Special Interest Pathways

• 304ESacred Space and Objects

  Analyze the Buddhist understanding of sacredness in relation to the Three Jewels and practice objects; evaluate how creating and maintaining sacred spaces supports contemplative practice and community building; and design sacred space practices that honor Buddhist principles while fostering reverence for the dharma.
• 310EKarma Overview

  Analyze the concept of karma, differentiating between intentional actions and their outcomes, and evaluate how personal choices, including intentions, words, and actions, create effects for oneself and others.
• 312EThree Poisons: Greed

  Evaluate unsustainable practices; design alternatives that challenge materialist mindsets; and analyze how craving and desire influence consumption patterns.
• 319EDukkha

  Differentiate between the three types of dukkha by analyzing specific examples from personal experience; evaluate how recognizing unsatisfactoriness in all experience cultivates compassion for oneself and others; and demonstrate understanding of how awareness of suffering motivates the pursuit of liberation through dharma practice.
• 321EDependent Origination of Objects

  Analyze the origins and destinations of everyday objects, and differentiate the complex physical, ecological, social, and economic factors that create our interconnected world.
• 237ERituals for Personal and Group Practice

  Analyze various ritual forms that support personal practice, and design simple rituals that effectively guide and inspire group practice.
• 224ECross-Cultural Dialogue

  Design thoughtful, respectful questions to investigate others’ beliefs and lineage, balancing confidence, tact, and humility, and evaluate how this approach enhances cross-cultural understanding.
• 225EHomage and Praise as Practice

  Actively pay homage and express gratitude to those who have taught, guided, and transmitted wisdom—showing appreciation for those who bring us closer to the truth.
• 226EGreat Patrons of Buddhism

  Compare and contrast the contributions of at least three significant Buddhist patrons across different historical periods and cultural contexts; analyze how patronage has been essential for dharma preservation and transmission; and evaluate contemporary opportunities for supporting the practice and preservation of the buddhadharma while implementing specific actions that contribute to wisdom and compassion in modern contexts.