Special Interest Pathways
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105DRight Motivation in LeadersApply right motivation principles from the eightfold path to evaluate leadership decisions by practicing the assessment of personal and others’ motivations using Buddhist criteria, implementing right intention in their own leadership opportunities, and designing intervention strategies when witnessing harmful leadership motivations.
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120DSkillful Communication in ActionAddress challenging communication scenarios involving authority figures, peer pressure, and family dynamics by applying Buddhist principles. Practice advocacy and speaking truth to power while maintaining compassionate speech. Implement restorative justice approaches in school conflicts through harmonious communication.
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133DExploring BoundariesInvestigate local land history by researching indigenous peoples who originally inhabited your area, analyze how current boundaries compare to traditional territories, evaluate how different cultural perspectives shape boundary creation, and create presentations that demonstrate understanding of how historical boundary decisions continue to affect communities today.
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129DThe Buddha’s EquanimityExamine the Buddha’s revolutionary rejection of caste hierarchy through critical analysis of the kusha grass encounter, evaluate how this ancient story provides guidance for modern social justice activism, and synthesize understanding of how equanimity enables effective challenge to systemic oppression.
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430DFour Noble Truths OverviewExamine personal and social sources of suffering through contemplative inquiry; evaluate how understanding the four truths transforms relationships with disappointment, conflict, and change; and implement mindfulness practices that cultivate emotional resilience and compassionate response to others’ pain.
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410DMindful Listening PracticesGenerate 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.
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411DRight SpeechDevelop comprehensive personal practice integrating right speech with the broader eightfold path, establish advanced contemplative rituals for speech awareness, and create structured approaches to speech-based self-examination that support ongoing ethical development and mindfulness cultivation.
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422DThe Paramita of Dana/GenerosityDesign personal experiments to test how generous actions affect mental states and relationships. Analyze the relationship between attachment and giving through systematic self-observation. Develop strategies for overcoming internal barriers to generosity.
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503BContemplative ArtsPractice 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.