Cultural Preservation and Celebration

• 238History of Buddhism

  Trace and analyze the geographical and cultural spread of Buddhism from ancient India to contemporary global contexts; evaluate the factors that facilitated or hindered dharma transmission across different civilizations; and synthesize understanding by examining how Buddhist teachings adapted to diverse cultures while maintaining core principles throughout historical periods.
• 240The Dhammapada

  Analyze key themes in the Dhammapada, and evaluate how these ancient teachings remain relevant to contemporary issues and experiences.
• 226Great Patrons of Buddhism

  Compare and contrast the contributions of at least three significant Buddhist patrons across different historical periods and cultural contexts; analyze how patronage has been essential for dharma preservation and transmission; and evaluate contemporary opportunities for supporting the practice and preservation of the buddhadharma while implementing specific actions that contribute to wisdom and compassion in modern contexts.
• 224Cross-Cultural Dialogue

  Design thoughtful, respectful questions to investigate others’ beliefs and lineage, balancing confidence, tact, and humility, and evaluate how this approach enhances cross-cultural understanding.
• 218Twenty-one Praises to Tara

  Analyze specific examples of Tara’s virtues (compassion, fearlessness, and wisdom) as described in selected verses from the Twenty-one Praises to Tara, and evaluate how devotional practices like chanting or recitation can cultivate positive mental qualities in practitioners.
• 213Comparative Religion

  Analyze Buddhism’s characteristics compared to Abrahamic, indigenous, and other world religions; evaluate different conceptual frameworks that position Buddhism as philosophy, science of mind, or religion; and synthesize understanding through respectful interfaith dialogue that identifies both unique approaches and shared human concerns across traditions.
• 236Visiting Holy Sites

  Identify and locate major Buddhist pilgrimage sites while analyzing their historical and symbolic significance, evaluate the practices and attitudes that constitute authentic pilgrimage versus religious tourism, and demonstrate culturally appropriate conduct that honors the sacred nature of Buddhist temples and holy places.
• 231Three Yanas: Mahayana Buddhism

  Articulate the distinctive characteristics of Mahayana Buddhism, including the bodhisattva ideal and emphasis on universal liberation; analyze how Mahayana approaches to practice (emptiness philosophy, Pure Land practice, Zen meditation) address different paths to awakening; and evaluate the relationship between Mahayana adaptability and preservation of core Buddhist principles.
• 229Monastic Traditions

  Analyze the historical development and contemporary roles of monastic communities across Buddhist traditions, evaluate the relationship between ordained and lay practitioners in preserving and transmitting dharma, and demonstrate understanding of how monastic traditions adapt to cultural contexts while maintaining essential functions.
• 227Transmission of the Dharma

  Analyze the role of lineage in preserving authentic dharma transmission across generations and cultures; evaluate contemporary methods of communicating Buddhist teachings (digital media, arts, education) against traditional oral and textual transmission; and synthesize understanding by creating innovative approaches to dharma communication that maintain authenticity while engaging modern audiences effectively.