Liberation (Ages 15-18)

• 103Ahimsa in Society

  Analyze systemic structures through the lens of ahimsa (non-aggression) by identifying who benefits and who is harmed by specific economic, social, or political systems; evaluate personal participation in potentially harmful systems using Buddhist ethical frameworks; and synthesize understanding by designing alternative approaches that prioritize ahimsa and pratityasamutpada (dependent origination) in social change efforts.
• 104Merit

  Analyze the relationship between virtuous actions and their karmic effects; evaluate how motivation influences the merit generated by specific behaviors; and synthesize understanding of merit by designing anonymous acts of service that demonstrate the Buddhist principle of selfless giving.
• 106Work as Practice

  Analyze the Buddhist concept of right livelihood as it applies to contemporary work and service; evaluate how transforming daily tasks into mindfulness practice affects both personal well-being and contribution to others; and synthesize understanding by implementing work-as-practice approaches that demonstrate dignity, presence, and selfless service in various life contexts.
• 108The Paramita of Sila/Discipline

  Evaluate the relationship between external ethical guidelines and internal moral compass development; synthesize understanding of sila by creating community agreements that reflect Buddhist principles of non-harm (ahimsa); and analyze how disciplined practice creates conditions for wisdom and compassion to emerge naturally.
• 110Buddhist Frameworks for Listening

  Implement Buddhist frameworks for mindful listening by analyzing the “three defective pots” metaphor, evaluate personal listening habits against contemplative listening principles, and demonstrate deep listening practices that support both dharma study and compassionate communication with others.
• 114Buddhist Approaches to Physical Health

  Analyze the first noble truth’s teaching that sickness is inherent to life while comparing Buddhist, traditional Eastern, and Western approaches to health and healing; evaluate the interconnection between physical and mental well-being from multiple medical perspectives; and synthesize understanding by developing informed criteria for assessing various healing modalities while maintaining openness to different definitions of wellness.
• 115Ten Virtues

  Categorize the ten virtuous and non virtuous actions according to body, speech, and mind; analyze the causal relationship between specific actions and their karmic consequences; and evaluate contemporary ethical dilemmas by applying the ten virtues framework to complex real-world situations involving technology, environmental issues, and social justice.
• 117The Five Precepts

  Analyze the five precepts (pancha shila) as both restraints from harmful action and foundations for positive ethical development; evaluate contemporary applications of each precept in complex modern situations; and synthesize understanding by examining how precept practice creates conditions for mental purification and spiritual progress.
• 118Not 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.
• 119Practicing 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.