Clear Thinking
Analysis of Causality
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How all that arises depends on interconnected causes and conditions
Investigate the interconnected nature of phenomena through direct observation; cultivate appreciation for the web of...
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The Buddhist approach to death and afterlife
Analyze the three contemplations regarding death; compare Buddhist and non-Buddhist concepts of rebirth; and consider...
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The law of cause and effect
Analyze the concept of karma, differentiating between intentional actions and their outcomes, and evaluate how...
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Greed vs. Sustainability
Evaluate unsustainable practices; design alternatives that challenge materialist mindsets; and analyze how craving and desire...
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The twelve links of dependent origination
Identify and sequence the twelve links of dependent origination; analyze how specific links (particularly craving...
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Investigating where things come from and where they go
Analyze the origins and destinations of everyday objects, and differentiate the complex physical, ecological, social,...
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Ethical Reasoning
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The effects of selfish and selfless actions
Recall the ten virtuous and non virtuous actions, and analyze how applying these principles creates...
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Four contemplations on impermanence and one on karma
Articulate the five remembrances and analyze how each contemplation addresses fundamental human experiences of aging,...
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The logic of making and keeping vows
Analyze the logic and purpose of taking vows in Buddhist practice, evaluate how different types...
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Mind Science
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Traditional analysis of mind
Define abhidharma precisely; analyze how its practice reduces aversion, craving, and suffering; and evaluate examples...
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Buddhist views on happiness
Analyze different definitions of happiness; evaluate how equanimity transforms our relationship to pleasant and unpleasant...
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Comparing Buddhist mind science with scientific brain science
Identify key brain structures on diagrams. Analyze their functions, and compare how neuroscience and Buddhist...
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Foundational Buddhist understanding of elemental qualities
Compare and contrast the Buddhist elemental system (earth, water, fire, air, space) with modern scientific...
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Philosophical Frameworks
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Trishiksha
Analyze the interconnected relationship between ethical conduct, concentration, and wisdom within the three trainings’ framework;...
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The preciousness of human life from a Buddhist perspective
Analyze the Buddhist teaching on the rarity and preciousness of human birth using the traditional...
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Debate as a practice of logic
Analyze diverse perspectives through structured debate, and demonstrate the application of gestures and concepts from...
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The Way of the Bodhisattva
Analyze the *Bodhisattva's Way of Life* text, its structure, author, and importance. Differentiate between aspirational...
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The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way
Analyze Nagarjuna's concept of dependent arising by examining how phenomena exist only in relationship to...
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The mind-training practice of the different levels of experience along the path
Identify the four types of attachment described in this teaching. Examine how each manifests in...
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Power of memorization
Demonstrate fluency with primary Buddhist lists through accurate recall; analyze their significance in group settings;...
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Creating and maintaining sacred spaces for practice
Analyze the Buddhist understanding of sacredness in relation to the Three Jewels and practice objects;...
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Comparative philosophy
Analyze the Buddha's teachings in relation to other philosophical and scientific perspectives, evaluating points of...
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Understanding the View
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Five aggregates appearing as a self
Analyze the *five aggregates* (skandhas) as the components that create the illusion of a permanent...
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Impermanence Overview
Analyze the principle of impermanence, evaluate how perception of it transforms experience, and implement this...
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Self and selflessness
Explain the truth of selflessness and how clinging to a sense of self affects our...
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Remembering the wisdom and optimism of the view
Analyze the importance of right view within the noble eightfold path, evaluating how this foundation...
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Effects of the company we keep
Evaluate the impact of one's social connections; identify the qualities and virtues that make a...
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The teacher and goal of the path
Identify the historical Buddha and the qualities that define a fully awakened being; analyze how...
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Essential characteristics of phenomena
Analyze the three marks of existence by investigating specific examples of impermanence, suffering, and selflessness...
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Understanding Relative and Ultimate Truths
Analyze the distinction between relative truth (conventional reality) and ultimate truth (emptiness) in Mahayana Buddhism,...
