Facilitator in Training

Facilitator-in-training track

The 200-hour Intermediate Apprentice Level course that you’re currently engaged in is the second initiation in a four-year Bodhisattva training program. This training is designed to support the maturation and development of Bodhisattvas, preparing them for a wide range of altruistic service in the world.

For advancing students like yourself who demonstrate interest, commitment, and aptitude, the Facilitator-in-Training (FIT) track is available to apply for in the second half of Level 2 training, for activation in Level 3. Please note that this track is optional and not required to continue with your Bodhisattva training.

Key Highlights of the FIT Track:

• Application Process: Students can apply for the FIT track in the second half of Level 2.

• Training Focus: Includes additional pedagogy training in the Nine Stages of Maitreya and Insight/Emptiness practice.

• Practicum Experience: Facilitators-in-training will fulfill their practicum by supporting Novice students (Level 1) and Intermediate students (Level 2), gaining hands-on experience in guiding others in Shamatha (Calm Staying meditation) and Vipassana (Insight meditation).

• Four-Semester Format: The FIT training is conducted over four semesters. The first 2 semesters focuse on the Nine Stages of Maitreya teachings and how to unpack and teach them to Level 1 students. The second 2 semesters are dedicated to Insight/Emptiness practices. Please note that tuition fees are charged separately for each semester.

This approach allows students to deepen their practice while also developing the skills needed to facilitate the growth of others within our learning community.

Graduates of the FIT track will be eligible to join the Guild of Facilitators. Membership in the Guild will require students to have earned a certificate of completion in the FIT track, demonstrate an appropriate level of mastery of the content, and pay a reasonable yearly licensing fee. Membership in the Guild will offer a supportive network that provides access to materials, ongoing supervision, and will also allow graduates to display their credentials. Students who don’t want to be members of the Guild should not do the FIT program.

Graduates will have the opportunity to either:

• Work with Planetary Dharma (as further scaling dictates)

• Become a Licensed Affiliate

This structure is designed to ensure that facilitators are fully supported while maintaining the integrity and consistency of the teachings within the Planetary Dharma framework.

4-Level apprentice progression:

• Level 1: Novice

• Level 2: Intermediate

• Level 3: Senior - Bodhisattvaa Student | Facilitator-In-Training (emphasis on Nine Stages pedagogy)

• Level 4: Graduate - Bodhisattvaa Student | Facilitator-In-Training (emphasis on Insight/Essence pedagogy)

We encourage students to think of the 4-year training program as equivalent to earning a Bachelor’s certificate in spiritual practice. Beyond the initial 4 years, students will have the opportunity to engage in further phases of practice, which are likened to Master’s and PhD levels of training. These advanced phases will deepen your understanding and mastery of the teachings, enabling you to serve others.

The Planetary Dharma Apprentice Program curriculum offers an in-depth exploration of the principles underlying meditation, the interface of meditation with Western psychology, and the developmental processes of psychological individuation, soul initiation, and spiritual identification.

Please note that this is an emergent process, and as we dynamically steer the curriculum design, some of the content may shift, change, or evolve accordingly.

Join us for this extraordinary program and embark on a transformative journey through these levels of spiritual training!