Liberation (Ages 15-18)

• 207Prajnaparamita Mantra

  Identify the function of mantra practice within Buddhist meditation traditions. Analyze how the prajnaparamita mantra connects to the Heart Sutra’s teachings on emptiness, and demonstrate competency by accurately reciting the mantra and explaining its meaning.
• 210Western Philosophy and Buddhism

  Analyze the Buddha’s teachings in relation to other philosophical and scientific perspectives, evaluating points of convergence and divergence.
• 211The Vinaya and Codes of Conduct

  Analyze the purpose and structure of the Vinaya as both monastic discipline and community harmony framework, evaluate contemporary ethical conventions using Buddhist principles of non-harm and mutual benefit, and collaborate in creating community agreements that reflect dharmic values while addressing modern contexts.
• 214Buddhist Cosmology

  Compare and contrast Buddhist cosmological narratives with at least two other creation stories (Abrahamic, indigenous, or scientific); analyze how different origin stories influence cultural worldviews and values; and evaluate the impact of cosmological beliefs on human behavior and environmental relationships.
• 215Astrology in Buddhist Cultures

  Compare and contrast astrological systems used in Buddhist cultures (Chinese/Tibetan and Western zodiacs) with Buddhist teachings on karma and self-determination; analyze how cultural worldviews influence self-perception and understanding of reality; and evaluate the relationship between traditional astrological beliefs and core Buddhist principles such as dependent origination and personal responsibility.
• 216Buddhist Architecture

  Categorize the three main types of Buddhist architecture (stupas, monasteries, temples) according to their functions; analyze how architectural elements support dharma practice and community building; and evaluate the symbolic meaning embedded in specific design features across different Buddhist cultural traditions.
• 220The Life Stories of Buddhist Heroes

  Analyze the biographical narratives of at least five Buddhist heroes from diverse cultural and historical contexts, evaluate how their activities demonstrate core Buddhist principles, and synthesize understanding by identifying specific qualities and actions that demonstrate their transformation from ordinary individuals to exemplars of wisdom and compassion.
• 221The Life Story of the Buddha Shakyamuni

  Sequence and analyze the ten acts of Buddha’s life within their historical and geographical contexts; evaluate the universal themes in Buddha’s journey that relate to contemporary human experience; and synthesize understanding by examining how specific events in Buddha’s life demonstrate key Buddhist principles such as the four noble truths and the middle way.
• 222Evolving Languages of Transmission

  Analyze the evolution of dharma transmission across linguistic boundaries from Magadhi Prakrit to contemporary languages; evaluate the challenges and benefits of translating Buddhist concepts while preserving essential meaning; and synthesize understanding by comparing original Sanskrit/Pali terms with modern translations to demonstrate both what is gained and lost in cross-linguistic dharma preservation.
• 203Buddhism and Indigenous Cultures

  Analyze which indigenous cultures pre-existed Buddhism in at least five regions, and evaluate what has remained constant and what has transformed in Buddhist traditions based on cultural interactions.