The oldest form of Buddhism extant today, Theravada is practiced widely in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, and Laos, with a growing following in the West. For newcomers to Buddhism as well as the initiated, the book presents an overview of the monks in saffron robes and their practices, from both a historical and contemporary viewpoint, plus extracts from the Pali Canon-texts believed to contain some of the Buddha`s original teachings. These center on the awakening to true experience and freedom from suffering on the path to happiness. Also included are selections of monastic observances and liturgical writings, with a description of the contents and layout of a typical temple.