Teacher Training Program

The Teacher Training Program (TTP) is for those Wishing to Become Qualified Kadampa Buddhist Teachers

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.

What will be we studying?

Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30 pm & Sundays 4:00 – 6:00 pm

On January 21st, the Teacher Training Program will begin studying Mahamudra Tantra, by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso.

Mahamudra is the union of the most subtle mind that experiences great bliss and realizes ultimate truth - the way things actually exist. From his practical experience, Geshe Kelsang Gyatso explains how to prepare our mind for Mahamudra meditation, how to remove obstacles to successful practice, and how we can experience progressively subtler states of mind.

By explaining how to uncover and purify the deepest level of our mind and to use this very subtle blissful mind to meditate on ultimate truth, he shows how we can destroy all our negative minds at their very root and quickly reach the state of full enlightenment.

The Teacher Training Program requires enrollment and attendance every week. It is not a drop-in class. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, please contact our Foundation Program Coordinator at FP@meditation-indianapolis.org.

Those who are interested, are welcome to attend two free trial sessions, at any point in time during the program.

  • Anyone who feels ready for this type of study and practice may enroll.

    Generally, it is good to first have at least a basic understanding of foundational Buddhist Sutra topics such as renunciation, bodhichitta, and emptiness.

    It is also recommended to have participated in Foundation Program for at least a year or more prior to enrolling in TTP.

  • Attending all classes and participating in class discussions

    Attending TTP retreats

    Attending a puja once a week

    Taking an exam at the conclusion of either the end of a section of the book, or the entire book

  • TTP is a structured and thorough approach to learning modern Buddhism and taking meditation to a deeper level.

    We study one book at a time, going through each section slowly.

    Prior to class, students study an assigned portion of the text, usually a few pages long, and memorize the essential points. During class, we:

    • Meditate each week on what we studied the previous week

    • Discuss in pairs, as well as a group, to share and learn from each other.

    • Conclude by deciding what to meditate on in the next class and how to practice during the coming week.

  • For those who cannot be at the Center regularly there are both streaming and correspondence options available.

    Please contact our Foundation Program Coordinator (FP@meditation-indianapolis.org) for more information.

  • If for a suitable reason a student is not able to attend the class in person, he or she is expected to listen to the class recording and submit a summary.

    There is also a commitment to participate in at least one chanted prayer (puja) session at the Center per week.

  • ???

  • 1. The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune

    2. Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness

    3. The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary The New Heart of Wisdom

    4. Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold

    5. Types of Mind, based on the commentary How to Understand the Mind

    6. Guide to the Middle Way, based on the commentary Ocean of Nectar

    7. Vajrayana Mahamudra, based on the commentary Clear Light of Bliss

    8. The Bodhisattva’s Moral Discipline, based on the commentary The Bodhisattva Vow

    9. Offering to the Spiritual Guide, based on the commentaries Great Treasury of Merit and Mahamudra Tantra

    10. Vajrayogini Tantra, based on the commentary New Guide to Dakini Land

    11. Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra, based on the commentary Tantric Grounds and Paths

    12. The Practice of Heruka Body Mandala, based on the commentary Essence of Vajrayana

About the Resident Teacher

The Resident Teacher at Kadampa Meditation Center Indianapolis is Buddhist monk Gen Kelsang Wangden.

Gen Wangden is known for his kind heart, joyful nature, and practical advice. He enjoys helping students of all abilities and interests understand and apply Buddhist lessons and cultivate inner peace.