DHARMA DEEP DIVE

Dharma Deep Dive (formerly Sukhasiddhi Sundays) is an opportunity for both new and experienced practitioners to come together in the community, exploring the principles of Vajrayana Buddhism through meditation, inquiry, and discussion.

**PLEASE NOTE**
Our series structure offers two six week courses, outlined below. You may sign up for one course or both.

Each live session includes meditation, inquiry and discussion, and guidance for how to allow the teachings to steep in your experience between classes, becoming a lived understanding.

COURSE ONE

Topic: Calm Abiding in Turbulent Times: 9 Stages of Shamatha + Green Tara Practice

Dates:
Sundays | September 15, 22, 29 & October 6, 13, 20

Location:
In-person located at our new center (7110 Redwood Blvd, Suite B., Novato, CA) or online via Zoom.

Time:
8:30 AM - 11 AM PDT

8:30 - 10 AM: Nine Stages of Shamatha
10:15 - 11 AM: Green Tara Practice

We are living in a divisive and volatile time as there is much uncertainty in our political and social environments. The fundamental practice that can support us in skillfully navigating these complexities and contributing to this unfolding in a beneficial way is calm abiding (shamatha) practice. 

Shamatha practice is  our fundamental means of learning how to rest unwavering in the present moment regardless of what is arising externally or internally. This stabilization provides the grounding and equanimity that allows us to remember our deepest intentions and to access our wisdom and compassion so that we can consciously respond to all circumstances rather than reacting in habitual ways.

The Nine Stages of Shamatha provides structure and context for our calm abiding practice. It is a map of the progression of shamatha that provides very specific means to gauge where we are in our development. It provides helpful feedback and serves to inspire us to persevere in learning to stabilize our mind and find a grounded and still place of resting while we navigate the tides of these complex times. 

In this class series, Lama Döndrup will present the Nine Stages of Shamatha as well as the factors that impede our shamatha and the factors that enhance its development. This will be an experiential class with time for questions and discussion.

Fee:
$225 course fee
$185 (base)
$175 (Sukhasiddhi member)
$300 (benefactor)

The deadline to register is Saturday, September 14 at 12 PM (Pacific).

**Please Note: This Dharma Deep Dive class series is included in the Dharma Training Program as part of the curriculum. If you are already enrolled in DTP, you do not need to register separately for this series. 
**Please Note: This Dharma Deep Dive class series is NOT included in the Bodhi Program. If you are enrolled in Bodhi and are interested in this series, you will need to register separately.

COURSE TWO

Topic: Compassionately Navigating Turbulent Times: Point 7 of Mind Training + Tonglen Practice

Dates:
Sundays | September 15, 22, 29 & October 6, 13, 20

Location:
In-person located at our new center (7110 Redwood Blvd, Suite B., Novato, CA) or online via Zoom.

Time:
11:15 AM - 1:30 PM PDT

The Seven Point Mind Training, or Lojong, is a practice that is central to the bodhisattva path in which we train our minds to respond to daily circumstances with wisdom and compassion through the use of short, impactful aphorisms. These phrases help us to embrace every aspect of our experience and to recognize adversity as a means for spiritual development by prompting reflection, encouraging altruism, patience, and the dissolution of self-centeredness. They serve as practical reminders to infuse every moment with compassion, develop resilience in challenging situations, and foster a mindset dedicated to the well-being of all beings. 

This year-long exploration of the lojong teachings is an excellent opportunity to focus on integrated these teachings into our daily lives. The Fall class series will be focused on Point 7 which provides guidance for navigating the complexities of these uncertain and divisive times with a heart and mind that are imbued with bodhicitta, understanding, and wisdom. Each class will include Tonglen meditation, teachings, experiential exercises, and opportunity for discussion and integration. 

Tonglen is a practice of taking and sending that helps us to our hearts and recognize our interconnection with all beings, through taking the suffering of others, transforming it, and sending love and compassion in return. It is closely associated with the Mind Training teachings and helps us to recognize the vast capacity of our heart to hold the suffering of the world in compassion.

Fee:
$225 course fee
$185 (base)
$175 (Sukhasiddhi member)
$300 (benefactor) 

The deadline to register is Saturday, September 14 at 12 PM (Pacific).

**Please Note: This Dharma Deep Dive class series is included in the Bhodi Training Program as part of the curriculum. If you are already enrolled in Bodhi, you do not need to register separately for this series. 
**Please Note: This Dharma Deep Dive class series is NOT included in the Dharma Training Program. If you are enrolled in DTP and are interested in this series, you will need to register separately.

Vajrayana Buddhism has an empowering and profound view of the true nature of reality, and many methods for deepening one's understanding and realization of true nature. Sukhasiddhi classes offer teachings on Buddhist principles, topics, texts, views of reality, methods, and practices which help to integrate the teachings.

PLEASE NOTE:

For Those on Zoom
We request you be fully present with Zoom video on for classes and trainings. This is an opportunity for the lamas and teachers to connect with you. If this is not possible, please let the registrar or teacher know.

For Those in Person
Sukhasiddhi Foundation maintains a fragrance-free environment. Please do not use any scented lotions, colognes, aftershave, shampoo, etc. while attending Sukhasiddhi events. Thank you for your consideration.

MEET THE TEACHER

Lama Döndrup has been practicing and studying in the Buddhist tradition since the mid-1990’s. After five years of Theravadin Buddhist training, she immersed herself in the teachings and practices of the Shangpa and Kagyu Vajrayana lineages. In 2005, she completed a traditional three-year retreat under the guidance of Lama Palden and Lama Drupgyu with the blessing of her root guru, Bokar Rinpoche and was authorized as a lama. Upon her return to Marin County, she began teaching at Sukhasiddhi Foundation. In January 2020, as Lama Palden’s successor, she stepped into the role of Resident Lama, guiding the Center’s ministerial work.

Lama Döndrup’s teaching style is thorough and clear yet with light touch as she supports the natural unfolding of each student’s innate wisdom and compassion. She aims to preserve the authenticity of the tradition while making the teachings and practices relevant and accessible to the lives of 21st century Westerners. In addition to her Buddhist practice, Lama Döndrup trained the Ridhwan School’s Diamond Approach for seven years and has a Masters of Fine Arts degree in piano performance. She is an active classical pianist and teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area.