DHARMA DEEP DIVE

Dharma Deep Dive (formerly Sukhasiddhi Sundays) is an opportunity for both new and experienced practitioners to come together in the community, exploring the principles of Vajrayana Buddhism through meditation, inquiry, and discussion.

**PLEASE NOTE**
Our series structure offers two six week courses, outlined below. You may sign up for one course or both.

Each session includes meditation, inquiry and discussion, and guidance for how to allow the teachings to steep in your experience between classes, becoming a lived understanding.

COURSE ONE

Introduction to Vajrayana Theory: Unveiling Innate Wisdom through the Practice of Chenrezig

Dates:
Sundays | September 14, 21, 28 & October 5, 12, 19

Location:
In-person at Wisdom River Meditation Center or Online via Zoom.

Time:
8:30 - 10:00 AM Pacific | Teaching
10:15 - 11:15 AM Pacific | Chenrezig Practice**

In a time of increasing uncertainty and upheaval, the teachings of Vajrayana Buddhism offer profound methods for reconnecting with the unshakable clarity, compassion, and confidence that are already present within us. Rather than seeing awakening as something distant or far off, Vajrayana encourages us to relate to our own awakened nature right now, as the very path we walk.

Vajrayana practices are multilayered, rich in symbolism, and engage the body, speech, and mind. They are designed to interrupt our habitual and limited ways of perceiving, revealing awakened qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and fearlessness that are already present in our true nature.

This course offers a clear and accessible introduction to Vajrayana theory and practice. Lama Döndrup will guide participants through the foundational principles of Vajrayana, including the meaning of its symbolic imagery, the role of visualization, mantra, mudra, and ritual, and the purpose of engaging sacred forms as a path of transformation and purification.

Throughout the series, these teachings will be brought to life through the practice of Chenrezig, the embodiment of boundless and unconditional compassion. Through this beloved practice, we begin to shift our perception of self and others, allowing the luminous nature of awareness to shine forth. Each session will include teachings, guided meditation, and time for reflection and integration.

Whether you are new to Vajrayana or seeking a refreshed connection to the path, this course offers support for navigating the challenges of our times with clarity, resilience, and an open heart.

Prerequisites: Basic meditation experience is helpful but not required

Fee:
$225 course fee
$185 (base)
$175 (Sukhasiddhi member)
$300 (benefactor)

The deadline to register is Saturday, September 13 at 12 PM (Pacific).

**Please Note: This Dharma Deep Dive class series is included in the Dharma Training Program as part of the curriculum. If you are already enrolled in DTP, you do not need to register separately for this series.

**Please Note: This Dharma Deep Dive class series is NOT included in the Bodhi Program. If you are enrolled in Bodhi and are interested in this series, you will need to register separately.

COURSE TWO

Nāgārjuna’s Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way: Insight and Resilience in Uncertain Times

Dates:
Sundays | September 14, 21, 28 & October 5, 12, 19

Location:
In-person at Wisdom River Meditation Center or Online via Zoom.

Time:
11:30 AM - 1:45 PM Pacific

In a time of increasing division, complexity, and instability, Nāgārjuna’s Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way offers a powerful path to clarity, resilience, and compassion. Rooted in the heart of Mahāyāna philosophy, this foundational text presents the teachings of the Middle Way (Mādhyamaka), illuminating the nature of reality through the lens of emptiness and dependent arising. Through this inquiry, we’re invited to move beyond fixed views and self-centered concerns, opening instead to a spacious understanding that supports both wisdom and heartfelt responsiveness to the world.

In this six-week course, Lama Döndrup will guide participants through selected verses of Nāgārjuna’s text, offering commentary, guided meditation, and opportunities for inquiry. We’ll explore his skillful use of logic and reasoning to deconstruct assumptions about existence, non-existence, self, and world, not as abstract philosophy, but as a direct and transformative path. Especially in times of instability and division, Nāgārjuna’s teachings offer a way to meet suffering and uncertainty with greater clarity, openness, and courageous compassion.

