Fundamentals of Teaching Dhamma
- a series of workshops for teachers
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 training to improve their relational skills and thereby become more effective teachers. Each workshop stands alone, so it is possible to attend one or all of them.
The series is open to all Dhamma teachers with two or more years of experience, and participants must also be registered for the Fundamentals of Dhamma course. Registration is now open. The workshops are offered by donation. *** NOTE: You must register separately for the residential retreat if you plan to attend. If not, you can listen to recordings of the talks given at the retreat.
May 31 to June 11, 2025
Affirming Experience: Meeting Our Inner And Outer Life Just As It Is
The Fundamentals of Dhamma course begins with a meditation retreat for 8 or 12 days at Sevenoaks in Madison, Virginia, USA. Attending this residential retreat offers teachers the opportunity to discuss their aspirations and challenges as teachers of Dhamma.
Find details and registration information here.
July 19, 2025
Our 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 precepts, 16 precepts, other ethical frameworks
b. Boundaries and professionalism as a meditation teacher
c. Confidentiality
d. Power dynamics, transference, and dependency
e. Conflicts of interest and referrals
September 20, 2025
Our 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 or group dynamics
d. Introducing and leading ritual
November 8, 2025
Our 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
January 17, 2026
Our focus this month will be on sitting meditation and ways to provide guidance that meets the student where they are, while supporting their 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
March 2026.
This month’s gathering will be a 5 day residential retreat with opportunities for teachers to conduct practice discussion groups and guided meditations…more details TBA.