The Teacher Training Program (TTP) is a 12-year course of study, designed for people who wish to train as authentic Kadampa Buddhist teachers or simply to engage with Buddha’s teachings in the deepest possible manner.

It provides a systematic presentation of all the subjects of Mahayana Buddhism - both Sutra and Tantra - and forms a perfect basis for a strong daily practice and successful meditation retreats.

In addition to completing the study of fourteen texts of Sutra and Tantra, the student is required to observe certain commitments with regard to behavior and way of life, and to complete nine weeks of meditation retreats per year. Through a deep and continuing commitment to the program of study, meditation, discussion and retreat, we can gain a profound and lasting experience of Buddha’s teachings, establish a strong meditation practice, and become a qualified teacher in our own right.

The Texts

In addition to the six Foundation Program texts (Joyful Path of Good Fortune, Universal Compassion, Heart of Wisdom, Meaningful to Behold, Understanding the Mind, and Eight Steps to Happiness), the subjects studied are:

• The Bodhisattva’s moral discipline based on the commentary, The Bodhisattva Vow
• Chandrakirti’s Guide to the Middle Way based on the commentary, Ocean of Nectar
• Vajrayana Mahamudra based on the commentary, Clear Light of Bliss
• Offering to the Spiritual Guide based on the commentaries, Great Treasury of Merit and Mahamudra Tantra
• Vajrayogini Tantra based on the commentary, Guide to Dakini Land
• The grounds and paths of Tantra based on the commentary, Tantric Grounds and Paths
• The practice of Heruka body mandala based on the commentary, Essence of Vajrayana

This program has been running successfully in the West since 1987 with many students worldwide.

In Arizona, we are currently studying Joyful Path of Good Fortune.

The TTP class is taught at Clear Light Buddhist Center in Phoenix on Sundays at 5:30pm and a second class Tusdays at 6::30pm, during term time, and is available by Home Study Program to anyone in Arizona who lives more than a one-hour drive away from the center.  Each student is required to enroll and have an interview with the program teacher Kadam Michelle Gauthier, and to fulfill certain guidelines in terms of attending classes and retreats. Call (602) 243-5220 or email if you require more information.

TTP students can download archived class audio files.
Summary form for missed classes.