Core Buddhist Pathways

• 430BFour Noble Truths Overview

  Retell the Buddha’s first teaching at Deer Park and explain how his four discoveries help people understand disappointment; connect the four truths to familiar experiences like not getting what you want or losing something important; and demonstrate compassionate responses to others’ suffering.
• 401BDhyana: Meditation Techniques

  Demonstrate multiple meditation techniques including breath awareness, walking meditation, and object focus; practice the seven-point posture with intention-setting; and evaluate how different techniques affect personal awareness and ability to support others in practice.
• 410BMindful Listening Practices

  Execute structured partner listening exercises where one person shares while the other demonstrates complete attention without interrupting; show how to give the gift of listening in classroom situations; and complete listening challenges that help solve problems between classmates.
• 431BSetting Boundaries

  Create and practice classroom agreements that support group meditation, design simple rituals for starting and ending practice time, and demonstrate how clear agreements help everyone participate peacefully.
• 304ASacred Space and Objects

  Experience sacred objects through multiple senses by touching, arranging, and caring for altar items; create personal sacred spaces using natural materials; and demonstrate respectful behavior in special places through gentle movements, quiet voices, and careful handling of precious objects.
• 234ABuddha, Dharma, and Sangha

  Identify the three jewels using multiple senses and intelligence pathways; create simple artistic representations (drawing, movement, or songs) that show the Buddha, dharma, and sangha; and explain their creations to others.
• 305ASangha

  Practice being a good friend by sharing, helping classmates, and participating in circle time activities that demonstrate caring; identify people who help them learn and feel safe; and demonstrate friendship skills through role-playing scenarios that show how friends support each other.
• 237ARituals for Personal and Group Practice

  Demonstrate simple daily rituals by practicing altar care and classroom ceremonies; show respect for sacred objects through gentle handling; and participate in group rituals like songs and bowing while explaining what makes something special or sacred in simple terms.
• 221AThe Life Story of the Buddha Shakyamuni

  Explore the Buddha’s story through songs, drawings, and movement activities that celebrate his birth, his kindness, and his teaching; create simple art projects depicting key moments; and share how different cultures remember and honor the Buddha today.