DHARMA TRAINING PROGRAM

The Dharma Training Program explores the principles and practices foundational to Vajrayana Tibetan Buddhism, offering an opportunity to deepen dharma practice and develop an integrated spiritual practice designed for modern-day life. The program can be accessed from anywhere--all aspects of the program are online. We cultivate a space of inclusivity and welcome everyone to apply. 

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Fall Module: SUNDAYS | September - November 2024

Dharma Training Program Information

Program Features:

  • Support from a community of students in the program

  • Experiential 6-week Dharma Deep Dive* series into Buddha's teachings

  • One-on-one consultation and guidance with Lama Döndrup

  • Real-world application with Rev. Susan Shannon's Awake in the World* series

  • Online access for all programming, with all classes recorded

Location:
In-Person** at our Center located in Novato, CA & Online - Available through Zoom 

**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. 

Deadline:
September 1, 2024

Fees:
General Program Fee - $425

Application Process:
The process begins with the completion of your online application. Once we receive your application, Lama Döndrup will review it and contact you if she has any questions. We will notify you of your acceptance into the program within 2-3 weeks.

*Those accepted into the DTP program will automatically be enrolled into the Dharma Deep Dive Course 1 and Awake in the World Course 1 as part of their training program. No need to apply separately.

Step onto the pathway of deeper practice

Deepen your dharma practice & develop an integrated spiritual discipline designed for modern day life.

Gain wisdom and relevance through deep study of authentic teachings

Designed to optimize a spiritual deep dive while allowing flexibility

One-on-one consult and guidance with Lama Döndrup

Practice and explore the teachings within a supportive community

Gain an experiential understanding of the foundational teachings of the Vajrayana tradition

3-Month Program Module includes:

  • Kick-off Orientation and Teaching Session – 4 hours
  • Dharma Deep Dive (formerly Sukhasiddhi Sunday) class series: six weeks of dharma teachings and meditation practice.- 3.5 hours each week - learn more here.
  • Awake in the World classes with specific teaching and practice - 2 hours per week - learn more here.
  • One individual consultation with Lama Döndrup (Two consultations for first-time participants)

“I Feel A Deep Resonance Inside Myself”

Pyschotherapist Alex Graham shares his experience in our Dharma Training Program.

Dharma Training Program Overview

  • INTEGRATE your spiritual practice into everyday life

  • EXPERIENCE the teachings’ wisdom and relevance

  • MAINTAIN flexibility of everyday commitments 

  • DEVELOP a consistent meditation practice

  • LEARN a specific meditation practice

Completion of the Dharma Training Program takes place once you have met the curriculum requirements (see full list below).

Once completed, you can apply for participation in the next program of study at Sukhasiddhi, or continue to participate in DTP and other offerings as desired.

Dharma Training Program Curriculum

Students learn the following practices and foundational teachings.

  • Shamatha (calm abiding practice) develops concentration and allows a practitioner to disidentify with the constant stream of discursive thought and develop an internal place where one can peacefully abide while navigating and fully engaging with the ups and downs of daily life.

  • The basis of practice and support in Vajrayana Buddhism is the taking of the refuge vow. Within the Mahayana, of which the Vajrayana is a part, one takes refuge from now until full and complete awakening in the Three Jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Noble Sangha. In addition, in Vajrayana one also takes refuge in one’s Lama and lineage, the Yidams, Dakinis and Protectors. It is understood that these objects of refuge support, guide and reflect our true nature to us, providing a bridge to our true nature and inner wisdom, which in actuality we have never been separate from but don’t usually recognize.

  • At Sukhasiddhi, the first yidam meditation practices are usually Green Tara and Chenrezig, a female and a male embodiment of awakened compassion, respectively. Students may learn the practices in either or both Tibetan and English and receive the empowerments and teachings. These practices further develop shamatha (calm abiding), vipashyana (insight), and bodhicitta (awakened mind that inherently benefits others). They are the gateway into the profound blessing and technology of Vajrayana, which provides a method that helps us to awaken to our innate awakened qualities and recognize the sacred in every aspect of our daily lives.

  • Correct posture is critical to maximizing the effectiveness of meditation. Breathing practices consciously unite body and mind, which facilitates the deepening of calm abiding and realization. On the level of the subtle body, they help to straighten the channels (Sanskrit: nadi; Tibetan: tsa) and allow the prana (energy or wind principle, Sanskrit: prana; Tibetan: lung) to flow properly. 

    Posture and simple breathing instructions are provided at the start of most meditations. The breathing technique taught in the DTP is the basis for the breathing techniques which are further developed at each level of practice and study in our Depth Practice Programs.

  • Lujong, a form of Tibetan yoga, straightens the subtle channels, promotes healthy circulation of prana, and increases vitality, strength and body/mind flexibility. This work with the subtle or vajra body facilitates realization of our true nature. Lujong instructions will be offered from an authorized teacher.

  • Sukhasiddhi emphasizes the value of living a balanced life that includes physical exercise, psychological well-being, healthy and satisfying relationships, meaningful work, service and spiritual development. This is an area of focus that unfolds in the context of interviews with Lama Döndrup and is woven through all teachings and practices at Sukhasiddhi Foundation.

    • The Four Noble Truths

    • Study of the Buddha’s Life, Motivation and Intention

    • Eight Worldly Dharmas

    • Four Immeasurables

    • Six Paramitas

    • Five Aggregates

    • Eight Consciousnesses

    • 12 Links of Dependent Origination

    • Karma

    • Teacher-Student Relationship

    • Introduction to the Bodhisattva Path

MEET THE TEACHER

Lama Döndrup oversees the curriculum and offerings at Sukhasiddhi, in collaboration with the lamas and dharma leaders on the teachers council.

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 Master of Fine Arts degree in piano performance. She is an active classical pianist and teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area.