Final answer:
Theravada Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama or Buddha, emphasizes his original teachings of leading a moral life through acceptance of the Four Noble Truths and practice of the Middle Way and the Noble Eightfold Path. These principles serve to alleviate suffering and lead the individual to achieve personal enlightenment or nirvana. Buddhism also endorses a doctrine of respect for all life, led by the principle of karma.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary focus of Theravada Buddhism is to adhere to the Buddha's original teachings and achieve personal enlightenment through the acceptance of the Four Noble Truths, and practice of the Middle Way and Noble Eightfold Path. Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, Buddhism emphasizes leading a moral life, practicing mindfulness and meditation, along with personal responsibility in the absence of a central godhead.
Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha, promulgated teachings that opposed the traditional Brahmanist values and caste system of ancient India, drawing a large following that included equal opportunities for women to gain enlightenment. He developed the concept of the Middle Way, which urges one to live in the present with acceptance of others and the Four Noble Truths, emphasizing that life is often characterized by suffering, stemming from attachment to desires. Release from such suffering can be achieved by following the Middle Path, ultimately leading to an enlightened salvation known as nirvana.
The Noble Eightfold Path, a significant tenet of Theravada Buddhism, includes elements like Right Understanding, Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood, among others, that form the basis of moral life in Buddhism, and pave the way for freedom from suffering. Buddhism also encourages a respectful relationship with all forms of life, reinforced by the principle of karma, the belief that actions in one's present life will influence their future circumstances.
Learn more about Theravada Buddhism