Fundamentals of Teaching Dhamma:
workshops for teachers in the Fundamentals of Dhamma course
The Dhamma is practice with the body that enables the investigation of the mind, and this interrelationship is the subject of many early Buddhist teachings. The teacher’s role is to illucidate this. Yet it is not enough to simply know the texts or have meditative experiences. Dhamma teachers must also be skillful in the relational aspect of teaching.
This workshop series offers Dhamma teachers tools to become more effective by improving their relational skills. Each workshop is offered from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm Eastern US time and each stands alone. So you can attend only those that of interest or all of them.
The series is open to all Dhamma teachers who are registered for the Fundamentals of Dhamma course. To apply to attend the workshops, please contact Dhammadipa at dassanayamail [at] gmail [dot] com with a brief description of your teaching experience and which workshops you would like to attend. These workshops are offered by donation.
July 19, 2025 (completed - recording available)
9:00 am to 12:30 pm ET
The focus this month will be on ethics, the foundation for relationships of trust between students and teachers. The topics we will explore include:
a. Five lay precepts of the Theravada, 16 bodhisattva precepts, other ethical frameworks
b. Boundaries, disclosure, and professionalism as a Dhamma teacher
c. Confidentiality
d. Power dynamics, transference, and dependency
e. Conflicts of interest, referrals, and mandatory reporting
April 11, 2026
9:30 am - 12:30 pm ET
The focus this month will be on facilitation, shaping the practice experience in ways that foster openness, collaboration, and clarity. The topics we will explore include:
a. Leading group discussions and Q&A
b. Responding skillfully to questions at the appropriate level
c. Handling “difficult” students, criticism, or unskillful group dynamics (the end of that sutta starting with “establishment of mindfulness in three cases.”)
d. Introducing and leading ritual
Read: the last two sections Starting with “And how do disciples treat their Teacher as a friend, not an enemy?” in MN 122
Optional: A good resource for understanding ways that people communicate is “Listening and Caring Skills” by John Savage.
June 13, 2026
9:30 am to 12:30 pm ET
The focus this month will be on retreats, managing offerings that are longer and often residential. The topics we will explore include:
a. Content and schedule preparation
b. Yogis away from home - safety, comfort, instability, “experiences”
c. Creating the space for wise effort
d. Walking meditation instruction
September 19, 2026
9:30 am to 12:30 pm ET
The focus this month will be on sitting meditation and ways to provide guidance that meets the student where they are, while supporting further development. The topics we will explore include:
a. Postures, how and when to give a posture adjustment
b. Frameworks appropriate to tendencies
c. Guiding meditations with appropriate pacing and language
