The Pali word "Theravada" literally translates as "Way of the Elders". The followers of this school place the highest value on the original teaching and methods of the historical Buddha. Theravadan monastics still wear the famous saffron coloured robes which have been worn for over 2500 years. It is the predominant Buddhist form of Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma and Cambodia. Over the last 30 years, the Theravada has been gaining ground outside Asia, with thriving centres in Europe, North America and Australasia.