Special Interest Pathways

• 408EFame and Anonymity

  Evaluate personal motivations regarding fame and notoriety, and implement actions that are free from both craving recognition and fearing obscurity.
• 413EMountain-like Equanimity

  Evaluate what it means to be influenced by external circumstances; and implement the slogan—“don’t be swayed by external circumstances”—in your daily life.
• 414EVisualization Practices

  Compare and contrast the use of visualization in different Buddhist meditations with its use in modern contexts, and design a visualization to support a personal goal that brings benefit to self and others.
• 420EThe Paramita of Virya/Diligence

  Analyze the distinction between ordinary effort and joyful diligence (virya) in Buddhist practice; evaluate personal experiences of learning dharma through the three-step process of listening, contemplation, and meditation; and synthesize understanding by implementing consistent practice that demonstrates “cheerful commitment” to inner development.
• 421EGain and Loss

  Implement a positive, playful approach to competition without attachment to outcomes; practice observing and releasing arising emotions without dwelling on them; and create expressions of goodwill toward opponents.
• 423EThe Paramita of Ksanti/Patience

  Analyze the three forms of Buddhist patience: enduring harm from others, persevering through practice difficulties, and accepting ultimate truths; evaluate personal triggers that challenge patience practice; and implement strategies for maintaining equanimity that transform irritation into opportunities for wisdom development.
• 425ERight Livelihood

  Evaluate activities based on their quality of creating benefit or harmony without harming, and analyze the concept of right livelihood.
• 332EDependent Origination Overview

  Investigate the interconnected nature of phenomena through direct observation; cultivate appreciation for the web of conditions supporting daily life; and apply the principle of dependent origination to understand how positive change is possible by addressing root causes.
• 334EDeath

  Analyze the three contemplations regarding death; compare Buddhist and non-Buddhist concepts of rebirth; and consider how to develop a more curious and less fearful relationship with mortality.