Mindfulness and Compassion Teacher Training Program 2019 -2020
Knowledge Skills Awakening
This is a professional program to support those who want to teach mindfulness and compassion aligned with the deep wisdom of the teachings of the Buddha. The curriculum includes; understanding the principles and practices underlying meditation, mindfulness and compassion, the use of mindfulness to alleviate emotional suffering, developing teaching skills and guidance and mentoring on leading groups. This program is also a foundational program for those who want to enter the path of becoming an Insight Meditation Dharma teacher and continue to deepen their journey of awakening.
Knowledge, Skill and Realisation form the basis of becoming a mindfulness and compassion teacher. The program is designed to support you to develop all three within a framework of ethics based on the principles of non-harming, wise speech and skillful communication.
The knowledge component will draw upon the traditional teachings of the Buddha on mindfulness and compassion as well as a contemporary understanding provided by the latest research and neuropsychology.
The skill building component will provide insight into how to introduce various practices, how to language instructions and develop the skills needed for attunement, empathy and sensitivity in the teaching role. There will be practice opportunities to develop the confidence to lead small groups.
Deepening into your own realisation is an ongoing and essential part of becoming a mindfulness and compassion teacher. Just as the visible part of an iceberg is supported by 90% of its mass below the water, authentic teaching comes from your embodiment of the teachings, your own lived conscious experience, that which is below the surface. It is by sharing from your direct experience that one radiates and inspires others to a life of mindfulness and loving-kindness. On successful completion of the program and subject to meeting the qualification criteria a Diploma in Mindfulness and Compassion Teaching will be issued by the Insight Meditation Institute.
Program structure This is a two year program. Each year will comprise:
4 weekends face to face non-residential
4 group mentoring sessions of 2 to 2.5 hours each (in between the weekends and online)
2 one-on-one individual mentoring sessions with a teacher
Peer based study and practice groups (on line)
In addition participants are required to attend at least one 5 to 7 day Insight Meditation retreat each year (price not included here).
Cost for year one, including GST but not including retreat attendance Payment in full for the first year is $2,350 incl GST, or Four quarterly payments of $ 615 incl GST Please note If you are a heath professional 10 days of PD hours will be awarded each year
Dates for 2019weekend modules
23 - 24 February
25 - 26 May
24 - 25 August
23 - 24 November
Link to application form below
Dates for 2020 weekend modules
22 - 23 February
23 - 24 May
22 - 23 August
28 - 29 November
CURRICULUM
MINDFULNESS The mindfulness stream includes: * Understanding the theoretical, philosophical and practical aspects of mindfulness based on the Satipatthana Suta; mindfulness of body, feelings, mindstates, dharma teachings * The use of movement practices to engage the somatic experience * Deepening your personal mindfulness practice and realisation * Applying mindfulness in daily life to free oneself from habitual reactive tendencies * Establishing familiarity with current research findings on the effects of mindfulness meditation * Developing skills and confidence in leading individual and small group sessions and responding to questions
COMPASSION The compassion stream includes:
Understand the theoretical, philosophical and practical basis of compassion practices
Training in the Boundless Heart qualities of; Loving-kindness, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity
The role of compassion in healing emotional and psychological suffering
Deepening and inquiring into your personal experience of compassion
Establish a familiarity with current research findings on the effects of compassion
How to Apply This is a professional teacher training program and the following prerequisites are required:
Established a regular meditation practice for a minimum of two years
Have attended at least three 5 or 7 days meditation retreats in the style of Insight or Vipassana meditation
Desirable but not essential - currently involved or will be involved in a teaching role in allied modalities such as health, yoga, fitness, group work, social work, conflict resolution, social activism and counselling
Other experiences that would support your application include:
Have attended the 8 week MBSR program or MBSR teacher training
Participated in the 'Power of Awareness' on line program with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield
Have taken 'Entering the Path' 12 week course at the Barre Center of Buddhist studies
Have done the 'Compassion Training' with the Compassion Mind foundation