Paramitas
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508EParamitas and CreativityIdentify and define the six paramitas; analyze how diligence (virya), concentration (dhyana), and patience (ksanti) function as essential supports for artistic mastery; and evaluate personal creative practice by implementing sustained, mindful engagement with chosen artistic disciplines that cultivate both technical skill and awareness.
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464EThe Paramita of Prajna/WisdomAnalyze how discriminating wisdom (prajna) reveals they way all things have no independent existence (emptiness); evaluate how wisdom serves as both the foundation and culmination of the other paramitas; and demonstrate understanding by examining how conceptual study and reflection can lead to direct insight through contemplative practice.
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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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427EMantra of CompassionAnalyze the symbolic meaning of each syllable in OM MANI PADME HUM; evaluate how mantra recitation functions as both meditation practice and a method for cultivating compassion; and implement regular practice while documenting personal observations about the relationship between mantra repetition and emotional patterns or responses to challenging situations.
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424EBodhicittaDefine both relative and absolute bodhicitta. Assess the personal motivations behind daily choices and adopt practices that turn everyday activities into acts of altruism aimed at benefiting all sentient beings.
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423EThe Paramita of Ksanti/PatienceAnalyze 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.
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420EThe Paramita of Virya/DiligenceAnalyze 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.
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419EThe ParamitasAnalyze the six paramitas by comparing their unique qualities and purposes; evaluate how each perfection addresses specific obstacles to awakening; and demonstrate their interconnected nature by practicing one paramita while observing how it naturally supports the development of others in daily life.
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317EThe Two TruthsAnalyze the distinction between relative truth (conventional reality) and ultimate truth (emptiness) in Mahayana Buddhism, evaluate how these two approaches towards understanding our experience apply to specific life situations, and synthesize examples demonstrating how both truths can be simultaneously valid without contradiction.
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311EBodhicaryavataraAnalyze the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life text, its structure, author, and importance. Differentiate between aspirational and ultimate bodhicitta, and evaluate how impermanence is a basis for generating compassion.