Each session will include meditation, close study, guided contemplation, and lively discussion. Emphasis will be placed on how to apply these teachings not only in formal practice, but in the complexity of daily life. Whether you’re new to Nāgārjuna or returning to this work with fresh eyes, you’ll find a supportive environment for deep inquiry and reflection.

Prior meditation experience is highly recommended but not required.

Fee:
$225 course fee
$185 (base)
$175 (Sukhasiddhi member)
$300 (benefactor)

The deadline to register is Saturday, September 13 at 12 PM (Pacific).

**Please Note: This Dharma Deep Dive class series is included in the Bhodi Program as part of the curriculum. If you are already enrolled in Bodhi, you do not need to register separately for this series.

**Please Note: This Dharma Deep Dive class series is NOT included in the Dharma Training Program. If you are enrolled in DTP and are interested in this series, you will need to register separately.

** Chenrezig Practice Opportunity
10:15 - 11:15 AM Pacific
Six Sundays: September 14 - October 19, 2025

Lama Döndrup will be leading a Chenrezig practice as part of the Dharma Deep Dive Course on Vajrayana Theory. You are welcome to join for the practice only.

Participation is open to all. If you have received the Chenrezig empowerment, this practice will deepen your connection. If not, you are still warmly welcome to join. For those new to Chenrezig practice, we recommend registering for the Introduction to Vajrayana Theory class which will provide instruction and explanation of the practice.

Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) is the embodiment of boundless, universal compassion, the very essence of our true nature. Meditating on Chenrezig helps dissolve distorted views of self and others, opening to the radiant luminosity that has always been present. As one of the most beloved figures of Vajrayana Buddhism, Chenrezig offers an inspirational gateway into the path, guiding us to uncover our innate clarity and compassion.

At a time when so many of the norms and institutions we have long relied upon are unraveling, social, political, and environmental foundations that once gave us a sense of stability, Chenrezig offers a reliable refuge. This practice reminds us that beyond shifting structures lies something indestructible: the boundless compassion that is our true nature. Chenrezig embodies this compassion not as something outside of us, but as a reflection of the unshakable, luminous heart we already carry within. In resting in this presence, we strengthen our capacity to meet the suffering of our world with steadiness, tenderness, and wisdom.

There is no fee, but donations are welcome.

Registration is required.

Let us know you will be attending.

Vajrayana Buddhism has an empowering and profound view of the true nature of reality, and many methods for deepening one's understanding and realization of true nature. Sukhasiddhi classes offer teachings on Buddhist principles, topics, texts, views of reality, methods, and practices which help to integrate the teachings.

PLEASE NOTE:

For Those on Zoom
We request you be fully present with Zoom video on for classes and trainings. This is an opportunity for the lamas and teachers to connect with you. If this is not possible, please let the registrar or teacher know.

For Those in Person
Sukhasiddhi Foundation maintains a fragrance-free environment. Please do not use any scented lotions, colognes, aftershave, shampoo, etc. while attending Sukhasiddhi events. Thank you for your consideration.

MEET THE TEACHER

Lama Döndrup has been practicing and studying in the Buddhist tradition since the mid-1990’s. After five years of Theravadin Buddhist training, she immersed herself in the teachings and practices of the Shangpa and Kagyu Vajrayana lineages. In 2005, she completed a traditional three-year retreat under the guidance of Lama Palden and Lama Drupgyu with the blessing of her root guru, Bokar Rinpoche and was authorized as a lama. Upon her return to Marin County, she began teaching at Sukhasiddhi Foundation. In January 2020, as Lama Palden’s successor, she stepped into the role of Resident Lama, guiding the Center’s ministerial work.

Lama Döndrup’s teaching style is thorough and clear yet with light touch as she supports the natural unfolding of each student’s innate wisdom and compassion. She aims to preserve the authenticity of the tradition while making the teachings and practices relevant and accessible to the lives of 21st century Westerners. In addition to her Buddhist practice, Lama Döndrup trained the Ridhwan School’s Diamond Approach for seven years and has a Masters of Fine Arts degree in piano performance. She is an active classical pianist and teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area.