The purpose of the Teacher Training Program 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 New Kadampa Tradition Teachers. All Resident Teachers of Kadampa Buddhist Centers follow this in-depth program of study and practice.

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 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

Please also read Wishfulfilling Jewels for Dharma practitioners by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, which explains the benefits of the Foundation Program and Teacher Training Program.  The Teacher Training Program takes approximately twelve years to complete and requires an enrollment procedure.  To find out more, you can send an email using the form below.