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!

Winter Module: SUNDAYS | January - March 2025

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:
January 5, 2025

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.

Kelli, North Carolina:

“Calling all sojourners on a spiritual path with no clear direction: Sukhasiddhi’s Dharma Training Program is for you! You will join a loving, supportive sangha, guided by Lama Dondrup - an embodiment of Loving-Kindness and Compassionate Wisdom to accompany you in your endeavors. She is my perfect teacher.

It does not matter where you live, where you come from, or what your background is, Sukhasiddhi provides a practical, logical sequence of Dharma exploration classes. Dharma Deep Dive is what it says - I often felt that I had jumped into the deep ocean of Dharma, a stream of consciousness, life, and light. Let go of your egoic grasp for intellectual knowledge and experience the dawn of a new understanding of reality. It is life-changing.”

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.

What Our Participants Are Saying

  • I enjoy every aspect of learning and practicing the dharma in the Dharma Training Program at Sukhasiddhi. Lama Dondrup offers the teachings in a very organized manner, and always with keen insights and a heartfelt presence, all of which enhances my acquisition of the material. The chance to meet one-on-one with Lama Dondrup after each course is an invaluable opportunity to further integrate the teachings because it allows me to discuss course content as it relates to me personally. It is a very special feature of attending classes at Sukhasiddhi. With much gratitude, I can say that my study of the dharma and engagement with related meditation practices in the Dharma Training Program has most definitely made a positive impact on who I am and how I show up in the world.

    Jonathan, New York City

  • I have studied with many teachers over my 22 years of practice. Lama Dondrup is a real gem. My practice and myself have benefited greatly from her practical and heartfelt teaching. Her instructions are crystal clear and it is obvious through her style of teaching that she embodies what she teaches. Lama Dondrup has helped me steady and advance my practice on the cushion, but more importantly she has helped me carry my practice with more integrity into my day-to-day life. What more can you ask for?! She and the Sukhasiddhi sangha are warm, approachable, and down to Earth, which I appreciate as an online newcomer to the community. I felt welcome from day 1 and look forward to continuing my studies with Sukhasiddhi. Susan is also a wonderful teacher and her classes are a true joy for beginners as well as the more seasoned practitioner.

    Cherie, Utah

  • This program is not only a rich exploration of Buddhist teachings, it is the beginning of the journey to heal our broken- heartedness, altogether with the heart of the world and all of her beings. DTP is not just about Buddhist studies - it is a path of true healing. As we all know, so many people are looking for profound healing in all sorts of ways. From my personal experience speaking with people, it is not readily evident that Buddhism, especially when offered by skillful teachers, can be the healing path to quiet that constant searching for the next thing that could help.

    Laura, Boulder Creek, CA

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.