In the moment when we are born, we do not immediately leap to our feet and run. It takes months of awareness, instruction, and physical and mental growth before we are ready to take our first steps. It is a similar process while walking our spiritual path toward Nirvana. According to the texts of Theravada Buddhism, Buddha recognized four distinct levels of realization we will go through before we reach Nirvana. Each of these levels
Introducing Dharma Off the Cushion, a series of evening talks that explore the diverse ways Buddhist practitioners engaged in making a difference in the world. A truly inspiring series and a benefit for Sukhasiddhi Foundation.
Do holidays bring as much stress as joy? Here are four simple steps to managing holiday overload when it starts to create worry and anxiety, during the holidays or any time.
Kalu Rinpoche made a last-minute visit to Sukhasiddhi on November 11 and gave a wonderful talk from his personal experience as a dharma practioner. In this blog are Lama Palden's reflections on the visit. The recordings and transcript are here. KALU RINPOCHE gave us only four days notice when he decided to come to the center after he finished touring his original centers in North America. There were about 150 people who came to see
from Lama Palden In America and in the west in general, we are exposed to many different spiritual traditions, not only our own Judea-Christian traditions, but also the traditions of Islam, all of the different traditions of Buddhism plus an immense variety of other eastern and indigenous spiritual traditions and disciplines. This is an incredible opportunity and time that we are living in right now, an opportunity to touch into so many traditions, to read
We get so caught up in our suffering and neurotic stuff, but there’s so much joy in the path of liberation and transformation when we unwind these patterns and feel the core of who we truly are. I feel more and more that what they say is true— Buddhism is like finding a jewel in a pile of trash on the road. This is how it really is.
For the month of August, a group of senior Sukhasiddhi students in the lineage program are doing intensive White Tara practice in silent retreat. In this interview, Sandy Shelton, one of the organizers of this retreat, about the choice of White Tara practice and the power of doing a long spell of concentrated practice. Tell us a little about what led you to put together this retreat. Last August, a small group of us did
Jane Brunette has taught meditation and writing internationally, and has been practicing Tibetan Buddhism for many years. She offers the following guide to using writing as a spiritual practice. Jane will be leading a writing daylong on September 30th at Sukhasiddhi. WRITING can be a powerful spiritual practice, helping us to integrate our active mind with the mind of meditation. By using it as a process of inquiry, it can also help us
As people on the spiritual path it is imperative that we not only hold the awakened ones and our teachers with honor and appreciation, but we need to relate to ourselves, each other, animals, our earth mother and all that is with reverence, kindness and love. This can start from the inside out with they way we treat ourselves and those close to us. We can bring a sense of openness, kindness and patience to