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Suffering Overview
Differentiate between the three types of dukkha by analyzing specific examples from personal experience; evaluate...
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The methodology to apply
Differentiate between dharma as teaching methodology and dharma as ultimate truth; evaluate how core Buddhist...
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The Epistemic Ways of Knowing
Evaluate how we know what’s real by analyzing the two key ways of knowing: direct...
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Free your mind from irritation
Analyze anger as a mental state that projects exaggerated negativity onto situations or people, and...
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Seeing things as they are
Analyze ignorance as misunderstanding—particularly regarding impermanence, interdependence, and selflessness. Evaluate how ignorance serves as the...
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The heart of the perfection of wisdom
Describe the conversation between Avalokiteshvara and Shariputra; recite key passages from the sutra, Analyze how...
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Three sources of refuge
Analyze which qualities of the Buddha, the teachings, and group practices resonate personally, and evaluate...
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Heritage, identity, and selflessness
Analyze the Buddhist teaching of anatta (no-self) in relation to cultural identity formation; evaluate how...
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Creative Expression
Contemplative Arts
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Blending ritual and creativity through contemplative arts
Compare and contrast contemplative arts traditions (ikebana, chado or tea ceremony, calligraphy, kyudo, charya dance)...
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Exploring music as a medium for expressing dharma
Analyze how specific musical elements in chosen pieces convey Buddhist values, evaluating how qualities like...
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Using tea service to create connection and atmosphere
Analyze tea ceremony as contemplative practice that integrates mindfulness of the five elements; evaluate how...
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The senses from a Buddhist perspective
Identify the six sense faculties and twelve ayatanas and connect them to our experience of...
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Creativity as Path
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Honoring the body as our vehicle for awakening
Implement mindful self-care practices that honor the body as a vehicle for awakening, and analyze...
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Art as Offering
Analyze the relationship between creative offering and the paramita of generosity; evaluate how releasing attachment...
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Habits and disciplines that support mastery of the arts
Identify and define the six paramitas; analyze how diligence (*virya*), concentration (*dhyana*), and patience (*ksanti*)...
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Anticipating and accepting challenges without judgment in the creative process
Create art with a gentle, non-aggressive attitude toward self and process, and evaluate the balance...
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Elemental and emotional energy seen as awakened wisdom
Implement practices that honor the five elements in daily life. Lead guided meditations that explore...
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Creative expression without expectation
Create art for intrinsic enjoyment rather than external validation, and analyze extrinsic motivations that can...
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Spontaneity and Joy
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Turn inward
Analyze the difference between accepting teachings through belief, versus discovering truth through direct experience, then...
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Maintaining an open mind, fresh and curious
Analyze the relationship between "beginner's mind" and insight as taught in Zen Buddhism; evaluate how...
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The joy of spontaneity in art
Create spontaneous, playful artistic expressions with awareness of impermanence, and analyze how non-agenda-driven creativity enhances...
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Applying confident optimism in creative activity and in life
Analyze the Buddhist concept of saddha by tracing the three traditional steps of developing confidence...
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Cultural Wisdom
Art and Architecture
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Origin stories across traditions
Compare and contrast Buddhist cosmological narratives with at least two other creation stories (Abrahamic, indigenous,...
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Relating to the celestial bodies
Compare and contrast astrological systems used in Buddhist cultures (Chinese/Tibetan and Western zodiacs) with Buddhist...
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The purpose, function, and history of different types of Buddhist architecture
Categorize the three main types of Buddhist architecture (stupas, monasteries, temples) according to their functions;...
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The role and meaning of Buddhist symbols
Analyze Buddhist iconography and symbolism, and differentiate the characteristic visual elements associated with different Buddhist...
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History and Development of Buddhism
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History of the spread of Buddhism
Trace and analyze the geographical and cultural spread of Buddhism from ancient India to contemporary...
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Buddhist women in patriarchal society
Analyze the Buddha's teachings on gender equality, and evaluate the historical challenges women have faced...
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How the historical Buddha promoted equality
Analyze the radical nature of the Buddha's teachings on caste, and evaluate their significance within...
