In Depth Study
Teacher Training Programme (TTP)
Wednesdays 5.45pm – 9.45pm
with resident Teacher Gen Kelsang Varahi
Teacher Training Programme (TTP)
offers practitioners of Kadampa Buddhism the opportunity to study deeply, gain practical experience of both Sutra and Tantra and, if they wish, train to become qualified Dharma Teachers. However it’s not just for those who wish to teach formally, because we all teach through our example and the advice we give to friends and family.
Through a deep and continuing commitment to the program of study, meditation, discussion, and retreat, we can gain deep experience of Buddha’s teachings, establish a strong meditation practice, and become a qualified teacher in our own right.
The program is centered around the study of various Buddhist subjects of Sutra and Tantra as explained in the collection of books written by founder of the New Kadampa Tradition, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.
Students on the programme are required to observe several commitments, namely to keep good discipline, attend all the teaching and discussion classes as well as sit examinations. Students are also encouraged to participate in regular meditation retreats that will be scheduled throughout the year
If you are interested in joining the Teacher Training Programme please contact our Education Programme Co-Ordinator.
Ocean of Nectar
Ocean of Nectar by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is the first complete explanation in English of the precious Mahayana scripture Chandrakirti’s Guide to the Middle Way, which is regarded as the principal presentation of Buddha’s profound view of emptiness.
Guide to the Middle Way, the root text of Ocean of Nectar, was translated into English under the compassionate guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. These precious verses are included in the back of Ocean of Nectar. Reading this profound text and listening to the verses by Chandrakirti can bring joyful and uplifting insight into the true nature of all things.
What happens in a class?
Prior to class, students are expected to prepare by reading a few pages ahead and trying to memorise essential points. The class begins with chanted prayers and guided meditation. The teacher then reads the assigned selection from the book while giving commentary to the text. The students then divide into pairs to discuss the material. The teacher and students conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week, followed by dedication prayers. Every fourth class is a group discussion class.
Fees for joining Teacher Training Programme
Students who join TTP will require a Standard Membership (£35/month). This covers attending TTP and also access to all regular day and evening drop-in classes, branch classes, half-day / full-day / whole weekend courses, events and retreats.
Venue:
Vajrapani Kadampa
Meditation Centre
Wheathouse Terr,
Huddersfield.
Memberships
If you attend classes and courses on a regular basis, our Memberships are a convenient way of covering the cost and a great way to support the Centre.
About our classes
- Our classes consist of guided meditations and a talk covering a different aspect of meditation & positive thinking, offering practical advice from the Buddha’s teachings for a happy and meaningful life.
- You’re welcome to drop-in to weekly classes or pre-book for a whole series.
- You can join the weekly classes at any time, you don’t have to wait for the start of a series.
- Please book in advance for Weekend Courses & other events online or by phone.
- Classes are suitable for everyone.
Benefits of Meditation
- Even a simple breathing meditation practise can bring many benefits
- When our mind is calmed by focusing on the breath we will feel refreshed and experience some mental peace and calm.
- Through this practise we can develop an inner happiness and contentment.
- This inner peace can reduce the stress and tension that we normally experience in our life.
- We will find difficult situations easier to deal with and we can even improve our relationships with friends and family.
- You don’t have to be a Buddhist to practise and benefit from meditation. Everybody is welcome to join a class at any time.
FAQ's
Why is there a charge for the classes?
We are a registered charity run entirely by volunteers, and not for profit. The funds we receive are used to pay for our venues, operating expenses and maintenance of the centre building. Although there is a charge for the classes we want to make them accessible to all, so If you are struggling with the cost of classes or courses, please speak to us about that, no one will ever be turned away for lack of funds.
Do I have to book online?
Please try to book online for weekend courses and other events. For weekly classes booking online is useful, but you can just turn up and pay on the door. You can also get a discount on all our weekly meditation classes by buying a Series Ticket online.
Do I have to wait for the next series of classes to begin?
No, please feel free to drop in whenever you like. Attending the entire series of classes is highly beneficial, as each class builds on the next. However, each class is taught in such a way that if you only attend one class, you will derive benefit from it.
Will I have to sit on the floor?
Although some classes do have the option to sit on the floor, there are always chairs available. However, If there is a special reason why you need to sit on the floor please let us know and we can reserve a mat for you.
What should I wear?
There are no dress requirements, please wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
We do ask that you remove your shoes when entering the meditation room.
What if I am not religious or practice a religion other than Buddhism?
Everyone is welcome to attend. Anyone can learn basic meditation and experience the benefits. Buddhism is a non-evangelical religion. Buddhists respect all people and are happy to help anyone regardless of whether they subscribe to another faith or to none. We make Buddhas teachings available to everyone with the belief that they are practical methods to solve daily problems.
I have never meditated before, are these classes suitable for me?
Yes, classes are open to everyone regardless of experience. Instructions on how to do the meditations are provided by the teacher who will also guide you through the meditation. If you do struggle with the meditation you can always just sit there and relax for a while!
Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible.
