The tales of Buddhists throughout the centuries serve as an inspiration and a window into how the dharma can transform lives. Just like the Buddha, these heroes are not distinguished by some supernatural power but rather by their courage to defeat the inner enemies of ignorance, attachment, and aversion, while inspiring and assisting others in finding the path out of suffering. The life stories of Buddhist heroes, from great teachers and scholars to humble practitioners and benefactors, show how ordinary individuals, through commitment, compassion, and wisdom, can embody the dharma in everyday life. These stories offer living examples of perseverance, ethical action, and selfless service, reminding us that awakening is possible for anyone who follows the path with sincerity.

Note: This learning goal does not prescribe which heroes to focus on. It’s good for students to learn about heroes from different cultures, genders, traditions, as well as contemporary living role models. Ideally, students can choose who to focus on, and investigate the stories of diverse figures with details and examples including the chronology, geography, and cultural contexts of each figure. Some heroes to start with include: Shariputra, Mahapajapati, Maudgalyayana, Ashoka, Ananda, Milinda, Shantideva, Padmasambhava, Xuanzang, Buddhaghosa, Shabkar, Bodhidharma, Kshitigarbha, Vimalakirti, the 16 Arhats, Shantarakshita, Atisha Dipamkara, Nagasena, and so on.

The life stories of Buddhist heroes can inspire people to lead more wakeful and harmonious lives. Some are factual, and some are allegorical, but they all contain truths.

Engage with stories of Buddhist heroes, noticing meaningful connections they can make with their own lives.

• Who are some modern-day heroes that people look up to in society, and how do their qualities compare to those of Buddhist heroes?
• What are the main qualities of modern comic-book superheroes and how do these compare to Buddhist heroes?
• How are the values of a group reflected in how their heroes are depicted?
• What specific obstacles did these heroes overcome, and how do their methods relate to Buddhist teachings on the three poisons?
• How do the heroic qualities celebrated in Buddhist traditions challenge or complement contemporary definitions of heroism?
• What patterns emerge across different Buddhist heroes' approaches to serving others while maintaining their own practice?

Analyze the biographical narratives of at least five Buddhist heroes from diverse cultural and historical contexts, evaluate how their activities demonstrate core Buddhist principles, and synthesize understanding by identifying specific qualities and actions that demonstrate their transformation from ordinary individuals to exemplars of wisdom and compassion.