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Buddhism and the indigenous cultures that influenced it
Analyze which indigenous cultures pre-existed Buddhism in at least five regions, and evaluate what has...
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Historic and modern challenges to the propagation of Buddhism
Analyze factors contributing to Buddhism's decline historically, and create strategies to preserve dharma traditions in...
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Ritual and Sacred Practice
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Creating structure for daily practice
Analyze various ritual forms that support personal practice, and design simple rituals that effectively guide...
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Pilgrimage sites related to Buddhism
Identify and locate major Buddhist pilgrimage sites while analyzing their historical and symbolic significance, evaluate...
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Honoring the Buddha, bodhisattvas, and teachers through prose and poetry
Actively pay homage and express gratitude to those who have taught, guided, and transmitted wisdom—showing...
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Relating to unseen beings
Analyze the role of unseen beings across Buddhist traditions, and differentiate the unique qualities attributed...
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Ritual in daily activities
Categorize ritual practices across Buddhist traditions according to their functions (purification, mindfulness cultivation, merit generation),...
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Amitabha's Pure Land
Compare Pure Land Buddhism with other forms of Buddhism, analyzing how the practice of chanting...
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A Mahayana practice to remove obstacles
Analyze specific examples of Tara's virtues (compassion, fearlessness, and wisdom) as described in selected verses...
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Stories and Heroes
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The life of the historical Buddha
Sequence and analyze the ten acts of Buddha's life within their historical and geographical contexts;...
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The stories that shape our lives
Analyze Buddhist stories and parables to extract wisdom for daily living, and differentiate between the...
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Relating to Arya beings
Analyze the qualities of noble beings, evaluate which qualities to cultivate personally, and create strategies...
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Admiring the noble qualities and deeds of Buddhist heroes
Analyze the biographical narratives of at least five Buddhist heroes from diverse cultural and historical...
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Texts and Languages
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The Buddha's path of wisdom
Analyze key themes in the *Dhammapada*, and evaluate how these ancient teachings remain relevant to...
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The structure and use of classical Buddhist scriptures
Differentiate between source texts and commentaries, and analyze how these textual categories function within each...
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Respectful inquiry and discussion about beliefs
Design thoughtful, respectful questions to investigate others' beliefs and lineage, balancing confidence, tact, and humility,...
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Language, culture, and communication
Analyze how language shapes cultural understanding and worldview formation; evaluate the challenges and opportunities in...
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The Three Yanas
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Buddhism in Southeast Asia
Analyze the foundational principles, practices, and scriptural authority of Theravada Buddhism, compare and contrast Theravada...
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Buddhism of East Asia
Articulate the distinctive characteristics of Mahayana Buddhism, including the bodhisattva ideal and emphasis on universal...
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Himalayan Tantric Buddhism
Identify the methodologies specific to Vajrayana Buddhism. Examine how tantric practices integrate ritual, visualization, and...
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Approaches to taking refuge across different Buddhist traditions
Analyze the distinctive approaches to taking refuge across the three Buddhist vehicles, evaluate how different...
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Transmission and Preservation
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Languages related to Buddhism
Analyze the evolution of dharma transmission across linguistic boundaries from Magadhi Prakrit to contemporary languages;...
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The individuals who helped preserve and propagate the dharma over time
Compare and contrast the contributions of at least three significant Buddhist patrons across different historical...
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Communicating the Buddhadharma to others
Analyze the role of lineage in preserving authentic dharma transmission across generations and cultures; evaluate...
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Buddhist monastic traditions across cultures
Analyze the historical development and contemporary roles of monastic communities across Buddhist traditions, evaluate the...
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Cultivating peace through understanding
Analyze Buddhism's characteristics compared to Abrahamic, indigenous, and other world religions; evaluate different conceptual frameworks...
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History of dharma translation
Analyze the contributions of at least five key translators of the Buddhist canon, evaluating their...
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The methods and responsibilities of lineage traditions
Compare how the three main Buddhist traditions (Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana) pass down teachings, evaluating the...
