Liberation (Ages 15-18)

• 129The 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.
• 306The Elements

  Compare and contrast the Buddhist elemental system (earth, water, fire, air, space) with modern scientific understanding of matter; analyze how recognizing elemental qualities in phenomena develops sensory awareness; and evaluate how elemental meditation practices support understanding of impermanence and interdependence.
• 317The Two Truths

  Analyze the distinction between relative truth (conventional reality) and ultimate truth (emptiness) in Mahayana Buddhism, evaluate how these two approaches towards understanding our experience apply to specific life situations, and synthesize examples demonstrating how both truths can be simultaneously valid without contradiction.
• 424Bodhicitta

  Define relative and absolute bodhicitta., Evaluate personal motivations underlying daily decisions, and implement practices that can transform ordinary activities into expressions of altruistic intent for the benefit of all sentient beings.
• 432Rituals for Personal and Group Practice

  Analyze various ritual forms that support personal practice, and design simple rituals that effectively guide and inspire group practice.
• 433Shrine Room Etiquette

  Analyze shrine room etiquette practices as external expressions of internal reverence for the three jewels; evaluate how mindful behavior in sacred spaces cultivates respect, awareness, and devotion; and implement appropriate ritual conduct while explaining how these practices function as mind-training techniques that transform outer behavior into inner spiritual development.
• 434You Are Your Own Master

  Analyze how the Buddha’s teaching on self-mastery challenges common assumptions about external salvation or rescue, and synthesize understanding by designing accountability practices that demonstrate personal responsibility for ethical choices and inner development.
• 448Dependent Origination Overview

  Investigate the interconnected nature of phenomena through direct observation; cultivate appreciation for the web of conditions supporting daily life; and apply the principle of dependent origination to understand how positive change is possible by addressing root causes.
• 521Abhidharma: Sensory Awareness

  Identify the six sense faculties and twelve ayatanas and connect them to our experience of conditioned perception. Evaluate how habitual reactions to pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral sensations can limit our perceptions. Implement mindfulness practices utilizing awareness of sensory processes.
• 523Five Wisdom Elements

  Implement practices that honor the five elements in daily life. Lead guided meditations that explore each element’s qualities and significance.