Theravāda Buddhism, also known as the School of the Elders, is the oldest surviving school of Buddhism and is primarily practiced in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. It is based on the Pali Canon, the original teachings of the Buddha, and emphasizes the importance of monastic discipline and the pursuit of individual enlightenment.

The key teachings of Theravāda Buddhism can be summarized into three main aspects: the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Three Marks of Existence.

The first aspect, the Four Noble Truths, is the foundation of Buddhist teachings and explains the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. It states that life is characterized by suffering, that suffering is caused by desire and attachment, that suffering can be overcome, and that the Eightfold Path is the way to end suffering.

The second aspect, the Eightfold Path, is a set of guidelines for living a moral and ethical life that leads to enlightenment. It consists of eight interconnected practices: Right Understanding, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. These practices help individuals cultivate wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.

The third aspect, the Three Marks of Existence, describes the fundamental nature of reality as understood by Theravāda Buddhism. These marks are impermanence, suffering, and non-self. Impermanence refers to the constant and ever-changing nature of the world, suffering refers to the unsatisfactoriness of life, and non-self refers to the idea that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul.

In addition to these key teachings, Theravāda Buddhism also places a strong emphasis on the practice of meditation. Through meditation, practitioners can cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and insight, leading to a deeper understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the nature of reality.

Another important aspect of Theravāda Buddhism is the concept of karma, which states that our actions have consequences and that our actions in this life will affect our future lives. This belief encourages individuals to act with compassion and kindness towards others and to take responsibility for their own actions.

Overall, the key teachings of Theravāda Buddhism revolve around the pursuit of individual enlightenment through the understanding and acceptance of the Four Noble Truths, the practice of the Eightfold Path, and the recognition of the Three Marks of Existence. These teachings encourage individuals to live a moral and ethical life, cultivate wisdom and compassion, and ultimately find liberation from suffering.