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.