The purpose of the Teacher Training Program is

1. To provide an extensive presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism
2. To train as qualified New Kadampa Tradition Teachers
3. To benefit living beings through the flourishing of Kadampa Dharma.
The program comprises the following seven subjects, in addition to the six texts that are also included on the Foundation Program, all based on Buddha’s Sutra and Tantra teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:

1. Guide to the Middle Way, based on the commentary Ocean of Nectar
2. Vajrayana Mahamudra, based on the commentary Clear Light of Bliss
3. The Bodhisattva’s Moral Discipline, based on the commentary The Bodhisattva Vow
4. Offering to the Spiritual Guide, based on the commentaries Great Treasury of Merit and Mahamudra Tantra
5. Vajrayogini Tantra, based on the commentary The New Guide to Dakini Land
6. Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra, based on the commentary Tantric Grounds and Paths
7. The Practice of Heruka Body Mandala, based on the commentary Essence of Vajrayana

We will start studying the book The New Eight Steps to Happiness on Fridays, 7:00-9pm & Sundays, 4:30-6:30pm, beginning Sunday, February 2. If you are thinking about joining, please discuss your intention with Gen Norbu. The entire program takes approximately twelve years to complete.

Anyone who feels ready for this level of study commitment should talk with their teacher before asking to enroll. Generally, it is good to first have at least a basic understanding of foundational Buddhist topics such as renunciation, bodhichitta, emptiness, and how to meditate on the Stages of the Path (Lamrim), as well as at least one year in Foundation Program before joining Teacher Training Program.

The result of the program is to gain a practical understanding of the meaning of each of the seven subjects listed above, as well as the six texts that are also included on the Foundation Program, and to deepen our understanding and experience of the meaning through meditation. Classes include preliminary prayers, guided meditations, an explanatory teaching, paired discussion, and a group conclusion. Each class covers an assigned number of pages in the book with the emphasis on understanding the deep meanings, and learning how to apply them practically to our daily life as well as our meditations.

TTP Commitments

1. To be personally motivated by the three purposes outlined above.
2. To complete the study of all the subjects without interruption.
3. To attend every class unless work, family commitments or health issues prevent it.
4. & 5. To study and memorize the essential points of each subject and to sit the examination at the end of each course.
6. To engage to the best of your ability in the TTP retreats.
7. To attend a group puja at the Center or to attend a General Program class each week.
8. To maintain the moral discipline of (at least) the five lay precepts on the premises.

Cost: $80/month (12 months/year) includes these TTP classes, unlimited GP classes, and all local retreats, workshops, and public talks, as well as discounts on out-of-town retreats and empowerments.