The Return of Sukhasiddhi's Clear Light Institute

Clear Light is the pure, innate, and joyful condition of the mind, associated with buddha-nature, the realization of which is the goal of meditation and practice.

Many years ago, Lama Palden planted the seed for the Clear Light Institute. It grew and flourished for a time under the direction of Lama Pat (Pat Berube). Circumstances arose in which the Clear Light Institute went into dormancy and we are happy to announce its re-emergence.

Sukhasiddhi’s Clear Light Institute was founded with the purpose of assisting people in preparing for death in order to have the transition be as smooth, loving, and peaceful as possible, and most importantly, to teach people the skills needed to be able to use the death and dying process and beyond to awaken fully to who they truly are. The study and practice of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, and the many masters that followed, have a great deal of wisdom and compassion to offer us.

The process of dying and its aftermath in the “in-between stage” or bardo between death and a new incarnation offers us potent potential for awakening. We offer teachings, guidance and support in our classes and retreats for people to be able to meet their death, or a loved one’s death, with confidence, peace and love.

It is often said that the simple essence of our spiritual journey begins and ends with the present moment. In demystifying the teachings on death, we discover that they include the entire spectrum of our experiences in both life and death. The profound Vajrayana Buddhist teachings and transmissions offer an indispensable guide for living as well as for preparing for death. Through practicing these teachings, we can ensure that each moment of our lives can be turned to the spiritual path. Through spiritual practice and study we come to abide in peace and love and our lives become more and more meaningful. The entire Buddhist path is a preparation for death.

Our readiness for death is first and foremost served by a continued dedication to practice. Sukhasiddhi Foundation offers a variety of classes for the general public, beginning meditators as well as for those who wish to explore the teachings, deepen their understanding and integrate them into their lives. Clear Light Institute offers classes specifically for using these practices in preparation for death.

The death transition will also be greatly facilitated if it is harmonized with the mandala (circle) of people and institutions that will accompany and serve us at that time: family members, friends, lawyers, hospital administrators, doctors, nurses, funeral homes, sangha members, teachers, and lamas. Clear Light Institute offers workshops to assist people in preparing for the practical, legal, medical and spiritual issues in planning for death. These workshops will assist you in creating your mandala of support.

In addition, Sukhasiddhi members may request group meditation and prayer ceremonies prior to someone’s passing and after death. Others are welcome to request being added to the prayer list at the pujas held at Sukhasiddhi.

We are excited to offer our first half day workshop, “Compassion in Action: Preparing Your Advance Health Care Directive,” on Saturday, May 24, from 1–4pm. This will be an in person workshop where we will clarify the details of creating an AHCD and support you to complete this important document. Learn More.