Earliest texts: Tripitaka. Written in Pali, not sanskrit, in Sri Lanka, not India. Written 300+ years after Buddha's death.

Theravada Buddhism: 118 early schools/sects which survives today. "Tradition of the elders." Refers to early Buddhism.

Similarities with Hinduism:
1. Importance of meditation (for attaining spiritual truth)
2. Samsara (reincarnation)
3. Problems of desire & ignorance (more emphasis on desire)

Differences with Hinduism:
1. No metaphysical speculation - practical. Example: parable of the arrow.
2. Moksha (liberation) as Nirvana - a state of bliss.
3. "Final Nirvana" (state after death)
4. State of bliss now, where you master your desires in this lifetime.
5. Arhat: person that has mastered their desires & has achieved Nirvana in this life.

** Dharma: Buddhist message/equivalent of "the gospel" (sanskrit). In Pali, the work is Dhamma.