A precious opportunity for in-depth study with Gen-la Kelsang Kunsang, the National Spiritual Director of Austria, Switzerland, Italy and South Africa. Teacher Training Programme takes place two evenings per week, with practical teachings, vibrant discussion, and a beautiful environment for retreats. You too are welcome to come and join us at Madhyamaka KMC and become part of this group of sincere practitioners receiving the guidance and inspiration of Gen-la Kelsang Kunsang.
Teacher Training Programme (TTP), offers practitioners of Kadampa Buddhism the opportunity to study deeply, gain practical experience of both Sutra and Tantra. Also, if they wish, to train to become qualified Dharma Teachers. It’s not just for those who wish to teach formally though, because we all teach through our example and the advice we give to friends and family. TTP gives us great confidence in our own practice and in our ability to explain Kadam Dharma to others.
The programme consists of a dynamic combination of teachings, meditations, discussion and teaching skills classes providing a multi-faceted approach to the development of authentic spiritual experience.
Students on the programme are required to observe several commitments. Namely to keep good discipline, attend all the teaching and discussion classes as well as sit examinations. Students are also encouraged to participate in regular meditation retreats that will be scheduled throughout the year.
All Resident Teachers of Kadampa Centres follow this in-depth programme of study and practice.
There are three reasons why we need to study and practice the teachings of Buddha – to develop our wisdom, to cultivate a good heart and to maintain a peaceful state of mind:
Develop wisdom
If we do not strive to develop our wisdom we will always remain ignorant of ultimate truth – the true nature of reality. Although we wish for happiness, our ignorance leads us to engage in non-virtuous actions, which are the main cause of all our suffering.
Cultivate a good heart
If we do not cultivate a good heart, our selfish motivation destroys harmony and good relationships with others. We have no peace, and no chance to gain pure happiness. Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible.
Maintain a peaceful state of mind
If we do not maintain a peaceful state of mind we are not happy even if we have ideal conditions. On the other hand, when our mind is peaceful we are happy even if our external conditions are unpleasant.
The purpose of the Teacher Training Program (TTP) is 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 Teachers of Modern Buddhism.
TWELVE SUBJECTS
The program comprises the following twelve subjects, based on Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:
1. The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune
2. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness
3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary The New Heart of Wisdom
4. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold
5. Types of Mind, based on the commentary How to Understand the Mind
6. Guide to the Middle Way, based on the commentary Ocean of Nectar
7. Vajrayana Mahamudra, based on the commentary Clear Light of Bliss
8. The Bodhisattva’s Moral Discipline, based on the commentary The Bodhisattva Vow
9. Offering to the Spiritual Guide, based on the commentaries Great Treasury of Merit and Mahamudra Tantra
10. Vajrayogini Tantra, based on the commentary The New Guide to Dakini Land
11. Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra, based on the commentary Tantric Grounds and Paths
12. The Practice of Heruka Body Mandala, based on the commentary Essence of Vajrayana
FURTHER INFORMATION
The Teacher Training Program takes approximately twelve years to complete and requires an enrollment procedure.
The Next Book We Are Studying
STARTING AUTUMN 2022
Great Treasury of Merit
This book provides a full explanation of how to practice Offering to the Spiritual Guide (Lama Chöpa), one of the most important meditation practices of Kadampa Buddhism.
A work of unparalleled profundity and clarity, this book contains a wealth of accessible and practical instructions on Lamrim, Lojong and Tantric Mahamudra, the very essence of Buddha’s teachings. An indispensable handbook for all those who wish to accomplish the swift path to enlightenment.
Teacher
Taught by Resident Teacher, Gen-la Kelsang Kunsang
March 2, 6, 9, 13, (discussion class), 20, 23, 27, 30 (discussion class).
