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.