From September 23 to 26, 2026, Kalachakra Centre in Saint-Cosme, France, hosted a Teacher Development Service Seminar (TDSS) bringing together sixteen participants for four days of learning, reflection, and connection. Facilitated by senior Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) teachers Andy Wistreich and Annelies van der Heijden, the seminar was supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who helped foster a warm, supportive, and engaging learning environment.

2026 TDSS Students and facilitators Kalachakra Centre September 2026. Photo courtesy of  Kalachakra Centre’s Facebook page.

The success of this TDSS was made possible through the expertise, guidance, and dedication of senior facilitators Andy and Annelies. We extend our gratitude to both for their thoughtful leadership and commitment to supporting participants. This seminar also provided a valuable training opportunity for emerging facilitators. We welcome Ven. Thubten Jamyang and Ven. Tenzin Palmo as they prepare to lead future TDSS.

The 2026 TDSS marked a new phase in training and support for registered teachers, prospective teachers, facilitators, and meditation leaders across the FPMT network. Designed to accommodate diverse schedules while preserving the depth and warmth of in-person connection, the seminar, used a three-part learning format:

1. Pre-seminar online modules: Through the Maitripa online platform, participants could engage in self-paced foundational study delivered by Ven. Yonten and Namdrol Adams. Core topics included the ethical qualities and discipline of a Dharma teacher, adult learning styles, trauma-informed pedagogy, and inclusive facilitation practices.
2. In-person residential seminar: Held over four days at the peaceful Kalachakra Retreat Center, the residential gathering offered immersive discussions, peer sharing, and hands-on practicum sessions focused on practical teaching application.
3. Post-seminar reflection: A final integrative module encouraged ongoing reflection, journaling, and goal setting, helping participants carry their learning forward into their teaching environments.

Beyond developing practical teaching skills, the seminar created meaningful opportunities for teachers and students to connect, share personal reflections, learn from one another, and build lasting relationships with peers across the FPMT community.

2026 TDSS Students and facilitators Kalachakra Centre September 2026. Photo courtesy of  Kalachakra Centre’s Facebook page.

Ven. Tenzin Palmo shared: 

“The TDSS brought together a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and with varied experiences—both ordained and lay—all united by an interest in teaching and sharing the Dharma through effective approaches … we explored the nuances of helpful versus unhelpful teacher qualities, alongside different teaching and learning styles. Through interactive pair and group discussions, we formulated ideas, shared insights, and received feedback in a safe, supportive environment. Throughout the program, we were encouraged to view every activity through a dual lens: participate while evaluating each technique for our future facilitation toolkits.

“A full day spent designing an introductory Buddhist course highlighted the complexity of curriculum planning. It revealed a wide range of approaches, as well as the joys and challenges of small-group collaboration. On the final day, an emergent dialogue on ‘what we can do in a world that is falling apart’ brought challenging reflections, yet left us with a sense of hope and togetherness. At the start, we were cautioned that we might not leave with answers to every question—but we left with plenty of food for thought and a rich network of new connections.”

Ven. Lobsang Gyaltsen shared:

“I think I can safely say that there was a sense of connection between us, and it felt supportive. We heard new approaches that some of us will probably use in our future teaching. For example, we learned to build a course together, which many of us had never done before. It was challenging for some, but in the end everyone found a way to work together, and the results were very good. There were older teachers, newer ones, and aspiring teachers, and each of us could take something helpful from wherever we were.

“One benefit is that teachers come together, share, and learn from one another, which can help us find better ways to present the Dharma to Western audiences. I think learning to collaborate is very beneficial; it also brings mutual respect, humility, and more wisdom. Because the TDSS asks how we can share the Dharma effectively, it creates a special space to explore that question. As teachers, we can get caught in our habits and don’t always take the time to think deeply about these questions, so the seminar opens a window to do so. For new teachers, it can be very supportive, giving them methods to develop their teaching skills. For more experienced teachers, it offers new approaches and a chance to share with peers. Older teachers can share their experience, and newer teachers can bring fresh perspectives.”

Participant Josep Manresa commented: 

“After this seminar, I will no longer feel alone when preparing courses, teaching them, or sharing the Dharma… because I will carry with me the inspiration, the tools, the skills, the humanity, the kindness, and all the other richness that we have shared during these four days at the Saint-Cosme Kalachakra Center. I will no longer feel alone because I now know that there are other people like me who are also engaged in preparing courses, teaching them and who care about finding the best way to share the Dharma.”

Participant Tahlia Lin said:

“Annelies and Andy guided us with the utmost care, wisdom, and professional expertise. We explored many key concepts related to teaching and sharing the Dharma within the FPMT framework. Through group discussions, course planning exercises, and the development of essential soft skills for “holding the space” for students, we gained a wealth of practical tools and insights. Participants openly shared their ideas, experiences, and perspectives, which greatly enriched the learning process for everyone. I left the training with renewed motivation, greater confidence, and a very joyful mind.”

Read here to find out more about either hosting or attending a Teacher Development Service Seminar or email the FPMT Service Seminar Coordinator on  fpmtss@fpmt.org

With gratitude to the entire TDSS team led by Wendy Ridley for their tremendous efforts in organizing this seminar.

Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), is a Tibetan Buddhist organization dedicated to the transmission of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition and values worldwide through teaching, meditation and community service.