Read our Fall 2022 Newsletter

No one likes to suffer. That’s pretty universal among humans and animals, and so naturally we gravitate toward what feels good and push away what doesn’t feel good. Unfortunately, that very natural habit doesn’t solve the problem. Suffering always returns. The Buddha’s genius was that he did something very counterintuitive.

Sukhasiddhi board member and Children’s Librarian, Alicia shares her monthly book recommendations that explore the Buddhist themes of compassion, joy, and kindness.

The Kagyu school originated from the unconventional yogic traditions of the eighty-four Indian mahasiddhas or “Greatly Realized Ones.” The teachings in this lineage were passed from one master to another individually, each one weaving their own understanding of the practices as they pass the teachings on as a live stream of blessing.

In the past 10 days, more than 30 people were killed in 3 mass shooting incidents in New York, California, and Texas, and there were, no doubt, additional violent deaths during that time as well. It is hard to find the words to fully express the heartbreak, the outrage, the frustration that these and the many similar ongoing horrific tragedies give rise to. There is much work to be done individually and collectively in uprooting this level of violence and hatred. It is imperative that we find avenues of action rather than giving way to apathy and complacency.

Looking for some titles to bring along on your summer travels? We asked Sukhasiddhi board member and Children’s Librarian Alicia Bell if she would share some titles for young children and teens that explore the Buddhist themes of compassion, joy, and kindness.

In just one year, Susan Shannon’s Introduction to Buddhism Prison Ministry Course has spread into prisons in every state in the US! Participants have a choice to contemplate the integration questions included in each lesson or complete them and send them in for review and a certificate of completion. 

Alicia Bell has been a Sukhasiddhi practitioner for 16 years and currently serves on our Board of Directors. In this interview, Alicia shares her introduction to Buddhism and how she integrates her practice into life and over the course of her 30 years as a Children’s Librarian. Alicia also shares her favorite books on introducing children to Buddhism - a wonderful list that includes beloved authors Thich Naht Hahn, Jon Muth, Demi, and many others that inspire and share the dharma.

Lama Döndrup discusses the power of cultivating the four immeasurable states of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity.

There are four major Buddha days or "festivals" (düchen) in a year which relate to the life of Buddha Shakyamuni. During these four days, it is said that the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 100 million times, so positive thoughts, words and deeds are strongly encouraged. This year Chotrul Düchen, which highlights the end of Losar, will be celebrated on Friday, March 18th, 2022.  

This week, celebrate Chotrul Düchen, the first of four special Buddha Days. There are four major Buddha days or "Festivals" (düchen) in a year which relate to the life of Buddha Shakyamuni. During these four days, it is said that the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 100 million times, so positive thoughts, words and deeds are strongly encouraged. This year, Chotrul Düchen, which highlights the end of Losar, is celebrated on Friday, March 18th.

Like many religions, Buddhism inspired various paths of practice, philosophy, and ceremony. While there are many different lineages of Buddhism, the two main branches are Theravada and Mahayana. Vajrayana is part of the Mahayana.

Most people visit Hawaii for a vacation. But I was there for a different reason – to represent Sukhasiddhi Foundation at the request of Kalu Rinpoche, who invited each of his centers around the world to send someone to join him at Kagyu Thegchen Ling in Honolulu to offer prayers for his beloved colleague, Lama Karma Rinchen, who had passed away only a few weeks before Kalu Rinpoche arrived to begin in-person teachings on the first leg of his trip to the West in two years.