Read our Fall 2022 Newsletter

No one likes to suffer. That’s pretty universal among humans and animals, and so naturally we gravitate toward what feels good and push away what doesn’t feel good. Unfortunately, that very natural habit doesn’t solve the problem. Suffering always returns. The Buddha’s genius was that he did something very counterintuitive.

Sukhasiddhi board member and Children’s Librarian, Alicia shares her monthly book recommendations that explore the Buddhist themes of compassion, joy, and kindness.

The Kagyu school originated from the unconventional yogic traditions of the eighty-four Indian mahasiddhas or “Greatly Realized Ones.” The teachings in this lineage were passed from one master to another individually, each one weaving their own understanding of the practices as they pass the teachings on as a live stream of blessing.

In the past 10 days, more than 30 people were killed in 3 mass shooting incidents in New York, California, and Texas, and there were, no doubt, additional violent deaths during that time as well. It is hard to find the words to fully express the heartbreak, the outrage, the frustration that these and the many similar ongoing horrific tragedies give rise to. There is much work to be done individually and collectively in uprooting this level of violence and hatred. It is imperative that we find avenues of action rather than giving way to apathy and complacency.

Looking for some titles to bring along on your summer travels? We asked Sukhasiddhi board member and Children’s Librarian Alicia Bell if she would share some titles for young children and teens that explore the Buddhist themes of compassion, joy, and kindness.

In just one year, Susan Shannon’s Introduction to Buddhism Prison Ministry Course has spread into prisons in every state in the US! Participants have a choice to contemplate the integration questions included in each lesson or complete them and send them in for review and a certificate of completion. 

Today, May 31st, we enter the 4th lunar month of the Tibetan Calendar. The 4th lunar month is the time during which we celebrate Saga Dawa. Saga Dawa is the commemoration of Shakyamuni Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana (death). In this year of the Water Tiger, Saga Dawa is celebrated May 31st-June 29th. 

Alicia Bell has been a Sukhasiddhi practitioner for 16 years and currently serves on our Board of Directors. In this interview, Alicia shares her introduction to Buddhism and how she integrates her practice into life and over the course of her 30 years as a Children’s Librarian. Alicia also shares her favorite books on introducing children to Buddhism - a wonderful list that includes beloved authors Thich Naht Hahn, Jon Muth, Demi, and many others that inspire and share the dharma.

Lama Döndrup discusses the power of cultivating the four immeasurable states of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity.

There are four major Buddha days or "festivals" (düchen) in a year which relate to the life of Buddha Shakyamuni. During these four days, it is said that the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 100 million times, so positive thoughts, words and deeds are strongly encouraged. This year Chotrul Düchen, which highlights the end of Losar, will be celebrated on Friday, March 18th, 2022.  

This week, celebrate Chotrul Düchen, the first of four special Buddha Days. There are four major Buddha days or "Festivals" (düchen) in a year which relate to the life of Buddha Shakyamuni. During these four days, it is said that the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied 100 million times, so positive thoughts, words and deeds are strongly encouraged. This year, Chotrul Düchen, which highlights the end of Losar, is celebrated on Friday, March 18th.

Like many religions, Buddhism inspired various paths of practice, philosophy, and ceremony. While there are many different lineages of Buddhism, the two main branches are Theravada and Mahayana. Vajrayana is part of the Mahayana.

Most people visit Hawaii for a vacation. But I was there for a different reason – to represent Sukhasiddhi Foundation at the request of Kalu Rinpoche, who invited each of his centers around the world to send someone to join him at Kagyu Thegchen Ling in Honolulu to offer prayers for his beloved colleague, Lama Karma Rinchen, who had passed away only a few weeks before Kalu Rinpoche arrived to begin in-person teachings on the first leg of his trip to the West in two years.

Susan Shannon lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for many years, where her Tibetan connections brought her into the inner circles of Tibetans who had relocated there. 

The first Losar party I attended was back in 1980. At the time it was reported there were only 5 Tibetans living in California, and they were all going to be at this little party. There was excitement among them that a new Tibetan, actually a Sherpa woman, had just moved to the Grass Valley area, and was going to be there too. Being included in this party would be an experience!

March 3rd, the first day of the new moon is the day that we celebrate Losar this year. Losar is the Tibetan celebration of the new lunar year. Lo means “year” and sar means “new” or “fresh.” Just as the solar cycle starts on January 1, the lunar cycle starts anew in February or March, depending on the lunar calendar and region. This year, Chinese New Year was February 2nd. It is not unusual for the Tibetan New Year and Chinese New Year to be celebrated at different time. 

Buddhists observe many special days of celebration and remembrance. These holidays generally center around remembering the Buddha and his teachings. Many Buddhist holidays are determined by the lunar calendar, so the exact dates of observance will vary from year to year.

As a sangha that cherishes the feminine Shangpa lineage, this course about Mahaprajapati Gautami, sister of the mother of the Buddha, was a compelling examination of the essential role of women in Buddhism from the very beginning of the Buddha’s birth that continued throughout the formative years of Buddhism itself.

Susan Shannon entered the Talking Sopranos Superfan Contest with her entry of 150 words or less that answered “Why are You a Sopranos Superfan and What Happened After the Cut to Black?”