Teacher Training Program

About this event

The Teacher Training Program - Tuesdays, 6:45pm & Sundays, 3:00pm with Resident Teacher, Kadam Michelle 2026-2028 Ocean of Nectar by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche

The Teacher Training Program (TTP) designed by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche provides an extensive presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism. It offers practitioners of modern Kadampa Buddhism the opportunity to study deeply, gain practical experience of both Sutra and Tantra and to train to become qualified Teachers. This experience is gained through the study and practice of fourteen books written by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. The program is a dynamic combination of teachings, meditations, discussion and teaching skills classes providing a multi-faceted approach to the development of authentic spiritual experience.

The purpose of the Teacher Training Program (TTP) is:

• To provide an extensive presentation of particular subjects of Mahayana Buddhism to enable practitioners to deepen their knowledge and experience of Buddhism;

• To train as qualified New Kadampa Tradition Teachers;

• To benefit living beings through the flourishing of Kadam Dharma.

There are 3 components to the program:

• The Study component enables students to gain an understanding of the deeper meaning held in Buddha’s teachings and learn how to apply them practically amidst a busy modern life.

• The meditation component enables students to gain practical experience of the meaning of the teachings.

• The Teaching Skills componen t enables students to learn and gain confidence in how to deliver practical, relevant and effective teachings to others.

In this program participants commit to the full course of study, including memorization, participation in discussion and teaching skills classes, attendance at retreats, ethical commitments, and examinations.

Current Book

Ocean of Nectar by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso is the first complete explanation in English of the renowned Indian Buddhist Master, Chandrakirti’s Guide to the Middle Way , a precious Mahayana scripture, which to this day is regarded as the principal presentation of Buddha’s profound view of emptiness, the ultimate nature of reality.

With a definitive translation and verse-by-verse commentary, the author reveals this profound meaning to the modern world with utmost clarity, and guides us along the stages of the Bodhisattva path to full enlightenment.

This book is an indispensable guide for the serious practitioner of Mahayana Buddhism.

Guide to the Middle Way , the root text of Ocean of Nectar , was translated into English under the compassionate guidance of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. These precious verses are included in the back of Ocean of Nectar . Listening to, contemplating and meditating on the beautiful and profound verses of Chandrakirti can bring joyful and uplifting insight into the true nature of all things.

About the Teacher

Kadam Michelle Gauthier is the Resident Teacher of Kadampa Meditation Center Washington DC and has been a disciple of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso since 1996. Before coming to Washington DC she served as the Second Teacher, Education Program Coordinator at the IKRC Grand Canyon in Williams, AZ and as Resident Teacher at KMC Tampa Bay, KMC South Carolina, KMC Phoenix, and Dharmachakra Center in Palm Springs, CA. She is an inspiring example of Modern Buddhism in practice. She presents Buddha’s teachings with beautiful clarity, warmth and sincerity, skillfully guiding people from all walks of life to find inner peace and lasting happiness.