The Teacher Training Program exists to provide extensive training for those wishing to become qualified teachers of Modern Kadampa Buddhism.
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The program is centered around the study of various Buddhist subjects as explained in the collection of books written by founder of the New Kadampa Tradition, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
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In addition to completing the study of fourteen texts of Sutra and Tantra, including the six texts studied on the Foundation Program, students are required to observe certain commitments, and to complete a number of meditation retreats each year.
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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 once a week, on Wednesdays, from 6:15 - 9:00pm. 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.
TTP students are also encouraged to attend one or all of the several monthly ritual pujas, Offering to the Spiritual Guide and Wishfullfilling Jewel.
Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and memorize the essential points.
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The class begins with chanted prayers and guided meditation.
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The teacher then reads the assigned portion from the book while giving commentary to the text. Afterwards the students divide into pairs to discuss the section.
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The teacher and students then conclude with suggestions for what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the week.
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Students are expected to volunteer at least 3 hours of their time a month to help with center activities.
Through a deep and continuing commitment to the program of study, meditation, discussion, and retreat, we can gain deep experience of Buddha’s teachings, establish a strong meditation practice, and become a qualified teacher in our own right.
Admission into the Program
The Teacher Training Program takes approximately twelve years to complete and requires an enrollment procedure.
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The cost is $100 a month to become a monthly TTP Member which also includes General Program classes at the Center and branches, and weekend events and retreats at the Center.
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To find out more about the Teacher Training Program, contact admin@meditateinwestlake.org
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