Core Buddhist Pathways
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304ESacred Space and ObjectsAnalyze the Buddhist understanding of sacredness in relation to the Three Jewels and practice objects; evaluate how creating and maintaining sacred spaces supports contemplative practice and community building; and design sacred space practices that honor Buddhist principles while fostering reverence for the dharma.
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305ESanghaEvaluate the impact of one’s social connections; identify the qualities and virtues that make a good friend; implement boundaries with non-virtuous influences; and analyze the definition and importance of sangha in Buddhism.
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303EThe Heart SutraDescribe the conversation between Avalokiteshvara and Shariputra; recite key passages from the sutra, Analyze how the Heart Sutra’s central teaching “form is emptiness, emptiness is form” differs from nihilism; identify the many ways the heart sutra has been related to across cultures, create a piece of art using the text of the heart sutra.
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306EThe ElementsCompare 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.
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308EBuddhaIdentify the historical Buddha and the qualities that define a fully awakened being; analyze how the Buddha’s life exemplifies the transformation of suffering into wisdom and compassion; and evaluate the significance of taking refuge in the Buddha as inspiration for personal development rather than dependence on external authority.
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309EThe Five RemembrancesArticulate the five remembrances and analyze how each contemplation addresses fundamental human experiences of aging, illness, death, separation, and ethical responsibility. Evaluate how regular reflection on impermanence transforms daily decision-making and creates greater presence and mindfulness in immediate experience.
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310EKarma OverviewAnalyze the concept of karma, differentiating between intentional actions and their outcomes, and evaluate how personal choices, including intentions, words, and actions, create effects for oneself and others.
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311EBodhicaryavataraAnalyze the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life text, its structure, author, and importance. Differentiate between aspirational and ultimate bodhicitta, and evaluate how impermanence is a basis for generating compassion.
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313EMadhyamakaAnalyze Nagarjuna’s concept of dependent arising by examining how phenomena exist only in relationship to other things, then evaluate how attachment to fixed ideas creates suffering in personal situations. Apply the Middle Way perspective to challenging life circumstances, comparing responses based on rigid thinking versus flexible understanding, and synthesize how recognizing the interdependent nature of problems and successes can lead to greater compassion and skillful action.