The Teacher Training Program
Sundays 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
& Wednesdays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
with Gen Kelsang Chodor
This term’s book: Ocean of Nectar
Subjects & Benefits of the Program
This program comprises 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
For an extensive explanation of the benefits of the Foundation Program and the Teacher Training Programs, you can read the transcript of a talk by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
Commitments of the Programs
When you join the Foundation Program, you make the following commitments:
To attend every teaching class, group discussion class, teaching skills class, memorization assessment class and review class.
To memorize the condensed meaning and the Root Text of the books and to sit a written examination at the end of each book or section of a book.
To attend at least one prayer service (Puja) organized by the Centre each week.
To prepare well for each class so discussion partners’ efforts are respected.
In addition, you will be expected to practically help the Centre in various ways – such as by occasionally putting up daily water offerings, cleaning the meditation room and other areas as needed; also helping in assisting at short courses where possible and assisting or teaching at General Program classes from time to time. This is aspect is as important as the study part of the program as it allows you to put the teachings into practice supported by other practitioners.
Prioritizing your study program in your personal schedule
Making your study program a high priority is essential for your studies and meditations to be successful. The program term dates will available in advance every six months; therefore, for any personal meetings/holidays etc. you should have time to re-schedule if necessary in the light of your study program attendance commitment. Please note: valid reasons for non-attendance should not include avoidable appointments or holidays.
For questions and inquiries about the program, please email: [email protected].
If we just dabble superficially in a spiritual path we will never gain a deep and stable experience, and our wisdom will never develop to its full potential. This is why these spiritual programs are so important.
— Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche
Coming to Foundation Program at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada has improved my knowledge on how to make myself happy, and also others!
— Maria
Joining a study program at Kadampa Meditation Centre Canada has been one of the best decision in my life so far.
— Alex
Joining the Foundation Program has helped me to understand that I can have control over my mind and how I interact with the world.
— Cathy
