The Teacher Training Program (TTP) is designed for people who wish to train as authentic Dharma Teachers within the New Kadampa Tradition or who simply want to engage with Buddha's teachings in the deepest possible manner. In addition to completing the study of fourteen texts of Sutra and Tantra (see below), students are required to observe certain commitments with regard to behavior and way of life, and to complete a number of meditation retreats. Through a deep and continuing commitment to the program of study, meditation, discussion, and retreat, we can gain deep experience of Buddha's teachings, establish a strong meditation practice, and become a qualified Kadampa Teacher.

For those that have already been enrolled in Foundation Program and want to observe a TTP class before deciding whether to commit, please email us to learn more about TTP class.

Twelve Subjects

The program comprises the following twelve subjects, based on Buddha's Sutra and Tantric teachings and the corresponding commentaries by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso:

The Stages of the Path to Enlightenment, based on the commentary Joyful Path of Good Fortune
Training the Mind, based on the commentaries Universal Compassion and The New Eight Steps to Happiness
The Heart Sutra, based on the commentary The New Heart of Wisdom
Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life, based on the commentary Meaningful to Behold
Types of Mind, based on the commentary How to Understand the Mind
Guide to the Middle Way, based on the commentary Ocean of Nectar
Vajrayana Mahamudra, based on the commentary Clear Light of Bliss
The Bodhisattva's Moral Discipline, based on the commentary The Bodhisattva Vow
Offering to the Spiritual Guide, based on the commentaries Great Treasury of Merit and Mahamudra Tantra
Vajrayogini Tantra, based on the commentary The New Guide to Dakini Land
Grounds and Paths of Secret Mantra, based on the commentary Tantric Grounds and Paths
The Practice of Heruka Body Mandala, based on the commentary Essence of Vajrayana

Safety Harbor

with Resident Teacher Sarah Frew

Sundays, 1pm-4:30pm

With Resident Teacher, Sarah Frew

Cost: Supporter Membership

Approval is required for enrollment. Please email epc@meditationintampabay.org for more info.

Teacher Training Program (TTP) offers Kadampa Buddhist practitioners the opportunity to study deeply, gain practical experience of both Sutra and Tantra and train to become qualified Dharma teachers. Each class consists of preliminary prayers, guided meditation, reading from the book with commentary and discussion. This dynamic combination enables us to go deep into the layers of meaning within each book to make real progress along our spiritual path.

All qualified Kadampa teachers follow this in-depth program of study and practice of twelve texts. Students are required to observe certain commitments and an intention to engage in regular meditation retreats at KMC Tampa Bay.

TTP is taught by Resident Teacher, Sarah Frew, on Sundays at 1 – 4:30pm, in person in Safety Harbor, livestreamed or via correspondence. Starting in Fall 2025, we will begin studying the text Great Treasury of Merit by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche.

2026 Schedule

Click to view the TTP Schedule.

The Teacher

This class is taught by Resident Teacher Sarah Frew. Sarah is a long-time student and practitioner of Kadampa Buddhism under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche and has engaged in extensive Dharma study and retreat. Sarah participated in the Intensive Teacher Training Program at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre, a special course designed by Venerable Geshe-la to provide six months of intensive training for those wishing to become qualified Resident Teachers at Kadampa Buddhist centers around the world. Through her joyful and engaging manner, she shares Buddha’s teachings in a kind-hearted and warm way that makes them accessible to everyone.

Further Information

Teacher Training Program (TTP) is for those students who wish to become qualified Kadampa Buddhist Teachers. Highest Yoga Tantra empowerment (or a sincere intention to receive this empowerment at the next possible opportunity) is required to study. The Teacher Training Program is a structured study program to help students deepen their own study and practice of Buddha's teachings as well as learn how to teach others. Regular meditation retreats throughout the year are built into the program for the students' personal development as well as teaching skills classes and discussions.

Correspondence Program
Students who live outside the Safety Harbor area or who have a good reason for not being able to attend the Teacher Training Program in person may request to study via correspondence—either with recordings or via live stream. Please email epc@meditationintampabay.org.