Personal Practice

• 435The Middle Way between Extremes

  Implement techniques for physical, mental, and emotional balancing, and analyze how equilibrium in each area supports the others.
• 423The Paramita of Ksanti/Patience

  Analyze the three forms of Buddhist patience: enduring harm from others, persevering through practice difficulties, and accepting ultimate truths; evaluate personal triggers that challenge patience practice; and implement strategies for maintaining equanimity that transform irritation into opportunities for wisdom development.
• 405Methods 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.
• 422The 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.
• 413Mountain-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.
• 419The Paramitas

  Analyze the six paramitas by comparing their unique qualities and purposes; evaluate how each perfection addresses specific obstacles to awakening; and demonstrate their interconnected nature by practicing one paramita while observing how it naturally supports the development of others in daily life.
• 418Abstaining from Intoxicants

  Differentiate between the precept against intoxicants and the broader principle of mattanuta (knowing the right amount); analyze how mindful consumption supports clarity of mind and ethical behavior; and evaluate personal consumption patterns across various domains (substances, media, material goods) using Buddhist principles of moderation and awareness.
• 417Refraining from stealing

  Analyze the concept of “taking what is not given” beyond simple theft to include deception, exploitation, and environmental harm; evaluate the karmic relationship between stealing and loss as described in Buddhist teachings; and synthesize understanding by implementing practices of generosity (dana) that counteract acquisitive tendencies.
• 416Refraining 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.
• 407Sympathetic Joy

  Analyze the nature of sympathetic joy; guide unscripted meditation practices for cultivating this quality; and develop the practice of responding by rejoicing when witnessing others’ happiness.