*Lila* and *Mudita*

Creative Expression

  • 511ELila and Mudita
    Define and analyze the concepts of lila (divine play), mudita (sympathetic joy), and anicca (impermanence) in Buddhist philosophy; evaluate how cultivating spontaneity and celebrating others’ success supports contemplative development; and synthesize understanding by implementing creative practices that embody playful wisdom while maintaining awareness and compassion in artistic expression enhanced by recognition of impermanence.
  • 511ALila and Mudita
    Practice spontaneous play and creative expression through movement, art, and imaginative activities; celebrate friends’ achievements with genuine happiness; and experience the joy of creating without worrying about the outcome.
  • 511DLila and Mudita
    Create conditions for spontaneous joy in daily life through mindful attention to present-moment opportunities; practice mudita by genuinely celebrating others’ successes without comparison; and experiment with releasing creative control while maintaining awareness.
  • 503DContemplative Arts
    Cultivate beginner’s mind through contemplative art practices by approaching familiar materials with fresh curiosity, questioning assumptions about artistic ability, and practicing openness to unexpected creative discoveries; engage in sustained contemplative art projects that develop patience, concentration, and acceptance of the creative process; and examine how contemplative art practice affects their relationship with perfectionism, self-judgment, and creative confidence.
  • 511BLila and Mudita
    Explore stories and examples of joyful play and sympathetic celebration from various cultures; create and share stories that demonstrate the difference between spontaneity and impulsivity; and identify examples of mudita in literature and personal experience.
  • 511CLila and Mudita
    Express understanding of lila and mudita through diverse creative projects while practicing spontaneous joy; design activities that help others experience genuine celebration; and explore how different people naturally express and experience playfulness through multiple creative approaches.
  • 503CContemplative Arts
    Practice creating art without attachment to specific outcomes by starting projects with open curiosity rather than fixed plans, experimenting with letting go of “perfect” results, and discovering how releasing expectations can lead to surprising discoveries; engage in contemplative art practices that develop present-moment awareness such as mindful drawing, meditative clay work, or focused color mixing; and reflect on how the creative process changes their relationship with patience, frustration, and acceptance.
  • 503AContemplative Arts
    Explore different art materials through the five senses by touching, smelling, and observing colors and textures; create simple artworks while paying attention to how materials feel in their hands; and practice “mindful making” by moving slowly and noticing what happens when they press hard or soft, use different tools, or mix colors together.
  • 503BContemplative Arts
    Practice mindful art-making by focusing completely on one activity at a time, noticing when their mind wanders and gently returning attention to their hands and materials; experiment with “mistake magic” by turning unexpected marks, spills, or broken pieces into new creative discoveries; and experience the difference between rushing through art projects and taking time to enjoy each step of the process.

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