Sukhasiddhi Foundation: Vision and Mission

The Sukhasiddhi Foundation is dedicated to teaching the practice and philosophy of Vajrayana Buddhism, which comes to us in an unbroken stream directly through our teachers’ lineages from the Buddha.

The meditations of Vajrayana and Mahamudra encourage wise action, compassion and loving kindness. Based on such intentions and practice, our ordinary efforts in our ordinary roles as friends, parents, partners, workers can bring increased happiness, greater fulfillment and, ultimately, awakening.

Sukhasiddhi Foundation stresses the importance of including the intellectual, psychological and spiritual parts of ourselves, so that we do not, by isolating the latter, short-circuit the integration process. On the contrary, our practice should empower us to unwind unhealthy habitual patterns. This allows for the healing and unifying of body, speech and mind, which in turn supports the awakening process. Sukhasiddhi Foundation's philosophy purports that the ultimate guru is within and that we unveil this through sincere practice with authentic teachings and wise guidance. Gradually we grow stronger, more self-reliant and confident, increasingly in touch with our own inner wisdom.

At Sukhasiddhi practice flourishes in a non-authoritarian environment of support, respect and friendship. Together as a sangha, we explore the living current of truth embodied in these precious ancient teachings.

The Sukhasiddhi Mandala

At Sukhasiddhi, students are introduced to a broad territory of teachings. This Mandala provides a map of these progressive steps. As one proceeds, one's understanding gradually deepens. Over time, a student's personal optimal level will become apparent to both herself and her teacher. This decision is not a judgment or comparison. It is simply a matter of what is most appropriate for the particular practitioner's life and development.

Although the Mandala is presented in a linear and hierarchical form, spiritual work is not experienced in a linear or hierarchical way, and this is especially true in Vajrayana. In the end, the Mandala is traversed more as a circular spiral than as a straight line. We all circle through all the steps multiple times.

It is also traditional for a student who finds a special connection to one practice, to rely on that practice for as long as it is useful. Many Tibetans simply perform one practice for their entire life. This seemingly narrower way (decided upon with one's teacher) has been found to be just as effective in reaching high levels of spiritual realization as a broader one, inclusive of many practices. The only criteria of consequence at Sukhasiddhi is whether one is moving closer to true nature, experienced over time as a sense of increased happiness, well being, loving kindness and compassion.

Gates to the Mandala

Seekers (those wishing to explore Sukhasiddhi's teachers, the Vajrayana and Mahamudra teachings and the Sukhasiddhi sangha to ascertain its "fit") initially enter Sukhasiddhi through one of four gates:

Buddhist Gate: Students may come to Sukhasiddhi from another Buddhist tradition or Vajrayana lineage. Or, one may be a long-time Buddhist practitioner of another school or of a Tibetan master and wish to experience the same wisdom from a person of one's own culture or gender. Or, if one's other teacher(s) are only infrequently available, one may join Sukhasiddhi for ongoing support and guidance, while continuing to deepen his or her connection with their primary teacher.

Eastern Gate: Students may come to Sukhasiddhi inspired by Eastern religion and philosophy, hatha yoga or a martial art.

Personal Gate: Students may come to Sukhasiddhi seeking self-help, to reduce stress, reactivity or to enhance general life-management skills.

Western Gate: Students may come to Sukhasiddhi wishing to augment a Sufi, Jewish or Christian contemplative practice. Or, they may be students of Western philosophy wanting to study and practice in Buddhism.

Entering the Sukhasiddhi Mandala does not mean leaving behind other traditions. Engaging in Buddhist practice and philosophy can serve to deepen and develop understanding in one's primary tradition.

Students may study for a time at Sukhasiddhi and return, enriched, to their own tradition; students may practice two or more traditions simultaneously; or students may simply decide to keep another tradition in the background while focusing on Vajrayana. Students may simply take classes at Sukhasiddhi with no further commitment. In the end, one designs one's own commitments, which must be heartfelt.

The Initial Spark

Website, Recordings, Other Venues
Sukhasiddhi offers an increasing amount of information and recordings on its website. CD's are available. Or, one might encounter a Sukhasiddhi teacher at another center, conference or venue and wish to study with him or her.

Special Events
Sukhasiddhi periodically hosts public teachings by realized masters of our own and other lineages, as well as events featuring dharma art and music, CEU's, and workshops on calligraphy, mala-making and other spiritually related crafts. After initially participating in one of these events, one might decide to sign up for another Sukhasiddhi-sponsored offering.

Community Meditations (pujas)
A student might initially be attracted to Sukhasiddhi by attending one of the wonderfully healing evening meditations on yidams (awakening or awakened being) such as Chenresik or the Medicine Buddha.

General Information

The Sukhasiddhi Mandala welcomes students and seekers of all levels and all may participate in the following graduated menu of classes, daylongs and retreats:

Introductory courses in the Fundamentals of Shravakayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana are offered in series of classes, open to everyone on a donation basis.

Two or more daylongs are offered each year, along with one or more three-four day non-residential retreats, and weekend seminars, also open to the public.

An advanced Wednesday morning class is led by Lama Palden in two semesters-September to December and January to June.

Once a year, a seven day or longer residential retreat is held for experienced meditators. We are looking forward to offering retreats for beginners in the future.

For the dedicated practitioner, a series of progressive multi-year programs are available inclusive of the full range of Kagyu practices as well as teacher or community dharma leader training if appropriate.

Suggested Reading List for Seekers