Advanced Buddhist Study Programmes
The Teacher Training Programme

The Teacher Training Program is intended for people who wish to train as authentic Meditation Teachers, and also for those who wish to gain a clear insight into Buddha's teachings and deep experience of their practice.

The programme involves the study of twelve texts:

• Joyful Path of Good Fortune - a commentary to Atisha's Lamrim instructions, the stages of the path to enlightenment
• Universal Compassion - a commentary to Bodhisattva Chekhawa's Training the Mind in Seven Points
• Heart of Wisdom - a commentary to the Heart Sutra
• Meaningful to Behold - a commentary to Shantideva's Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life
• Understanding the Mind - a detailed explanation of the mind based on the works of the Buddhist scholars Dharmakirti and Dignaga
• The Bodhisattva Vow - A detailed guide to compassionate living & how to live a Bodhisattva's way of life
• Ocean of Nectar - A comprehensive presentation of Buddha's profound view of emptiness and indispensable guide for the serious student of Mahayana Buddhism
• Clear Light of Bliss - How to awaken our potential for infinite bliss and compassion & how to generate a deeply peaceful mind by harnessing our body's subtle energies
• Mahamudra Tantra - An explanation for gaining deep experience of Tantric meditation and how to realize progressively subtler and more blissful states of mind.
• Guide to Dakini Land - Explanation on how to transform all daily activities into the quick path to full enlightenment. An indispensable guide and authoritative manual for Vajrayogini practitioners
• Tantric Grounds and Paths - A clear introduction to Tantra and the relationship between Sutra and Tantra. This book is a comprehensive guide to the four classes of Tantra & how to complete the spiritual path through practising Highest Yoga Tantra
• Essence of Vajrayana - The first complete explanation in English to the practice of Heruka body mandala which includes sublime methods for transcending our ordinary minds and attaining pure selfless joy.

In addition to completing the study of these twelve texts, participants are required to observe certain commitments with regard to behavior and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats.

Participants can either begin with the Foundation Programme and then enroll in the Teacher Training Programme, in which case the subjects already studied on FP will automatically count towards TTP, or they can enroll in the Teacher Training Programme from the outset.

What book is currently being studied?

The book currently being studied at Vairochana Centre on the Teacher Training Programme is "Eight Steps to Happiness ". This inspiring book reveals essential methods for developing universal love and compassion, the source of true happiness for both self and others.

It gives a detailed and practical 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.

For centuries, these liberating meditation practices have brought lasting peace, inspiration and serenity to countless people in the East.

Now, in this book, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso shares the immeasurably rich insight of this ancient wisdom with all those seeking lasting happiness and greater meaning in their modern lives.

Topics covered include:

• How to develop love based on genuine cherishing of others
• Practical instructions on transforming life's difficulties
• Essential advice for developing compassion and wisdom

Who is the teacher of the course?

The Teacher Training Programme is taught by Kelsang Chodor. He has been practicing Buddhism & Meditation for many years and is the Principal Teacher at Vairochana Centre. He is a practical and insightful teacher who draws upon years of experience within the tradition of Kadampa Buddhism.

When is Teacher Training Programme taught?

The Teacher Training Programme is currently taught on Monday & Tuesday mornings from 10.30 am - 12.30 pm.

I'm interested in joining, where do I find out more?

If you have any questions, or if you wish to find out more about Teacher Training Programme please don't hesitate to contact us at the centre.