Yanas

• 310Karma 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.
• 232The Three Yanas: Vajrayana Buddhism

  Identify the methodologies specific to Vajrayana Buddhism. Examine how tantric practices integrate ritual, visualization, and guru-disciple relationships, and evaluate how Vajrayana approaches to transformation relate to the foundational teachings preserved in Theravada and Mahayana traditions.
• 231Three Yanas: Mahayana Buddhism

  Articulate the distinctive characteristics of Mahayana Buddhism, including the bodhisattva ideal and emphasis on universal liberation; analyze how Mahayana approaches to practice (emptiness philosophy, Pure Land practice, Zen meditation) address different paths to awakening; and evaluate the relationship between Mahayana adaptability and preservation of core Buddhist principles.
• 228Unseen Beings

  Analyze the role of unseen beings across Buddhist traditions, and differentiate the unique qualities attributed to commonly referenced non-human entities. Evaluate how these symbolic relationships support practitioners’ cultivation of positive qualities such as protection, wisdom, and compassion.
• 229Monastic Traditions

  Analyze the historical development and contemporary roles of monastic communities across Buddhist traditions, evaluate the relationship between ordained and lay practitioners in preserving and transmitting dharma, and demonstrate understanding of how monastic traditions adapt to cultural contexts while maintaining essential functions.
• 223Sutta/Sutra Structure

  Differentiate between source texts and commentaries, and analyze how these textual categories function within each of the three yanas.
• 234Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha

  Analyze which qualities of the Buddha, the teachings, and group practices resonate personally, and evaluate why these elements are meaningful, interesting or inspiring to your own path.
• 230Three Yanas: Theravada Buddhism

  Analyze the foundational principles, practices, and scriptural authority of Theravada Buddhism, compare and contrast Theravada approaches to liberation with Mahayana and Vajrayana perspectives, and evaluate how different cultural contexts have shaped the preservation and expression of early Buddhist teachings.
• 206Buddhist Rituals Across Traditions

  Categorize ritual practices across Buddhist traditions according to their functions (purification, mindfulness cultivation, merit generation), analyze how specific rituals engage body, speech, and mind simultaneously, and evaluate the role of ritual in preserving dharma transmission and fostering contemplative awareness.
• 219Translations and Translators

  Analyze the contributions of at least five key translators of the Buddhist canon, evaluating their impact on the transmission of dharma across cultures.