Band E (Ages 15-18)

• 229EMonastic 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.
• 230EThree Yanas: Theravada Buddhism

  Analyze the foundational principles, practices, and scriptural authority of Theravada Buddhism, compare and contrast Theravada approaches to liberation with Mahayana and Vajrayana perspectives, and evaluate how different cultural contexts have shaped the preservation and expression of early Buddhist teachings.
• 231EThree 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.
• 232EThe Three Yanas: Vajrayana Buddhism

  Identify the methodologies specific to Vajrayana Buddhism. Examine how tantric practices integrate ritual, visualization, and guru-disciple relationships, and evaluate how Vajrayana approaches to transformation relate to the foundational teachings preserved in Theravada and Mahayana traditions.
• 233EAnatta and Identity

  Analyze the Buddhist teaching of anatta (no-self) in relation to cultural identity formation; evaluate how understanding the impermanent nature of identity can reduce sectarianism and nationalism while maintaining healthy cultural appreciation; and synthesize understanding by developing approaches to heritage that honor origins without demanding conformity from others.
• 235EThe Power of Language

  Analyze how language shapes cultural understanding and worldview formation; evaluate the challenges and opportunities in translating Buddhist concepts across linguistic and cultural boundaries; and implement communication strategies that demonstrate both confidence in personal understanding and humility about the limitations of language in conveying ultimate meaning.
• 236EVisiting 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.
• 238EHistory 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.
• 239EWomen in Buddhism

  Analyze the Buddha’s teachings on gender equality, and evaluate the historical challenges women have faced in Buddhist traditions despite these teachings.