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Recognizing reliable sources of dharma
Analyze what is presented as buddhadharma by evaluating its source and differentiating its key characteristics...
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Preserving Buddhism like the great patrons
Evaluate choices that might contribute to the preservation of Buddhist traditions, and create strategies that...
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Ethical Living
Balance and Harmony
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Creating codes of conduct inspired by the Vinaya
Analyze the purpose and structure of the Vinaya as both monastic discipline and community harmony...
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Buddhist approaches to ecological responsibility
Compare and contrast Buddhist, indigenous, and Western perspectives on environmental responsibility; analyze how Buddhist principles...
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Idealism versus pragmatism
Analyze how attachment to idealistic expectations creates suffering in social engagement; evaluate how equanimity enables...
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Engaging with equanimity and avoiding apathy
Analyze the critical distinction between equanimity and apathy by examining how each responds to witnessing...
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Mindful partaking of food and drink
Analyze the food cycle, differentiating its causes, conditions, and effects. Evaluate how elements from the...
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Health and well-being of the body
Analyze the first noble truth's teaching that sickness is inherent to life while comparing Buddhist,...
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Discipline and Conduct
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Codes of conduct and personal ethics
Evaluate the relationship between external ethical guidelines and internal moral compass development; synthesize understanding of...
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Ethical Conduct in Daily Life
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Application of the Buddha's ethical tenets to daily life
Analyze the five precepts (pancha shila) as both restraints from harmful action and foundations for...
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Revering and protecting life
Analyze the first precept's prohibition against killing in relation to Buddhist teachings on interdependence and...
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Practicing politeness with three key paramitas: generosity, patience, and discipline
Analyze how the first three paramitas (generosity, discipline, patience) function as frameworks for cross-cultural ethical...
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Integrity and congruence with peaceful body, speech, and mind.
Evaluate personal conduct and motivations through systematic self-reflection, analyzing alignment between inner development and outer...
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Codes of conduct for benefiting self and others
Categorize the ten virtuous and non virtuous actions according to body, speech, and mind; analyze...
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Varying Buddhist approaches to consuming animals
Formulate a clear rationale for your choice regarding vegetarianism, and evaluate your capacity to demonstrate...
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Ethical Leadership and Social Engagement
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Cultural appreciation and tolerance
Analyze how Buddhist teachings on pratityasamutpada (dependent origination) support tolerance and dialogue across differences; evaluate...
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Techniques for taking different perspectives
Analyze how Buddhist teachings on dependent origination explain the subjective nature of perception; evaluate the...
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De-escalating conflict and promoting harmony with mediation
Analyze the role of dependent origination and subjective perception in creating miscommunication and conflict; evaluate...
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Buddhist approaches to social change
Analyze the work of exemplary, socially engaged Buddhists; implement their principles in daily life; and...
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Wise leadership and good motivation
Analyze the motivations behind leaders' decisions by evaluating evidence of the three poisons versus the...
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Challenging assumptions and conventions
Evaluate invalid assumptions and harmful dogmas, and generate skillful responses to challenge them using discriminating...
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A Practical Framework for Ethical Living
Analyze how the eight components of the path work together to reduce suffering, then apply...
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Mindful Communication
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Letting others form their views
Analyze Buddha's non-dogmatic teaching approach as exemplified by ehipassiko ("come and see"); contrast this method...
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Buddhist principles for harmonious communication
Analyze complex communication scenarios (family conflicts, social tensions, leadership challenges, literary or public media sources)...
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Putting yourself in someone else's shoes
Differentiate between cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and compassion by analyzing how each contributes to understanding...
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Nonviolence and Compassionate Action
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The practice of saving lives
Evaluate the Buddhist practice of life release within contemporary ecological contexts, analyze the ethical complexities...
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Humble service
Analyze systemic issues within the community by evaluating their root causes and interconnected effects, then...
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A pathway for alleviating suffering
Apply the four noble truths framework to analyze a specific community issue by identifying the...
