FPMT Training Programs
We offer a variety of training programs for center directors, study group coordinators, spiritual program coordinators, center staff, volunteers, teachers, and anyone interested in offering service to Lama Zopa Rinpoche and FPMT.
Foundation Training in Compassionate Service
The Foundation Training in Compassionate Service explores how to best offer our skills and qualities in service. We investigate the purpose and mission of FPMT, what it means to be an FPMT center, and how that vision translates into action for centers, projects, and individuals.We explore our relationship to resources - both material and human; communication skills and conflict resolution; teaching according to the level of the student; ways to maintain and develop our personal practice in the midst of service, and methods to prevent and cure burnout. We discuss service in terms of Guru devotion, karma, compassion, and emptiness, and how to draw strength, inspiration, wisdom, and guidance from these practices.
We use the Inner Job Description, a tool for developing what Lama Zopa Rinpoche calls the "inner professional" (read a teaching on the inner professional), and integrate the Dharma into our daily lives. The training includes group discussion and sharing of experiences, and includes daily meditations as well as group practice as advised by Lama Zopa Rinpoche.
Foundation Training in Compassionate Service follows A Practical Guide of Skillful Means, available through the Foundation Store.
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The training was pure immersion into the FPMT mandala. By the end, I was so energized my head was spinning with all sorts of Dharma aspirations! |  |
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–Foundation Training participant
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Inner Job Description Training
This two-day training examines FPMT's unique methods for approaching "problems" and numerous ways of using Dharma at work and in our personal lives. In addition, through group interaction and exercises, we apply the Inner Job Description to experiences brought by participants. Through presentation and group work, participants experience the benefits of integrating Dharma practice with real life situations.
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Rich, multilayered teachings were delivered with wit, compassion and wisdom. | |
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–Inner Job Description Training participants
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Foundation Training in Rituals
At the first Foundation Training in Rituals held at Kopan Monastery, Khenrinpoche Lama Lhundrup said: "Every major tradition has its own unique way of doing the mudra, the chant, and so forth, and that is always established by the master. Similarly, within the FPMT centers, establishing the tradition of performing rituals according to the instructions of Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche would be the most significant thing we could do. This will help the center and the whole organization to become special.”
The Foundation Training in Rituals Manual and MP3 disc is available through the Foundation Store.
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Rituals Training was very inspiring, making me want to practice these rituals. I understand their purpose much better now! | |
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–Rituals Training participant
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Spiritual Program Coordinator Training
Spiritual Program Coordinator Training assists SPCs in developing their skills in counseling, planning center programs, leading meditations and/or classes, and acting as a key player in the harmonious functioning of the center. Participants have both individual and group opportunities to practice the skill areas emphasized in this week-long training.Trainers
Amy has been serving FPMT as a consultant since 1998 and has been integral to the development and facilitation of service trainings for the organization. She has a PhD in Sociology, a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology, and over twenty years of counseling experience. In 2001, she founded Skillful Strategies, a business psychology and consulting firm that facilitates positive transformation in the workplace. Amy has been a serious Dharma student since 1997 and has attended a number of long retreats with Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche. Amy was also the partner and staff trainer for Gelatomania, a universal responsibility project for benefiting world peace in Santa Cruz, California.
Allys Andrews took refuge with Lama Yeshe in 1979 following a Kopan course. Over the last twenty-five years, she has been of service to Tara Institute, an FPMT center in Australia, as Members’ Representative, newsletter editor, and contributor. In addition, for the last twelve years she has coordinated the Schools’ Program; liaising with schools, developing program content and teaching secondary, primary, and tertiary students both at the centre and in schools, cafes, and universities. In 2002, Allys joined the Buddhist Council of Victoria Education Sub-Committee and took part in the initial working group to create and teach a curriculum and training for volunteers to teach Buddhist principles in primary schools. The training and curriculum has been accredited by the Victorian Department of Education and Training. Allys regularly teaches Introduction to Buddhist Meditation at Tara Institute and for the last three years has participated in a number of interfaith panels and discussions. Allys completed the SPC training course in 2002 and participated in the “Train the Trainer” program in conjunction with CPMT 2004.
For more information on FPMT Training Programs, write training@fpmt.org
