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Theravada Buddhism, like virtually all forms of genuine Buddhism, is focused on practice - meditation and other activities that promote a wholesome, upright life and lead toward enlightenment.
The best way to begin practice within the Theravada tradition is to go to a center or temple near you. Most offer instruction to newcomers and, more importantly, the ongoing support of a teacher and fellow practitioners.
The support of a community ("sang ha") is essential, which is why the Buddha called it one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism.
The most common form of Theravada Buddhism in the West (assuming that you live in the West) is known as Insight Meditation (also known as Vipassana). Here are two lists of Insight Meditation centers:
http://www.dharma.org/ims/mr_links.html#dharmacenters
http://www.spiritrock.org/display.asp?pageid=120&catid=12
The other form of Theravada common in the West is Vipassana, as taught by S.N. Goenka. Here's a link to more information on this group:
http://www.dhamma.org/
Here's a good introduction to Insight Meditation, along with links to more information:
http://www.spiritrock.org/display.asp?pageid=13&catid=3
The Access to Insight website has published thousands of texts from the Pali Canon, the body of teachings that provides the framework for Theravada Buddhism. It's easy to search through these texts on this site. Access to Insight also offers a thorough definition of Theravada Buddhism:
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bullitt/theravada.html
Best wishes on your journey!
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