Siddhartha's Intent

Venue and contact details will be announced closer to each event.

CHOOSING THE CAUSES OF HAPPINESS AND FREEDOM Cycle One Workshop - Introduction
Saturday February 18, 10am-5pm
We can discover happiness and freedom beyond our ordinary limitations by working constructively with, and mastering, our present attitudes and actions. This mastery is neither exclusive to some people "who just have it", nor is it due to supernatural powers. Rather, according to the Buddha, it comes from becoming aware of, and working with, our existing internal and external conditions. Buddhist knowledge and meditation provides the insight and freedom to work with these conditions. This introductory workshop will offer a theoretical overview in the morning and the practical foundations of meditation in the afternoon.

PRACTICE OF THE BUDDHASADHANA Cycle Two Workshop - Buddhist Studies
Sunday February 19, 10am-5pm
The Tibetan sage Mipam Rinpoche (1846-1912) wrote a beautiful sadhana that commemorates the Buddha, and Kyabje Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (1910-1991) wrote an explanation on it that includes teachings on the stages of shamatha- or mindfulness meditation. In addition to providing general and specific instruction on the practice of mindfulness and insight meditation, as well as specific instruction on this particular practice, the workshop will also allow for group practice of the Buddha Sadhana, with time for questions and discussion.

SHRINE AND FEAST PRACTICE Cycle Three Workshop - Practice Assembly
Monday February 20, 7pm-9pm
First will be a practical introduction to the practice of keeping a shrine, describing the elements of body, speech, and mind, as well as the details associated with shrine practice. Next, a practical overview of the purpose and relevance of feast, or tsok practice, and how it is done - specifically according to Mipam Rinpoche‟s Seven Line Sadhana.

THE SKILL OF COMPASSION Cycle One Workshop - Introduction
Saturday, August 25, 10am-5pm
The compassionate caring for our world is the natural manifestation of our innate wisdom and liberation. The path of compassion cultivates such openness through both during meditation sessions and in our ordinary life. We can liberate our heart and take hold of a natural inheritance of wisdom and compassion, making the path of awakening complete.

SAMANTABHADRA'S VISION Cycle Two Workshop - Buddhist Studies
Sunday, August 26, 10am-5pm
The Aspiration of Samtabhadra is a profound and provocative Tibetan prayer from the Great Perfection teachings. It provides both the Big Picture as well as being a profound meditation instruction. It shows how all of our painful or pleasant experiences can be seen as either delusional projections or as awakened wisdom display. It clearly explains the conditions that bring about the delusion of samsara, the way to penetrate such delusion, and how we can formulate the enlightened wish to pro-actively work for others.

JOINING MEANS AND WISDOM THROUGH THE PRACTICE OF SADHANA Cycle Three Workshop - Practice Assembly
Monday August 27, 7pm-9pm
While all Buddhist meditation provides the conditions for the cultivation of prajna or wisdom, Vajrayana sadhana also integrates all our experiences as upaya or skilful means. In this way our entire existence is brought on to the path. All the details of the practice of sadhana serves three purposes: to purify our confused projections, perfect the qualities we naturally possess, and mature us on the path. This evening will offer some reminders of your sadhana instructions.