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Applying the measure of non-aggression to systems
Analyze systemic structures through the lens of ahimsa (non-aggression) by identifying who benefits and who...
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Work and Service
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Investigating visible and invisible boundaries
Analyze personal and physical boundaries, implement healthy boundary-setting practices, and evaluate how visible and invisible...
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Redefining wealth and choosing career paths
Analyze how conventional definitions of wealth based solely on material accumulation can lead to dukkha...
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Innate goodness exists in all beings
Analyze the Buddha's demonstration of equanimity in the kusa grass story by examining how he...
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Applying optimism and diligence when working with others
Differentiate between ordinary hope and authentic optimism in Buddhist practice; analyze how joyful effort (*virya*)...
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Positive action and its benefits
Analyze the relationship between virtuous actions and their karmic effects; evaluate how motivation influences the...
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Work as practice, finding dignity in labor
Analyze the Buddhist concept of right livelihood as it applies to contemporary work and service;...
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Inner Awareness
Cultivating Positive Qualities
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Cultivating an immeasurable mind
Analyze the distinctive qualities and antidotes of each immeasurable by examining their progression from conditional...
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Generating compassion for all beings
Analyze the nature of karuna/compassion; guide unscripted meditation practices to generate this quality; and implement...
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Generating impartial regard towards all
Analyze interpersonal conflicts as learning opportunities, and develop a habit of acceptance and goodwill rather...
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Don't be swayed by external circumstances
Evaluate what it means to be influenced by external circumstances; and implement the slogan—“don't be...
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Generating love and kindness for all beings
Analyze the nature of *metta*/loving-kindness; improvise a guided meditation that generates this quality; and initiate...
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Generating joy for all beings
Analyze the nature of sympathetic joy; guide unscripted meditation practices for cultivating this quality; and...
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Ethics and Precepts
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Creating healthy habits
Analyze the relationship between Buddhist teachings on karma and neuroscientific understanding of habit formation; evaluate...
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Body responsibility and respect
Analyze the Buddhist understanding of sexual misconduct within the context of consent, honesty, and non-harm;...
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Respecting the belongings of others
Analyze the concept of "taking what is not given" beyond simple theft to include deception,...
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Benefits of sobriety
Differentiate between the precept against intoxicants and the broader principle of mattanuta (knowing the right...
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Foundations of the Path
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The innate goodness of beings
Analyze how the concept of buddhanature may affect one’s outlook on life; compare and contrast...
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Contemplating the four noble truths
Analyze each of the four noble truths by connecting traditional teachings with personal contemplative insights;...
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Everyone is responsible for their own awakening
Analyze how the Buddha's teaching on self-mastery challenges common assumptions about external salvation or rescue,...
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The analogy of the middle way
Implement techniques for physical, mental, and emotional balancing, and analyze how equilibrium in each area...
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Recollecting and drawing inspiration from the Buddha's qualities
Analyze the Buddha's qualities as described in traditional texts across multiple sources; evaluate which Buddha...
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Altruistic Intent
Define both relative and absolute bodhicitta. Assess the personal motivations behind daily choices and adopt...
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Meditation Foundations
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The power of imagination in meditation and mind training
Compare and contrast the use of visualization in different Buddhist meditations with its use in...
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Using the breath as an object of meditation
Implement mindfulness and breathing awareness to develop a calm, focused, and balanced mind. Create and...
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Overview of various techniques to train the mind
Compare and contrast multiple Buddhist meditation techniques (shamatha, vipassana, loving-kindness, walking meditation), analyze how each...
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Common obstacles to contemplative practice and some remedies
Identify and categorize the five hindrances to meditation practice with their corresponding antidotes; analyze how...
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Meditation to develop insight (clear seeing)
Analyze the distinction between awareness and its objects during vipassana practice, evaluate how investigating the...
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Calm abiding meditation
Explore shamatha meditation as a way to calm the mind and support both insight (vipassana)...
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Mindful Living
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Tuning motivation to benevolence
Implement regular motivation checks and adjustments, appreciating the value of benefiting others, and analyze how...
