Our First Three Cups Monastic Teacher Training Program
SINI rejoices at having completed the first session in our new initiative, The Three Cups of Tea Teacher Training Program. Made possible through the generous support of the Khyentse Foundation and hosted at SINI January 10-17th, 2025, 33 monastics representing all four schools and joining us from throughout the Himalayan region, South India, Australia, and Germany gathered in Sarnath to learn from Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche and a cadre of global teacher trainers and professionals in an exploration of how to most effectively transmit the Dharma for a modern audience.
In the very village where the Buddha first turned the wheel of the Dharma so many centuries ago, we explored global and regional trends, changing cultural realities, and the challenges inherent in the role of the modern teacher.
A Pilot Program for the Future
Serving as a pilot program, efforts are now underway to collaborate with key monastic teachers in designing the program, to be offered to monasteries and institutions regionally and globally. Based upon several years of research and planning, the program was developed in collaboration with monastic stakeholders and experts in the field.
As part of a comprehensive assessment, monastery visits will be conducted to observe classrooms and engage with monastic teachers, gathering valuable insights to inform the program's development and ensure the continued relevance of future Buddhist education initiatives.
Building a Network of Educators
In addition to providing future teacher training at SINI, plans include sustaining and growing an online collaborative network of monastic teachers, conducting on-site training programs in monasteries, and developing a trainer of trainers model that will certify monastics to serve as the teachers for this important program.
The Field of Merit Documentary
The event was also filmed, and will be the focus of a documentary exploring the lives of teacher monastics. Entitled The Field of Merit, it is SINI's wish to offer a window into the aspirations and commitment offered by this most noble Sangha, a 2,500 year old institution that lies at the very heart of Buddhism.
As we witness profound suffering in our own communities as well as around the globe, the importance of ensuring the teachings are available to all beings ready to receive them remains ever clearer. SINI's heartfelt aspiration is to support and empower monastics to serve on the front line in this effort.
Three Cups Teacher Training Program - January 2025
