Shambhala Path Meditation Instructor Training, Part 1

Casa Werma and Shambhala International are pleased to offer a training program for Shambhala Educators who feel inspired and ready to continue along the path of helping others on their meditative journeys. Shambhala Path Meditation Instructor Training offers a powerful opportunity to deepen your own understanding of the Way of Shambhala path and to train in working with students on that path.

There are two parts to this training, both of which will be offered at Casa Werma. Part I will be held 27 March – 1 April 2018, and Part II will be held in the following year, dates to be announced.

Shambhala Path Meditation Instructor (SPMI)

Shambhala Path Meditation Instructors (SPMIs) provide ongoing group and individual guidance to people who are learning to meditate. This is an educator role of significant responsibility.

When we offer meditation instruction in Shambhala, we are introducing people to simple meditation techniques which are the distillation of thousands of years of practitioners’ experience, bringing together the Shambhala principle of basic goodness and the depth and sophistication of the Buddhist traditions of mindfulness and awareness. Meditation is a portal through which we can discover our innate human capacity for wakefulness, wisdom, and compassion—and learn how to bring those qualities into our lives, creating good human society.

Skillfully guiding others in the journey of meditation requires knowledge based on studying the view and practices of meditation, as well as deep personal experience. The SPMI needs to be able to authentically meet each student where they are, and provide the appropriate next step on the path of meditation, in an environment of kindness, acceptance, and understanding.

SPMI Training Part I offers a strong introduction to the core practices of being a Shambhala Path Meditation Instructor. We will review the fundamental teachings of meditation, and study and practice how to support students both within and between the Way of Shambhala programs and courses.

SPMI Training Part II takes place up to a year after Part I. There is a separate application process for Part II, and a positive recommendation from the Part I Director is required in order to attend Part II. In Part II, participants will deepen their understanding of the practices of listening, reflection and inquiry, and will study ways in which to bring these skills into their work with students.

Individuals who successfully complete both Parts I and II will be authorized to work with students within and between programs and courses, focusing primarily on matters related to meditation practice.

The Training Program

The Part I training begins at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, 27 March 2018 and concludes at 9:00 pm on 31 March 2018. Participation in the training does not guarantee acceptance to Part II or eventual SPMI authorization. Those who successfully complete Part I will be given instructions regarding what they will need to do before Part II.

Preparation

Prior to the in-person training, there is significant preparatory work for this program. We recommend that you begin preparing by completing any Shambhala Educator updating courses that you have not yet completed. These courses are available through Shambhala Online. Information on these courses, and links to the courses themselves, can be found by logging in to Shambhala Online and selecting Shambhala Educator Resources from the drop-down menu under My Programs.

Upon acceptance to the training, you will be informed of specified practice and study that is required, including an additional online course that offers important content in support of the training.

There is a separate modest fee for the online courses (for which discounts also are available).

Questions

Please direct any questions you may have to casawerma@gmail.com. 

Pay-It-Forward program tuition not including accommodations: $563 usd  We invite all who are able to do so to consider paying the Pay-It-Forward tuition rate. By doing so, you make it possible for us to offer scholarships to others, particularly our Latino sangha, while also covering the direct cost of your stay here and contributing to our year-round operations.

Please select “Pay-It-Forward Tuition Add-On” in Registration.

Full program tuition not including accommodations: $455 usd   We invite all who are able to do so to pay the full tuition rate.  By doing so, you cover the direct cost of your stay here and contribute to our year-round operating expenses.

Please email casawerma@gmail.com with any further questions.

Travel Arrangements:

We recommend flights into Morelia airport (90 minutes away by car). We can help with travel arrangements, please inquire about options. Visit our How to Get Here page for more info.