小乘佛教, also known as Theravada Buddhism, is one of the oldest branches of Buddhism. It emphasizes individual enlightenment and the importance of personal practice. Followers strive to attain Nirvana through meditation, ethical conduct, and wisdom, focusing on the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. This tradition is primarily practiced in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. 小乘佛教 values the original scriptures, known as the Pali Canon, which contain the Buddha's teachings. It encourages a monastic lifestyle, where monks play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the teachings to laypeople.