History

• 238History of Buddhism

  Trace and analyze the geographical and cultural spread of Buddhism from ancient India to contemporary global contexts; evaluate the factors that facilitated or hindered dharma transmission across different civilizations; and synthesize understanding by examining how Buddhist teachings adapted to diverse cultures while maintaining core principles throughout historical periods.
• 239Women in Buddhism

  Analyze the Buddha’s teachings on gender equality, and evaluate the historical challenges women have faced in Buddhist traditions despite these teachings.
• 226Great 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.
• 236Visiting Holy Sites

  Identify and locate major Buddhist pilgrimage sites while analyzing their historical and symbolic significance, evaluate the practices and attitudes that constitute authentic pilgrimage versus religious tourism, and demonstrate culturally appropriate conduct that honors the sacred nature of Buddhist temples and holy places.
• 227Transmission of the Dharma

  Analyze the role of lineage in preserving authentic dharma transmission across generations and cultures; evaluate contemporary methods of communicating Buddhist teachings (digital media, arts, education) against traditional oral and textual transmission; and synthesize understanding by creating innovative approaches to dharma communication that maintain authenticity while engaging modern audiences effectively.
• 222Evolving Languages of Transmission

  Analyze the evolution of dharma transmission across linguistic boundaries from Magadhi Prakrit to contemporary languages; evaluate the challenges and benefits of translating Buddhist concepts while preserving essential meaning; and synthesize understanding by comparing original Sanskrit/Pali terms with modern translations to demonstrate both what is gained and lost in cross-linguistic dharma preservation.
• 221The Life Story of the Buddha Shakyamuni

  Sequence and analyze the ten acts of Buddha’s life within their historical and geographical contexts; evaluate the universal themes in Buddha’s journey that relate to contemporary human experience; and synthesize understanding by examining how specific events in Buddha’s life demonstrate key Buddhist principles such as the four noble truths and the middle way.
• 220The Life Stories of Buddhist Heroes

  Analyze the biographical narratives of at least five Buddhist heroes from diverse cultural and historical contexts, evaluate how their activities demonstrate core Buddhist principles, and synthesize understanding by identifying specific qualities and actions that demonstrate their transformation from ordinary individuals to exemplars of wisdom and compassion.
• 203Buddhism and Indigenous Cultures

  Analyze which indigenous cultures pre-existed Buddhism in at least five regions, and evaluate what has remained constant and what has transformed in Buddhist traditions based on cultural interactions.
• 204The Decline of Buddhism

  Analyze factors contributing to Buddhism’s decline historically, and create strategies to preserve dharma traditions in contemporary contexts.