A little on Theravada
Theravada Buddhism refers to the oldest school of Buddhism. It is also known as the “Teachings of the Elders”. It has also been referred to as Hinayana, or the smaller wheel. This has mainly been replaced by Theravada. Here Enlightenment for most requires joining the Sangha. It is mainly concentrated in Laos, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and the Indian sub-continent. Sri Lanka has what some refer to as the oldest continuous Buddhist tradition. Buddhist scriptures were recorded in Pali in Sri Lanka. Thailand has a monastery that was built to allow westerners to become monks. There are branch monasteries or schools around the world now, in countries such as Canada, Australia, Italy, France, Britain, and America. For more information on these western based branch temples: http://www.watpahnanachat.org with thanks to Tim Ward and his book” What the Buddha Never Taught”. This book was first published in 1990 and gives a westerners view of his time at Wat Pah Nanachat in Thailand. I don’t agree with everything he wrote, but appreciate the openness and honesty of the feelings he expresses.
A Western Buddhist's Travels 