All accepted MMTCP students complete two foundational experiences before the program begins. These prerequisites ensure everyone starts with shared grounding in the practices you'll be learning to teach.
1. The Power of Awareness Online Course
This 21-hour self-paced course, created and taught by Jack and Tara, provides essential training in developing and sustaining a daily awareness practice. It's the foundation for everything you'll learn in MMTCP and ensures all students begin with shared core teachings.
2. One Qualifying Silent Meditation Retreat
Jack and Tara want to ensure all students share the experience of an extended silent retreat grounded in vipassana (Insight meditation) practices. This silent form of retreat builds a depth of concentration and mindfulness that is uniquely powerful and transformative.
Choose one format:
- In-person: 5-day/4-night residential retreat at a meditation center
- Online: 5-day/4-night retreat
Important notes about retreat requirements:
- Must be held in silence (except during teaching sessions)
- Must be in the vipassana or Insight meditation tradition
- Does NOT include: Goenka retreats, MBSR/MBCT programs, Tibetan Buddhism retreats, Thich Nhat Hanh retreats, yoga retreats, or other contemplative traditions (while valuable, these don't meet the specific Insight meditation requirement)
Can I Apply Before Completing Prerequisites?
Yes! You can—and should—apply even if you haven't completed The Power of Awareness or your silent retreat yet. If accepted, you'll have until January 31, 2027, to fulfill both requirements.
We encourage you to begin working on prerequisites as soon as you're accepted to maximize your preparation time and ease the transition into the program.
Questions?
We’re here to help. Connect with our admissions team and we'll support you in exploring your path forward.