Insight Meditation Dharma Teacher Training Program
This program aims to train confident qualified teachers in the Insight tradition and support aspiring teachers in deepening their practice and journey of awakening. The overall program will provide:
A sound philosophical knowledge base and study of the Buddha dharma
Offer peer support and mentoring to deepen insight and practice.
Developing skills in working with individuals and leading groups
Guidance in supporting communities and Sanghas
Teaching and communication skills
There are a number of possible pathways and criteria required to enter into the Insight Meditation Dharma teacher training program.
A potential new trainee teacher needs to be invited by a senior Insight Dharma teacher who writes a letter of recommendation to the Institute.
Attended numerous 7 day Insight Meditation retreats
Completion of the Mindfulness and Compassion 2-year teacher training program
Or other training programs, e.g., MBSR teacher training program, or Compassion Mind training program, Or On-line courses through the Barre Centre of Buddhist Studies.
People will be chosen based on their depth of practice, maturity of understanding, ability to communicate effectively, their dedication to the Buddha dharma and their compassionate heart.
The four-to-six-year teacher training incorporates; systematic study of Buddhist texts, extensive training in meditation practices and techniques, working effectively with individuals and groups, ethical guidelines for teachers and understanding the teaching role. It may include assisting on retreats, giving talks, instructions, leading days of mindfulness and supporting Sanghas as preparation for assuming full Insight Meditation Dharma teacher status.