Band E (Ages 15-18)

• 129EThe Buddha’s Equanimity

  Analyze the Buddha’s demonstration of equanimity in the kusa grass story by examining how he transcended social hierarchies and caste distinctions; evaluate how treating all beings with equal dignity challenges contemporary forms of bias and discrimination; and implement practices of unconditional respect that demonstrate recognition of innate goodness in all people regardless of their social status, background, or relationship to oneself.
• 118ENot Taking Life

  Analyze the first precept’s prohibition against killing in relation to Buddhist teachings on interdependence and compassion; evaluate the ethical complexities of protecting life in contemporary contexts (environmental conservation, food choices, medical decisions); and synthesize understanding by implementing life-affirming practices that demonstrate reverence for all sentient beings while addressing practical challenges of modern living.
• 119EPracticing Paramitas in Society

  Analyze how the first three paramitas (generosity, discipline, patience) function as frameworks for cross-cultural ethical behavior; evaluate cultural etiquette practices through the lens of Buddhist principles; and design respectful engagement strategies that honor diverse customs while maintaining commitment to non-harm and beneficial action.
• 121EEmpathy and Compassion

  Differentiate between cognitive empathy, emotional empathy, and compassion by analyzing how each contributes to understanding others’ perspectives and experiences; evaluate how dependent origination explains the uniqueness of individual viewpoints using examples like “The Blind Men and the Elephant”; and implement mindful listening and perspective-taking practices that cultivate empathy and transform it into compassionate action for alleviating others’ suffering.
• 123EPreservation of the Dharma

  Evaluate choices that might contribute to the preservation of Buddhist traditions, and create strategies that ensure the continuation of dharma practices and teachings over time, supported with knowledge of historical efforts to protect and preserve the Buddhadharma.
• 124EEngaged Buddhists

  Analyze the work of exemplary, socially engaged Buddhists; implement their principles in daily life; and evaluate how modern engaged Buddhism aligns with the Buddha’s original teachings.
• 127EKarma and the Practice of Life Release

  Evaluate the Buddhist practice of life release within contemporary ecological contexts, analyze the ethical complexities of wildlife conservation and animal welfare, and design compassionate actions that authentically preserve life while considering environmental impact and cultural sensitivity.
• 130EMeasures of Wealth

  Analyze how conventional definitions of wealth based solely on material accumulation can lead to dukkha and competitive harm; evaluate alternative measures of success that incorporate ecological sustainability, community wellbeing, and psychological health; and synthesize understanding by designing career pathways that embody right livelihood principles while demonstrating how redefining wealth creates conditions for both personal contentment and collective benefit.
• 132EEhipassiko

  Analyze Buddha’s non-dogmatic teaching approach as exemplified by ehipassiko (“come and see”); contrast this method with authoritarian approaches to sharing knowledge; and implement communication strategies that invite inquiry and personal investigation rather than demanding acceptance of ideas based on authority alone.