Cause and Effect
-
136AThe Vinaya and Codes of ConductCompare family rules, classroom agreements, and simple community guidelines by identifying what makes each group work well together; demonstrate how different families and communities create helpful rules; and practice following agreements that help everyone feel safe and included in different settings.
-
300EVowsAnalyze the logic and purpose of taking vows in Buddhist practice, evaluate how different types of vows (Pratimoksha, Bodhisattva, Vajrayana) support increasing skillful means and wisdom, and implement practices of ethical consistency that align personal commitments with expressed values and stated intentions.
-
118ENot Taking LifeAnalyze the first precept’s prohibition against killing in relation to Buddhist teachings on interdependence and compassion; evaluate the ethical complexities of protecting life in contemporary contexts (environmental conservation, food choices, medical decisions); and synthesize understanding by implementing life-affirming practices that demonstrate reverence for all sentient beings while addressing practical challenges of modern living.
-
117EThe Five PreceptsAnalyze the five precepts (pancha shila) as both restraints from harmful action and foundations for positive ethical development; evaluate contemporary applications of each precept in complex modern situations; and synthesize understanding by examining how precept practice creates conditions for mental purification and spiritual progress.
-
120ESkillful Communication in ActionAnalyze complex communication scenarios (family conflicts, social tensions, leadership challenges, literary or public media sources) and synthesize Buddhist speech principles with conflict resolution techniques to create approaches that promote healing, understanding, and positive social change.
-
430EFour Noble Truths OverviewAnalyze each of the four noble truths by connecting traditional teachings with personal contemplative insights; evaluate how understanding dukkha—its causes, cessation, and the path—is relevant to working with contemporary psychological and social challenges; and evaluate how contemplating these truths can help develop renunciation, compassion, confidence, and commitment to the eightfold path.