There are three levels of teachers: Assistant Teachers, Teachers of Parts 1-3, and Teachers of 1-5.  There are some sixty authorized teachers scattered around the globe.  For information on local programs, please see our Schedule page or contact a local Shambhala Meditation Center, see http://www.shambhala.org/centers/index.html .  To inquire if there is an active teacher in your geographical area please e-mail: firstthought@shambhalaart.org .

The prime requirement for all teachers is to team-teach.  Team teaching can consist of two teachers sharing equally, or one teacher taking the lead for one program while the other assists and then reversing roles for the next program.  If you have not taught for some time or attended a recent teachers’ training or retreat it is particularly import to team teach with an experienced teacher who has.  There will be situations where team teaching is truly not possible and where exceptions may be offered after all options have been exhausted. 

Assistant teachers are encouraged to offer and facilitate a study group or class based on the reading list for the program which is centered on Vol. 7 of the Collected Works of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.  A study group/class would involve participants reading the material, such as a chapter or two, in advance and then discussing it in a salon like format.  The Assistant Teacher, or teachers, should facilitate the discussion rather than ‘teach’ the material. Exercises that are commonly used in the program are not be offered in a study group/class facilitated by an Assistant Teacher.  During a program, assistant teachers assist the teacher, coordinate the program, and ideally present at least one brief talk and or exercise.  The minimum requirement to be an assistant teacher is to attend a teachers training, be a member or friend of a Shambhala Center, attended a Weekthun or equivalent, have an ongoing meditation practice, and a personal connection to the arts and an artistic practice of some kind.

The downloadable list below is in Adobe Reader format.

Assistant Teachers List

teachers OF PARTS 1-3, in addition to the responsibilities of an Assistant Teacher, are authorized to present (team teach) parts one through three.  They may also offer classes based on the reading list, with the additional possibility of capping of a series of classes with a one day intensive program that would be the equivalent of a part.  In addition to meeting the requirements for an Assistant Teacher, a B Teacher must completion of a Dathun (month long meditation) and if they are not already an experience teacher they must serve an apprenticeship.  They are also strongly encouraged to attend Sutrayana and Mahayana Seminary.

Teachers of Parts 1-3 List

teachers of parts 1-5, in addition to the above, are required to have completed Vajrayana Seminary.  They are also required to have taught Parts 1-3 before teaching 4-5. 

Teachers of Parts 1-5 List