The dominant form of Buddhism in Southeast Asia (and also Sri Lanka) is Theravada Buddhism.  Theravada literally means “way of the elders” and Theravada Buddhism is based on the oldest recorded Buddhist teachings, the 2000-year-old Tipitaka texts.  The core of these teachings is the Buddha's sermons examining the role of suffering in human existence, the causes of suffering, and the mental disciplines that can help people to minimize or escape from suffering.

Sometimes people are surprised by Buddhism's focus on suffering, as though a religion talking about suffering were like a politician talking about raising taxes.  Directly addressing the suffering that people experience is a very practical and realistic approach to understanding the true nature of life.  Buddhists try to develop understanding and mental discipline that will allow for compassion and peace of mind in the face of adversity.  With peace of mind comes happiness.  Additional information about Buddhist teachings is available from these links: Tricycle Magazine, Buddhanet.

The differences between Theravada Buddhism and the many forms of Mahayana Buddhism practiced in Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan come in the incorporation of other teachings and practices. The Buddha’s own words make little reference to supernatural forces or places