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 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. Registration for the workshops is now open and is in addition to registration for the course and the retreats. These workshops are offered by donation.
May 31 to June 11, 2025
Affirming Experience: Meeting Our Inner And Outer Life Just As It Is
The Fundamentals of Dhamma course begins on May 31 with a meditation retreat. This retreat is for 8 days, with an option to extend to 12 days, at Sevenoaks in Madison, Virginia, USA. Attending this residential retreat offers teachers the additional opportunity to discuss their aspirations and challenges as teachers of Dhamma as well as the benefits of bodily and mental seclusion.
Find details and registration information here.
July 19, 2025
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 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
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 or group dynamics
d. Introducing and leading ritual
November 8, 2025
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
January 17, 2026
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
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.