021.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zf8g4qt/revision/3.

Buddha101.com. “The History, Philosophy and Practice of Buddhism.” February 9, 2021.

https://www.buddha101.com/p_origin.htm#Dependant%20Origination.

Gethin, Rupert. “Foundations of Buddhism.” Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1998.

O'Brien, Barbara. "Buddhism and Karma." Learn Religions, August 27, 2020,
https://www.learnreligions.com/buddhism-and-karma-449992.

Lopez, Donald S. "Eightfold Path." Encyclopedia Britannica, May 12, 2020.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Eightfold-Path.

Mercado, Leonardo N. “The Filipino Mind: Philippine Philosophical Studies II”. Cultural
Heritage and Contemporary Change Series III, Asia, Volume 8.
http://www.crvp.org/publications/Series-III/III-8.pdf.

9.2. Theravada Buddhist Customs and Traditions 19