There are two prerequisites that admitted students will need to complete prior to the start of the program in February 2021.
- The Power of Awareness online course by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach
If you have not completed this requirement and you are accepted on contingency, you will be sent information on how to complete the course before February 2021. - One meditation retreat that meets the following criteria:
- a minimum of 6 nights in residence
- held in noble silence
- taught in Vipassana, Insight Meditation, or Goenka* traditions
To help you fulfill this requirement, Sounds True offers two qualifying retreats per year taught by MMTCP mentors. We will also provide a list of qualifying retreat centers and options around the globe for you to explore. If you are accepted, you will receive information about the qualifying retreats in your acceptance letter.
If there are any questions as to whether the retreat you are considering or have attended in the past meets the requirement, please list the retreat below. We are happy to review the details to ensure they meet the criteria.
Retreats that most often will meet the prerequisite requirements will be offered by Spirit Rock Meditation Center, Insight Meditation Community of Washington, Insight Meditation Society, Insight Retreat Center, Cloud Mountain Retreat Center, or a Goenka 10-day retreat, which is offered in many countries. Qualifying retreats are also hosted by Sounds True in April and October 2020.
If you have not completed a qualifying silent retreat and are unsure if you will be able to attend a retreat before the program begins in Feb 2021, please continue to submit your application. Highly qualified applicants with special circumstances may be accepted upon contingency and given an extension to complete the retreat requirement by January 2022. Please continue your application and let us know your circumstances.
Note: Due to the spread of COVID-19 and the resulting event closures worldwide, we will be extending the deadline to complete the retreat prerequisite. Please do not worry if you are unable to complete the silent retreat by February 2021. We will be monitoring the situation and will make sure applicants have a reasonable amount of time to complete this prerequisite.
*If you are considering a Goenka retreat, please be advised that the Goenka meditation centers are led by very set rules and guidelines and follow one powerful form of Vipassana or mindfulness training primarily based on awareness of sensations. This style is perhaps not as appropriate for those with much trauma or who want an emphasis on lovingkindness. Please be sure you thoroughly research the center and become familiar with their rules before attending a retreat at their center. You may download a copy of the Goenka Code of Discipline in Adobe Acrobat format here for careful reading and review before you register for a course.