Inner Awareness

• 412ERight Effort

  Analyze the four aspects of right effort by identifying examples of helpful and harmful mental states in daily life; evaluate how joyful effort differs from forced effort in personal practice; and implement the principles of right effort in daily life, analyzing opportunities to cultivate wholesome thoughts and actions while evaluating how this practice transforms well-being and relationships.
• 413EMountain-like Equanimity

  Evaluate what it means to be influenced by external circumstances; and implement the slogan—“don’t be swayed by external circumstances”—in your daily life.
• 414EVisualization Practices

  Compare and contrast the use of visualization in different Buddhist meditations with its use in modern contexts, and design a visualization to support a personal goal that brings benefit to self and others.
• 415EKarma and Habit

  Analyze the relationship between Buddhist teachings on karma and neuroscientific understanding of habit formation; evaluate how conscious repetition of wholesome thoughts, words, and actions creates positive neural pathways; and synthesize understanding by implementing deliberate habit-change practices that demonstrate the intersection of contemplative training and brain plasticity.
• 416ERefraining from Sexual Misconduct

  Analyze the Buddhist understanding of sexual misconduct within the context of consent, honesty, and non-harm; evaluate how the principles of respect and mindfulness apply to intimate relationships; and synthesize understanding by examining how this precept supports both personal integrity and healthy community relationships.
• 422EThe Paramita of Dana/Generosity

  Differentiate between ordinary giving and transcendent generosity (dana) that expects nothing in return; analyze how the quality of mind (caga) influences the spiritual impact of generous acts; and design a practice of multi-dimensional giving that cultivates non-attachment while addressing the varied but specific needs of others.
• 411ERight Speech

  Evaluate speech patterns by identifying personal examples of any of the four non-virtuous speech actions; then design and implement communication strategies that integrate Buddhist principles of truthfulness, kindness, and timing to create more harmonious interactions with others.
• 408EFame and Anonymity

  Evaluate personal motivations regarding fame and notoriety, and implement actions that are free from both craving recognition and fearing obscurity.
• 410EMindful Listening Practices

  Implement deep listening practices, and analyze the “listening pot” metaphor to identify essential conditions for effective communication.