Join us Sunday mornings April 25 to May 30, 2021, for Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhist practices and teachings in our inclusive online community.
Our Sunday series is an opportunity for both new and experienced practitioners to come together in community. Each Sunday we will offer three segments that offer principles of Vajrayana Buddhism in a down-to-earth and accessible way.
Each Sunday is offered in three segments--choose the segments you wish to attend (or attend all):
Segment 1: Chenrezig Practice
In the first of three segments, Lama Döndrup will guide us through the Chenrezig practice to help us recognize and access the boundless, unbiased compassion that is our true nature. In doing so we deepen our connection with Chenrezig and this will support and enhance our practice of Tonglen.
Chenrezig, also known as Avalokiteshvara, is a masculine embodiment of universal, unconditioned compassion. Through visualization, mantra, and silent meditation the Chenrezig practice transforms our distorted view of self and helps us recognize our innate radiant, compassionate nature. Lama Döndrup will lead the practice in a way that supports this recognition and deepens the participants' understanding of the symbolism and meaning of the ritual.
Segment 2: Karma - Empowered Compassionate Action
In segment two, Lama Döndrup will offer teachings on karma, the law of cause and effect.
The inevitability of all actions leading to a result can sometimes feel disheartening and one can feel defeated with the thought that everything is fait accompli. Through teachings, reflection, and inquiry we will explore the workings of karma with the aim of recognizing that the gift of these teaching is the experience of being empowered to engage in beneficial actions now that will bring about the future we envision. We can take an active role in shaping our future while holding our past and present circumstances with compassion.
Segment 3: Tonglen Practice
In this third segment, Lama Döndrup will lead the sangha in the practice of Tonglen, a silent, guided meditation practice that uses visualization and the breath to awaken compassion and transform suffering into wisdom and joy.
The practice we will do is a special tonglen practice that comes from the female yogini, Niguma, who is the source for many of the Shangpa Kagyu practices. This exquisite practice that features Chenrezig is a profound means of holding all of life's suffering in loving kindness and compassion while transforming it and our relationship with it by illuminated from the inside out with wisdom and compassion.
How to Participate:
All sessions will take place on Zoom. Options are as follows:
9:00 am - 10:15 am: Chenrezig meditation practice
10:30 am - 12:00 pm: Karma - Empowered Compassionate Action teachings and application
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm: Tonglen practice
Cost is a sliding scale:
The cost for the series is a sliding scale donation of $125 - $450. Sessions are recorded if you are not able to attend each session.
If you would like to try the first session on April 25th before signing up for the series, the cost is a sliding scale donation of $25 - $50.
Registration:
Register at:
https://sukhasiddhi.org/sundays/
Teacher:
Lama Döndrup has practiced and studied in the Buddhist tradition for over twenty years. 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 the three-year retreat and was authorized as a lama. Upon her return to Marin County, she began teaching classes and leading meditations at Sukhasiddhi Foundation and in January 2020 she will become the Resident Lama, guiding the Center's ministerial work. Lama Döndrup enjoys guiding students through meditations; helping them to feel confident in their own understanding of ceremonies and teachings; and supporting the natural unfolding of their innate wisdom. In addition to her Buddhist practice, Lama Döndrup trained in the Diamond Approach for seven years and has a Masters of Fine Arts degree in piano performance.