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The wisdom of knowing when to act
Evaluate how cultural attitudes toward time and efficiency can either support or hinder compassionate action;...
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Developing concentration to calm and focus the mind
Analyze the relationship between mental stability, ethical conduct, and the development of insight; evaluate how...
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Acting ethically
Analyze potential consequences of actions in different areas of life, honestly acknowledging personal challenges and...
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Perseverance that frees the mind
Analyze the four aspects of right effort by identifying examples of helpful and harmful mental...
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Work and activity in harmony with others
Evaluate activities based on their quality of creating benefit or harmony without harming, and analyze...
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The gift of practicing deep listening
Implement deep listening practices, and analyze the “listening pot” metaphor to identify essential conditions for...
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Mindful speech practices
Evaluate speech patterns by identifying personal examples of any of the four non-virtuous speech actions;...
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Intentional placement of attention without judgment
Analyze an experience of mindful pausing, evaluating immediate thoughts and feelings without judgment, and critiquing...
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Sacred Space and Ritual
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How beings take refuge
Analyze the fundamental differences between Buddhist refuge (three jewels) and ordinary refuge practices by evaluating...
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Definition and purpose of chanting mantra
Identify the function of mantra practice within Buddhist meditation traditions. Analyze how the *prajnaparamita* mantra...
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Creating space for practice
Analyze various methods for creating sacred space and practice boundaries in contemplative settings; evaluate how...
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Symbolic gestures of great meaning
Demonstrate basic symbolic gestures (mudras) common across Buddhist traditions, and analyze the meaning and purpose...
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Creating atmosphere in practice spaces
Analyze shrine room etiquette practices as external expressions of internal reverence for the three jewels;...
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Refuge as a practice for being present and responsive to others
Implement awareness practices to generate a calm, grounded center, and evaluate how being present and...
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OM MANI PADME HUM
Analyze the symbolic meaning of each syllable in OM MANI PADME HUM; evaluate how mantra...
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The Six Paramitas
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Meditation as a practice
Differentiate between ordinary concentration and the paramita of dhyana as described in Buddhist texts; analyze...
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Wisdom as a practice
Analyze how discriminating wisdom (prajna) reveals they way all things have no independent existence (emptiness);...
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Generosity as a practice
Differentiate between ordinary giving and transcendent generosity (dana) that expects nothing in return; analyze how...
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Transcendental perfections
Analyze the six paramitas by comparing their unique qualities and purposes; evaluate how each perfection...
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Diligence as a practice
Analyze the distinction between ordinary effort and joyful diligence (virya) in Buddhist practice; evaluate personal...
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Patience as a practice
Analyze the three forms of Buddhist patience: enduring harm from others, persevering through practice difficulties,...
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Striving to develop the skillful means to awaken
Implement the principles of right effort in daily life; analyze opportunities to cultivate wholesome thoughts...
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Working with Mind
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Working with pleasant and unpleasant experiences
Investigate the experience of practicing equanimity with naturally-arising pleasurable and unpleasurable experiences; and develop some...
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Working with our people-pleasing habits
Analyze the role that praise and blame play in human motivation; evaluate the role of...
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Doing nothing
Analyze various stillness practices, evaluate their value in daily life, and implement discerning choices about...
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Using the senses wisely
Analyze the Buddha's teachings on sense restraint; evaluate how sensory input influences mental states, thoughts,...
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Skillful reflection
Analyze the distinction between wise and unwise attention in personal experience; evaluate how different types...
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Using parables to remember a bird's eye view
Implement practices that cultivate an expansive, “bird’s eye view” perspective, and analyze the frog-in-the-well parable...
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Relaxing the competitive mind
Implement a positive, playful approach to competition without attachment to outcomes; practice observing and releasing...
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Understanding the Eight Worldly Concerns
Analyze the eight worldly concerns by categorizing specific life experiences into the four opposing pairs,...
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Going beyond worrying about reputation
Evaluate personal motivations regarding fame and notoriety, and implement actions that are free from both...
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Learning Goal Actions by Domain
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