Discover our Master of Divinity Degree

Sukhasiddhi Foundation is pleased to offer a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree for students engaged in our Depth Practice Programs. The M.Div. curriculum is woven directly into the structure of these programs, allowing students to pursue advanced Buddhist study, contemplative practice, retreat, and community engagement while simultaneously working toward an accredited graduate degree. Rather than requiring a separate course of study, the M.Div. recognizes and builds upon the transformative educational journey already taking place within our practice community.

For many students, one of the unique benefits of the Sukhasiddhi M.Div. is the opportunity to integrate academic study, contemplative training, and personal practice within a single path. Students continue participating in their program as usual (or may enter a program as part of beginning the M.Div. process) while also meeting individually with a Sukhasiddhi Foundation Lama to clarify their educational goals, review degree requirements, and develop a personalized plan of study. While most M.Div. requirements are fulfilled through the Depth Practice Program curriculum, a small number of additional requirements help ensure a well-rounded course of graduate-level formation.

Recently, Sukhasiddhi Foundation awarded an M.Div. degree to Jennifer Dunn, a longtime student whose reflections accompany this announcement. Her experience offers a glimpse into the depth of study, practice, and personal transformation that the program is designed to support. If you are interested in learning more about the M.Div. program, we invite you to review the application materials and speak with Lama Döndrup about whether this path may be right for you.

Click here to review the M.Div. Program Description
Click here to review the application - M.Div.

I am both proud and delighted to have recently received the first Masters of Divinity degree from Sukhasiddhi. This took me many years, from the inception of the program until now. Hopefully this will smooth the way for many others from our center to follow.

This program was conceived many years ago, by Lama Palden and Lama Stephen, as a way to recognize the many years of spiritual study, contemplation, meditation, and service that are already part of any of the dedicated practitioner programs that we are fortunate to have at our center. Anyone who goes through the Bodhi through Shangpa programs will have completed at least 75% of the requirements for the M.Div. 

There were many beneficial aspects for me in completing rest of the requirements for this degree. I met with Lama Döndrup to go over all of the pujas that were part of the programs, and she painstakingly transmitted all the chöpen notes for each, over many hours. I also created diagrams for many of the practices done at the center. Being involved with the shrine, chöpening, and ritual aspects of the center increased my own understanding of these aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. All the detailed notes and diagrams remain at the center, and are available for other practitioners as they progress through the programs. Other activities that I applied toward this degree were volunteering for hospice, and meeting with nun weekly to discuss the life of a Catholic saint, in a short retreat organized by the spiritual director at Dominican University. All of these activities were meaningful, enjoyable, and, at times, fun. All benefitted myself, and either the center or others. 

Tracking all of the meditation practices, areas of study, courses, and hours spent meditating was quite daunting as well as eye-opening. Many of us have done so much in our time here! I think a lot of us students, myself included, can tend to focus on deficiencies or a feeling that we are not progressing on the path. Having a concrete chart of all that I have done, as well a writing a paper on integrating Buddhism (and other spiritual activities, including artistic and psychological,) into my life increased my positivity and gratitude. I developed a vast appreciation for our Lamas and our center, to see all the teachings they have offered over the years. I also developed a greater appreciation for myself as someone who is on the path, and as a human being. I feel very positive and very grateful for this all. 

I would encourage anyone who has any interest in pursuing this opportunity to do so. Everyone has different skill sets, and there are many opportunities to deepen understanding and practice, while benefitting ourselves and others, and the center. 

Much love, Jennifer