This training is designed to meet the growing demand for NYZC’s clinically-based education and to ensure that this transformative experience is available for generations to come. Trainees will receive extensive mentoring and support as they develop their teaching skills, deepen their Zen practice and realize their vision to become part of NYZC’s educational leadership.
Held as an act of generosity and equanimity, contemplative practice allows the educator to share that which has benefited their life, and in doing so, deepens their understanding of the dharma, inspiring an integrated life of compassion and wisdom. This calling, held with virtue, integrity and compassion, is a sacred trust.
There are two phases of training. In the first three years participants serve as Contemplative Care Mentors and in the following two years, they may begin to practice as a Contemplative Care Educator.
Individuals cannot apply to be a Contemplative Care Mentor or Educator. NYZC’s teachers will recommend candidates, identifying those whom they believe have a steady Zen practice and the needed maturity and a temperament for teaching Contemplative Care.
A Contemplative Care Mentor is an active Formal Zen Student of the NYZC Guiding Teachers community who practices meditation with the sangha on a weekly basis, sits most half-day monthly retreats, has participated in the Foundations in Contemplative Care Training and CPE and is engaged with care at the bedside. They attend NYZC’s fall Contemplative Care Retreat and the January Winter Sesshin. They meet for supervision twice a month with their teacher, assist in teaching Foundations and mentor Foundations students.
A Contemplative Care Educator is a active Formal Zen Student of the NYZC community, who has completed at least three years as a Mentor, expresses their commitment through participation in weekly community meditation practice, sits most half-day monthly retreats, and teaches the clinical aspects of contemplative care. They attend NYZC’s fall Contemplative Care Retreat and the January Winter Sesshin, work closely with the Guiding Teachers and have bi-monthly supervisions.
Contemplative Care Educators will receive an honorarium or salary (depending)
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