2014 Yearlong Immersion & Instructor Training
The application fee is waived for applications received by December 1, 2013. Application form may be downloaded via this link.
This year-long program, developed and led by Senior Teacher and Founder Ethan Nichtern, is a rigorous cycle of discipline and study of the methods and principles of Secular Buddhism and its contemplative practices. Participants will learn individual and group meditation techniques, as well as Buddhist philosophical, psychological, and ethical foundations. The program includes six weekend immersion retreats, one-on-one direction from Ethan Nichtern, peer study groups and support, and admission to IDP Monday, Wednesday, and Sunday classes and weekend retreats.
IDP's year-long training has been a way for me to significantly deepen my practice without withdrawing from my day-to-day life. The training provided me with support for my home practice, challenging exchange in my study and the experience of love within a sangha of incredible folks walking the path together." - 2011 Immersion Trainee, Meredith Arena, coordinator, IDP Seattle
Listen to a Q&A Session on the Immersion Training at this link!
Objectives of IDP's Year-long Immersion
1) To enhance participants' personal understanding and practice of Buddhist principles and meditative disciplines. The immersion encourages students to make a commitment to their path, deepen their connection with the Buddhist teachings, and establish meditation practice as a life-long engagement.
2) To provide participants with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to apply contemplative and Buddhist principles to their livelihood, especially in professions such as teaching, mentoring, or the physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being of others. Immersion students will develop confidence and knowledge to frame the teachings in a secular manner that supports a wide range of contemporary fields.
3) To provide an opportunity for select participants to begin the path of teaching. Note that completion of the year-long immersion does not guarantee authorization to call oneself a Buddhist teacher or meditation instructor nor to teach and/or facilitate for IDP. Qualified students will be formally selected by Ethan Nichtern at the conclusion of the program and may be invited to begin working with IDP in this capacity. Those considering applying for this program are encouraged to approach the training with humility and the sincere desire to deepen their path as a student, recognizing that being a great student is the very essence of becoming a good teacher.
Information for Applicants
Tuition: The total cost of the program $1500, exclusive of reading materials and year-end teacher's gift. Tuition is payable upon acceptance into the program. Payments may be made in installments but must be agreed upon prior to beginning the program. Please email kim@theidproject.org for details. There are a few discounted Work-Study Positions available, which will be awarded based upon both financial need and IDP involvement. You must apply by December 1st to be eligible for consideration for one of the Work-Study Positions.
Application Requirements: Must be fulfilled on or before June 30, 2014
• Membership in The Interdependence Project (Global Membership or above)
• A regular meditation practice of at least two years, preferably longer
• 40 hours or more of Secular Buddhist Studies classes attended at IDP or via study-at-home
• Four Weekend Retreats attended at IDP or elsewhere
• One or more week-long residential meditation retreat in a recognized practice lineage
• Two brief letters of recommendation:
• From an IDP community member, teacher, or leader, other than Ethan Nichtern
• A personal letter of reference from a non-IDP mentor or teacher
• Completion and submission of the http://www.theidproject.org/sites/default/files/2013 Immersion Application_0.pdf">downloadable application and supporting documents no later than January 15, 2013
• Payment of a $40 non-refundable application fee, if submitted after December 1, 2012
Alternative credit will be considered for the above requirements. Please email kim@theidproject.org with inquiries.
Program Requirements
- Mandatory attendance at six weekend retreats beginning February 2013 and proceeding through December 2013
- Two hour-long one-on-one sessions with Ethan.
- Significant reading, homework, and weekly practice requirements.
- A final essay comparing the teaching styles of two Buddhist/mindfulness teachers from a pedagogical and experiential standpoint.
- Six hours of leadership service at IDP (e.g. teaching assistant, retreat coordinator, special event coordinator, meditation facilitator).
- Participants are encouraged to regularly attend IDP classes on Monday and Wednesday evenings, the fee for which is included in tuition.
Testimonials from Graduates of the Year-long Immersion Training
"As a yoga teacher, I have been in quite a few training programs. IDP's year-long immersion has been an incredible experience in personal growth in that I am constantly challenged to step outside my comfort zone and not 'cling to the shore.' Integrating Buddhist studies with daily meditation practice has been an invaluable part of my life. The most important part of this whole process is that you are on this journey with loving, supportive, and super fun friends. " - Kim Stetz, Yoga Teacher and Holistic Health Coach
"Even if you have no desire to teach, I cannot say enough about how amazing this program is. It has profoundly changed my relationship to my practice." - Nomi Kleinman, Assistant Professor, Textile/Surface Design at Fashion Institute of Technology
"This program has enabled me to devise, structure, and present a dharma talk more effectively than I was able to in the past. The emphasis on peer feedback and mutual support is invaluable. There isn't anything else quite like the IDP year-long instructor training program anywhere in the world and I consider myself very lucky to have been a part of it." - Lawrence Grecco, Zen Buddhist monk, Life Coach, and IDP teacher
