Meditation Foundations

• 400EThe Five Hindrances

  Identify and categorize the five hindrances to meditation practice with their corresponding antidotes; analyze how these obstacles manifest in contemporary life beyond formal meditation; and implement systematic approaches for recognizing and addressing hindrances while evaluating the effectiveness of traditional Buddhist remedies in modern contexts.
• 402EVipassana Meditation

  Analyze the distinction between awareness and its objects during vipassana practice, evaluate how investigating the three marks of existence (impermanence, suffering, non-self) through direct observation leads to insight, and synthesize understanding by creating guided practices that help others develop insight.
• 403EShamatha Meditation

  Explore shamatha meditation as a way to calm the mind and support both insight (vipassana) practice and everyday mental habits; evaluate personal experience with meditation; and demonstrate the practice by leading shamatha sessions that guide breath-based concentration while recognizing common challenges, obstacles, and their antidotes.
• 405EMethods of Using the Breath

  Implement mindfulness and breathing awareness to develop a calm, focused, and balanced mind. Create and guide a basic breath meditation for others.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 401Dhyana: 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.