When, in the 10th century, Buddhism started to decline in India, Sri Lanka became a major centre of Theravada ('Way of the Elders') Buddhism. This sangha (order) reveres the historical figure of the Buddha and strictly follows his original teachings. Theravada monks - found also in Thailand and Myanmar - join a monastery for an unspecified period of time and, unlike Hindu saddhus, can choose to renounce this way of life whenever they wish. On joining the order, however, they must discard all personal possessions except the the ata-pirikara ('eight monastic requisites'): the alms-bowl, three robes, belt, razor, water-strainer, and sewing needle.