Joyful Effort

• 311EBodhicaryavatara

  Analyze the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life text, its structure, author, and importance. Differentiate between aspirational and ultimate bodhicitta, and evaluate how impermanence is a basis for generating compassion.
• 424EBodhicitta

  Define both relative and absolute bodhicitta. Assess the personal motivations behind daily choices and adopt practices that turn everyday activities into acts of altruism aimed at benefiting all sentient beings.
• 308EBuddha

  Identify the historical Buddha and the qualities that define a fully awakened being; analyze how the Buddha’s life exemplifies the transformation of suffering into wisdom and compassion; and evaluate the significance of taking refuge in the Buddha as inspiration for personal development rather than dependence on external authority.
• 501EConfidence in the Buddha and Many Possibilities

  Analyze the Buddhist concept of saddha by tracing the three traditional steps of developing confidence (admiration, aspiration, realization), then evaluate how humble confidence differs from self-centered pride, and implement creative practices that demonstrate patient optimism while maintaining awareness of innate goodness despite setbacks.
• 401BDhyana: Meditation Techniques

  Demonstrate multiple meditation techniques including breath awareness, walking meditation, and object focus; practice the seven-point posture with intention-setting; and evaluate how different techniques affect personal awareness and ability to support others in practice.
• 401CDhyana: Meditation Techniques

  Practice diverse meditation techniques using multiple learning modalities (visual focus, kinesthetic movement, auditory guidance, reflective contemplation); demonstrate leadership in guiding others through basic practices; and create meditation approaches that accommodate different learning styles and developmental needs.
• 401DDhyana: Meditation Techniques

  Practice and analyze meditation techniques through multiple intelligence frameworks (bodily-kinesthetic through movement meditation, musical-rhythmic through chanting, visual-spatial through visualization); evaluate how different approaches serve various temperaments and learning styles; and synthesize understanding by creating inclusive meditation programs for diverse groups.
• 401EDhyana: Meditation Techniques

  Compare and contrast multiple Buddhist meditation techniques (shamatha, vipassana, loving-kindness, walking meditation), analyze how each method addresses specific mental states and obstacles, and design appropriate meditation practices for different situations and temperaments.
• 401ADhyana: Meditation Techniques

  Experience and explore different ways to sit quietly and breathe by practicing simple meditation activities like rock pose, balloon breath, and cushion care; demonstrate taking a seat with gentle attention; and show how bell sounds help create quiet time for awareness.