Clear Thinking

• 307EThe Logic of Practicing Virtue

  Recall the ten virtuous and non virtuous actions, and analyze how applying these principles creates beneficial effects in daily life.
• 306EThe Elements

  Compare and contrast the Buddhist elemental system (earth, water, fire, air, space) with modern scientific understanding of matter; analyze how recognizing elemental qualities in phenomena develops sensory awareness; and evaluate how elemental meditation practices support understanding of impermanence and interdependence.
• 303EThe Heart Sutra

  Describe the conversation between Avalokiteshvara and Shariputra; recite key passages from the sutra, Analyze how the Heart Sutra’s central teaching “form is emptiness, emptiness is form” differs from nihilism; identify the many ways the heart sutra has been related to across cultures, create a piece of art using the text of the heart sutra.
• 304ESacred Space and Objects

  Analyze the Buddhist understanding of sacredness in relation to the Three Jewels and practice objects; evaluate how creating and maintaining sacred spaces supports contemplative practice and community building; and design sacred space practices that honor Buddhist principles while fostering reverence for the dharma.
• 305ESangha

  Evaluate the impact of one’s social connections; identify the qualities and virtues that make a good friend; implement boundaries with non-virtuous influences; and analyze the definition and importance of sangha in Buddhism.
• 234EBuddha, Dharma, and Sangha

  Analyze which qualities of the Buddha, the teachings, and group practices resonate personally, and evaluate why these elements are meaningful, interesting or inspiring to your own path.
• 233EAnatta and Identity

  Analyze the Buddhist teaching of anatta (no-self) in relation to cultural identity formation; evaluate how understanding the impermanent nature of identity can reduce sectarianism and nationalism while maintaining healthy cultural appreciation; and synthesize understanding by developing approaches to heritage that honor origins without demanding conformity from others.
• 300EVows

  Analyze the logic and purpose of taking vows in Buddhist practice, evaluate how different types of vows (Pratimoksha, Bodhisattva, Vajrayana) support increasing skillful means and wisdom, and implement practices of ethical consistency that align personal commitments with expressed values and stated intentions.
• 301EThree Poisons: Anger

  Analyze anger as a mental state that projects exaggerated negativity onto situations or people, and evaluate how it arises from unmet desires and leads to further confusion and suffering; then implement contemplative practices such as mindfulness, patience, and perspective-taking to recognize triggers and gradually transform reactive habits into balanced responses that support emotional clarity and compassion.