Philosophical Frameworks

• 326The Three Trainings

  Analyze the interconnected relationship between ethical conduct, concentration, and wisdom within the three trainings’ framework; then evaluate how each training supports the others in personal transformation. Evaluate how your personal practice of the three trainings fits into daily life in a balanced way that will reduce harm and increase clarity, compassion, and discernment.
• 333Favorable Conditions of Human Existence

  Analyze the Buddhist teaching on the rarity and preciousness of human birth using the traditional analogy of the blind turtle; evaluate how understanding life’s rarity influences ethical decision-making and spiritual priorities; and implement daily practices that demonstrate appreciation for human existence while actively working to preserve and benefit the lives of others.
• 304Sacred 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.
• 311Bodhicaryavatara

  Analyze the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life text, its structure, author, and importance. Differentiate between aspirational and ultimate bodhicitta, and evaluate how impermanence is a basis for generating compassion.
• 313Madhyamaka

  Analyze Nagarjuna’s concept of dependent arising by examining how phenomena exist only in relationship to other things, then evaluate how attachment to fixed ideas creates suffering in personal situations. Apply the Middle Way perspective to challenging life circumstances, comparing responses based on rigid thinking versus flexible understanding, and synthesize how recognizing the interdependent nature of problems and successes can lead to greater compassion and skillful action.
• 315Parting from the Four Attachments

  Identify the four types of attachment described in this teaching. Examine how each manifests in contemporary life, then evaluate personal motivations and priorities to identify which attachments most strongly influence decision-making.
• 318Methods of Retaining the Dharma

  Demonstrate fluency with primary Buddhist lists through accurate recall; analyze their significance in group settings; and apply specific teachings from memorized lists to real-life ethical dilemmas or personal challenges.
• 210Western Philosophy and Buddhism

  Analyze the Buddha’s teachings in relation to other philosophical and scientific perspectives, evaluating points of convergence and divergence.
• 125Buddhist Debate

  Analyze diverse perspectives through structured debate, and demonstrate the application of gestures and concepts from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of debate.