Special Interest Pathways

• 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.
• 503EContemplative Arts

  Compare and contrast contemplative arts traditions (ikebana, chado or tea ceremony, calligraphy, kyudo, charya dance) as forms of meditative practice; analyze how specific arts integrate mindfulness, precision, and aesthetic awareness; and evaluate personal experience by engaging in contemplative arts practice while documenting insights about the relationship between creative process and spiritual development.
• 500ESelfless Creativity

  Create art for intrinsic enjoyment rather than external validation, and analyze extrinsic motivations that can compromise authentic artistic expression.
• 501EConfidence in the Buddha and Many Possibilities

  Analyze the Buddhist concept of saddha by tracing the three traditional steps of developing confidence (admiration, aspiration, realization), then evaluate how humble confidence differs from self-centered pride, and implement creative practices that demonstrate patient optimism while maintaining awareness of innate goodness despite setbacks.
• 502ETanha: Sensory Enjoyment

  Implement mindful self-care practices that honor the body as a vehicle for awakening, and analyze how unrestrained sensory craving creates suffering.
• 504EZen Mind, Beginner’s Mind

  Analyze the relationship between “beginner’s mind” and insight as taught in Zen Buddhism; evaluate how cultivating curiosity and appreciation supports openness to learning; and find natural delight in everyday things. Maintain childlike wonder and curiosity.
• 505EGenerosity and Offerings

  Analyze the relationship between creative offering and the paramita of generosity; evaluate how releasing attachment to artistic outcomes transforms the creative process into dharma practice; and synthesize understanding of lila (divine play) by creating collaborative artworks that embody selfless generosity while maintaining joyful spontaneity.
• 508EParamitas and Creativity

  Identify and define the six paramitas; analyze how diligence (virya), concentration (dhyana), and patience (ksanti) function as essential supports for artistic mastery; and evaluate personal creative practice by implementing sustained, mindful engagement with chosen artistic disciplines that cultivate both technical skill and awareness.
• 510EMusical Awakening

  Analyze how specific musical elements in chosen pieces convey Buddhist values, evaluating how qualities like mindfulness, compassion, courage, or insight are expressed through sound.