NEW! Mahamudra Program
This program will progressively bring participants to the realization of their true nature-their Buddha or awakened nature that is the ultimate truth of who we are, and what is the nature of reality, awareness-emptiness. In all schools of Buddhism there are what are called The Two Truths, the Ultimate Truth and the Apparent or Relative Truth. It is realizing the Ultimate Truth that sets us free and brings us into our awakened nature. On the path we also cultivate skillful means, loving kindness and compassion in relating the Apparent Truth.
Mahamudra is a step-by-step path through Samatha, or Calm Abiding, and Vipashyana, or Insight, that very skillfully allows us, through our direct experience, to experience what the great sages teach about. There will be some didactic teachings, much guided meditation, and one on one process with Lama Palden in order for deeper understanding and realization to occur.
This program runs for two years, and consists of two in person non-residential Six Day Retreats, and four hybrid (either in person or on Zoom) weekends. Retreats will be held at Wisdom River Center in Novato, California.
This program is appropriate for those who have a meditation background, and have, or want to have, a daily meditation practice. It is appropriate for advanced as well as less experienced students.
Dates
6-day retreats in person: October 6- 11, 2025 & April 6 - 11, 2026
Weekend retreats: December 6-7, 2025, February 7-8, 2026, June 13-14, 2026, August 8-9, 2026
Prerequisites
Applicants should have meditation and retreat experience and be willing to commit to a daily meditation practice.
Program Fee
$3275 per year; payment plans will be available. Travel and lodging are not included. Costs for prayer books, song books or empowerments are paid for separately.
Deadline
The deadline to apply is September 28, 2025.
Applicants new to the Sukhasiddhi Foundation will also be interviewed by Lama Palden. 
Photo Credit: Suzanne Christine
About the Teacher
Lama Palden Drolma was authorized as a lama in 1986 by Khabje Kalu Rinpoche following her three-year retreat in 1985 and has been teaching since that time. She founded Sukhasiddhi Foundation for the practice and study of Buddha Dharma in 1996. Her primary teacher was Kalu Rinpoche, although she has studied and received transmissions from HH Karmapa the 16 th , Bokar Rinpoche, Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche, Tai Situ Rinpoche, Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Dezchung Rinpoche, and Dudjom Rinpoche, as well as with the Dalai Lama. In Bhutan in the late 70s and early 80s she was fortunate to spend a great deal of time with Drubthob Thangtong Gyalpo. Lama Palden has also worked for years as a licensed psychotherapist, additionally training and teaching the Diamond Logos tradition.