Theravada buddhist monk at Bayon temple, Angkor, Cambodia. Theravada means the "teaching of the elders", a philosophy that says the enlightement is only possible by living as a monk. Of the two buddhist ways, the other, Mahayana means "great vechicle" and teaches that enlightment is possible for anyone. The Bayon temple was built by Emperor Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181-1201) whose power was succeded by Siam introducing Theravada which dominates today in Cambodia.
Theravada buddhist monk at Bayon temple, Angkor, Cambodia. Theravada means the "teaching of the elders", a philosophy that says the enlightement is only possible by living as a monk. Of the two buddhist ways, the other, Mahayana means "great vechicle" and teaches that enlightment is possible for anyone. The Bayon temple was built by Emperor Jayavarman VII (reigned 1181-1201) whose power was succeded by Siam introducing Theravada which dominates today in Cambodia.