Special Interest Pathways

• 438EPracticing Refuge for Others

  Implement awareness practices to generate a calm, grounded center, and evaluate how being present and nonjudgmental serves as effective support for others.
• 441EBuddhist and Ordinary Refuge

  Analyze the fundamental differences between Buddhist refuge (three jewels) and ordinary refuge practices by evaluating their effectiveness in providing protection from fear and suffering. Create criteria for assessing the wholesomeness of various refuge sources using the eightfold path as a framework, then apply these criteria to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of refuge in contemporary life experiences.
• 443ECompassion

  Analyze the nature of karuna/compassion; guide unscripted meditation practices to generate this quality; and implement compassionate actions based on understanding beings’ desire for well-being and safety.
• 445EPleasure and Pain

  Investigate the experience of practicing equanimity with naturally-arising pleasurable and unpleasurable experiences; and develop some patience and resilience with discomfort and non-attachment toward pleasure.
• 446EPraise and Blame

  Analyze the role that praise and blame play in human motivation; evaluate the role of praise and blame in your own motivations; and aspire to act with a motivation free from craving approval or fearing criticism.
• 454EGood Timing

  Evaluate how cultural attitudes toward time and efficiency can either support or hinder compassionate action; compare reactive timing driven by urgency or personal agenda with mindful timing motivated by benefit to others; and synthesize understanding by developing personal criteria for discerning when to act, when to pause, and when to allow natural unfolding in complex interpersonal situations.
• 410EMindful Listening Practices

  Implement deep listening practices, and analyze the “listening pot” metaphor to identify essential conditions for effective communication.
• 411ERight Speech

  Evaluate speech patterns by identifying personal examples of any of the four non-virtuous speech actions; then design and implement communication strategies that integrate Buddhist principles of truthfulness, kindness, and timing to create more harmonious interactions with others.
• 422EThe Paramita of Dana/Generosity

  Differentiate between ordinary giving and transcendent generosity (dana) that expects nothing in return; analyze how the quality of mind (caga) influences the spiritual impact of generous acts; and design a practice of multi-dimensional giving that cultivates non-attachment while addressing the varied but specific needs of others.