Right: Acharya Arawana Hayashi, center: Steven Saitzyk, left: Marcia Shibata, directors of the 2007 teachers training in Los Angeles.
There are three levels of teachers: Assistant Teachers, Teachers of Parts 1-3, and Teachers of 1-5. There are some ninety-two active authorized teachers scattered around the globe. For information on local programs, please see our Schedule page or contact a local Shambhala Meditation Center. To inquire if there is an active teacher in your geographical area please e-mail: firstthought@shambhalaart.org
Some of the Graduates of Shambhala Art Teachers Trainings:
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.
Download 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.
Download 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.
Coming soon: Profiles of teachers of parts 1 – 5.
Download Teachers of Parts 1-5 List
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