Theravada is one of the oldest branches of Buddhism, focusing on the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. It emphasizes individual enlightenment through meditation, ethical living, and wisdom. Practitioners aim to follow the Pali Canon, a collection of scriptures that outlines the Buddha's teachings and the path to Nirvana. This tradition is primarily practiced in countries like Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. Theravada encourages a monastic lifestyle, where monks play a crucial role in preserving teachings and guiding laypeople. The ultimate goal is to attain Arahant status, achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death, known as samsara.