What is the Teacher Training Program?
The Teacher Training Program (TTP) is designed to provide an extensive presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism, and to train as qualified New Kadampa Tradition Teachers. The program comprises twelve subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.
In addition to completing the study of these texts of Sutra and Tantra, the student is required to observe certain commitments with regard to behavior and way of life and to complete a number of meditation retreats. All Resident Teachers of Kadampa Buddhist Centers follow this in-depth program of study and practice.
Those who are interested in joining TTP are asked to do the following:
1. Attend the General Program classes offered at the center for a period of time, usually for several months, to be sure that they are comfortable with the teachings and tradition.
2. Join the Foundation Program (FP), which is a systematic study of commentaries to Buddha’s Sutra teachings.
3. Participate in the Foundation Program consistently for a period of time (typically a year or more). Students currently on FP that are interested in joining the Teachers Training Program should have a brief meeting with the Teacher. TTP requires extensive study of even more commentaries to Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra teachings. TTP students are required to observe certain commitments with regard to behavior and way of life, to complete a number of meditation retreats, and to receive the Highest Yoga Tantra Empowerments through the tradition. The books studied in Foundation Program are part of the preparation for the Teacher Training Program.
Who is the Teacher?
The Teacher Training Program is taught by Gen Khyenwang, American Buddhist Nun and Resident Teacher at Odiyana Kadampa Buddhist Center. She has been practicing and studying Buddhism for many years under the guidance of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso and is known for her clear and practical presentations of Buddha’s teachings.
What is the structure?
In the TTP, students sign up to complete all the books in the program and undertake to attend every class, to learn the material, and to take tests at various intervals throughout the study of each book. Class meets for approximately two hours twice weekly. Students take turns helping with various tasks at the center, ritual and otherwise (ie setting up for class, setting out offerings on the shrine) that are associated with Buddhist practice and focus on the importance of cherishing others. If for a suitable reason a student is not able to attend the class in person, he or she is expected to listen to the class recording and submit a summary prior to attending the next class.
TTP students are also encouraged to attend weekly chanted prayers or a weekly GP (General Program Class) and one or all of the several monthly ritual pujas, or chanted prayers, such as Offering to the Spiritual Guide and Melodious Drum.
Which book is being studied?
There will be a new TTP class forming soon and we will be studying the text The New Guide to Dakini Land by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed and practical explanation of the two stages of Vajrayogini practice – generation stage and completion stage – and shows how we can integrate these practices into our daily life, thereby transforming every moment of our life into the path to enlightenment. It is a unique guide to becoming a Tantric enlightened being in the modern world.
When will the class meet?
We will be studying the text The New Guide to Dakini Land by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. Class will meet on Sunday and Thursday evenings. Times to be announced soon.
The cost is $100 a month which includes a monthly membership to attend any of the General Program classes, day courses, workshops and retreats at the Center, and discounts on empowerments and other special events.
If someone is interested in becoming part of Teacher Training Program, would like to find out more or how to apply, please contact Ryan at 860.874.1970 or email at epc@odiyana.org