Meditation
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523EFive Wisdom ElementsImplement practices that honor the five elements in daily life. Lead guided meditations that explore each element’s qualities and significance.
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511ELila and MuditaDefine 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.
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503EContemplative ArtsCompare 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.
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463EThe Paramita of Dhyana/MeditationDifferentiate between ordinary concentration and the paramita of dhyana as described in Buddhist texts; analyze the role of meditative absorption (samadhi) in developing wisdom and compassion; and demonstrate competency by designing and leading basic meditation sessions that cultivate both individual focus and group harmony.
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500ESelfless CreativityCreate art for intrinsic enjoyment rather than external validation, and analyze extrinsic motivations that can compromise authentic artistic expression.
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504EZen Mind, Beginner’s MindAnalyze 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.
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510EMusical AwakeningAnalyze how specific musical elements in chosen pieces convey Buddhist values, evaluating how qualities like mindfulness, compassion, courage, or insight are expressed through sound.
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502ETanha: Sensory EnjoymentImplement mindful self-care practices that honor the body as a vehicle for awakening, and analyze how unrestrained sensory craving creates suffering.
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449EPrajnaparamita MantraIdentify the function of mantra practice within Buddhist meditation traditions. Analyze how the prajnaparamita mantra connects to the Heart Sutra’s teachings on emptiness, and demonstrate competency by accurately reciting the mantra and explaining its meaning.