The Teacher Training Program

The Teacher Training Program (TTP) is designed for people who wish to train as authentic Dharma Teachers or simply engage with Buddha's teachings in the deepest possible manner. In addition to completing the study of fourteen texts of and Tantra, the student is required to observe certain commitments with to behavior and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats. 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.

The Texts

The Bodhisattva Vow, a commentary to the Bodhisattva's vow of moral discipline, explaining how to help others through the practice of giving, moral discipline, patience, effort, concentration and wisdom.

Clear Light of Bliss, a detailed explanation of the special methods in Tantric Buddhism which enable us to discover infinite bliss and compassion for others. With this blissful awarementss we can uncover our true nature, destroy ignorance and suffering at its root, and swiftly become a source of inspiration and benefit for others.

Eight Steps to Happiness, a commentary to eight beautiful verses that comprise one of Buddhism's best-loved and most enduring teachings, Eight Verses of Training the Mind. Composed by the great Tibetan Bodhisattva, Langri Tangpa, this short poem shows how we can transform all life's
difficulties into valuable spiritual insights.

Essence of Vajrayana, a detailed explanation of the practice of Heruka body mandala. Buddha Heruka is a manifestation of all the Buddhas’ enlightened compassion, and by relying upon him we can swiftly attain a pure selfless joy and bring true happiness to others.

Great Treasury of Merit, provides clear instructions on relying on a Spiritual Guide, the foundation of all spiritual attainment. A guide to the meditation practice “Offering to the Spiritual Guide or Lama Chopa – one of the most important practices of Kadampa Buddhism.

Guide to Dakini Land, a detailed explanation  of the Tantric practice of Vajrayogini, the female Buddha of wisdom.

Heart of Wisdom, a commentary to the Heart Sutra. Through studying the Heart of Wisdom we gain a realization of the ultimate nature of reality. By gaining this realization we can eliminate the ignorance of self-grasping which is the root of all our suffering.

Joyful Path of Good Fortune, a commentary to Atisha's Lamrim text  The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment. By studying Joyful Path we gain the ability to put all Buddha's teachings of both Sutra and Tantra into practice. We can easily make progress and complete the stages of the path to the supreme happiness of enlightenment. From a practical point of view Lamrim is the main body of Buddha's teachings, and the other teachings are like the limbs.

Mahamudra Tantra, an introduction to Tantric meditation and how to use our imagination to discover the peace and happiness that lies within each of us.

Meaningful to Behold, a commentary to Venerable Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life. When we study Meaningful to Behold we learn how to transform our daily activities into the Bodhisattva's way of life, thereby making every moment of our human life meaningful.

Ocean of Nectar, a commentary to Chandrakirti's Guide to the Middle Way, a classic Mahayana scripture, which is regarded as the principal presentation of Buddha’s profound view of emptiness, the ultimate nature of reality.

Tantric Grounds and Paths, a detailed explanation of all the stages of the four classes of Tantra, including the generation and completion stages. Tantra is revealed as the gateway to a blissful new world.

Understanding the Mind, a detailed explanation of the mind based on the works of Buddhist scholars Dharmakirti and Dignaga. By studying
Understanding the Mind we understand the relationship between our mind and its external objects. If we understand that objects depend upon the subjective mind, we can change the way objects appear to us by changing our own mind. Gradually we shall gain the ability to control our mind and in this way solve all our problems.

Universal Compassion, a commentary to Bodhisattva Chekhawa's Training the Mind in Seven Points. By studying Universal Compassion we gain the ability to integrate Buddha's teachings into our daily lives and solve all our human problems.

To find out more about the Teacher Training Program and how you can join, contact us at cbc@meditationinnewyork.org