Foundations of Mindfulness

• 410Mindful Listening Practices

  Generate therapeutic-level listening skills for holding space during difficult conversations; test approaches for listening across strong differences of opinion without becoming defensive; and design mentoring programs where older students teach empathetic communication skills to younger peers.
• 401ADhyana: Meditation Techniques

  Experience and explore different ways to sit quietly and breathe by practicing simple meditation activities like rock pose, balloon breath, and cushion care; demonstrate taking a seat with gentle attention; and show how bell sounds help create quiet time for awareness.
• 406ALoving-Kindness

  Listen to stories about characters who feel safe and happy when showing and receiving kindness, act out scenes where friendship and care create joy and trust, and share personal stories about times when kindness made them feel warm and secure.
• 304BSacred Space and Objects

  Create and maintain classroom sacred spaces through hands-on altar keeping, flower arranging, and candle care; practice community agreements for sacred space behavior; and implement daily rituals that transform ordinary classroom moments into mindful transitions between activities.
• 237Rituals for Personal and Group Practice

  Practice various ritual elements through hands-on experience with altar keeping, candle lighting, and group ceremonies; reflect on how ritual activities affect mood and group feeling; and experiment with creating sacred space in different settings while documenting personal responses to ritual practice.
• 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.
• 237CRituals for Personal and Group Practice

  Research ritual traditions across Buddhist cultures and contemporary communities; analyze how rituals adapt to different contexts while preserving essential meaning; and synthesize understanding by creating culturally informed ritual practices that bridge traditional elements with modern community needs.
• 304CSacred Space and Objects

  Design and facilitate group rituals for consecrating learning spaces, marking seasonal transitions, and supporting contemplative practice; evaluate how ritual elements like offerings, gestures, and even spoken words (prayers, mantras) create sacred atmosphere; and establish sustainable practices for maintaining sacred space throughout the academic year.
• 304DSacred Space and Objects

  Research sacred space practices across Buddhist cultures; evaluate how blessing and consecration practices transform ordinary objects into sacred ones; and create group rituals that establish sacred space for contemplative practice.