Dzogchen Buddha Path Sacred Sangha CareEveryone experiences times of difficulty, even Sangha.This is our opportunity to offer loving and compassionate care to Sangha members experiencing difficulty — illness, dying, loss of a loved one, birth of a child, loss of a job, hopelessness, or other times of hardship.Think of this as a meaningful way to engage in and experience compassion, love, and wisdom. This is one of the virtuous Dharma activities you can participate in and support — and it will be there for you in times of need as well.

A Life of Practice and ServiceBodhi Lama Shannon has dedicated more than 23 years to the study and practice of Dharma under the guidance of her root teacher, His Eminence Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche. She has helped establish the Dzogchen Retreat Center USA and the Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation. She graduated from the first Dzogchen Lineage Internship in 2008, earned an advanced Tantra Practitioner degree in 2014, and was authorized as a Venerable Acharya Lama through a process that included divination, prayer, Rinpoche's ten-year evaluation, and a majority vote of the Sangha. She was authorized again as a Bodhi Lama at the 2018 Dzogchen Buddha Path Teacher Authorization ceremony and earned the advanced Vajra Yoga Practitioner degree in 2020.Beyond her role as a teacher, Bodhi Lama Shannon founded One Path Outreach in 2014, a humanitarian organization that operated medical relief missions in remote villages in Tibet. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacology degree and has served patients in retail, long-term care, hospice, and oncology pharmacy for over 25 years. She is a devoted wife and mother, a board director of the Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation, and a tireless advocate for healing in all its forms.A Diagnosis and a Resolute SpiritBodhi Lama Shannon has recently been diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. This form of breast cancer lacks three specific receptors that many breast cancer treatments target. Because those receptors are absent, standard hormone therapies are ineffective, and treatment relies on chemotherapy. It accounts for roughly 10 to 15 percent of all breast cancer diagnoses.The encouraging news is that the cancer is localized, and Bodhi Lama Shannon's medical outlook is very promising. While this is an aggressive type of cancer, Lama Shannon is committed to remaining resolutely positive in Dharma, meeting her treatment with faith, love, courage, and wisdom. She will undergo a full chemotherapy regimen over the next 12 to 18 months. She will continue her practice with greater diligence than ever and uphold her faith and devotion in the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni. She looks forward to continuing her purpose as a teacher in the Dzogchen Buddha Path Lineage.The Practical RealityThe intensity of the chemotherapy regimen will require Bodhi Lama Shannon to take a leave of absence from her position as an Oncology Pharmacist at Willamette Valley Cancer Institute. Her husband, Bodhi Lama Sean, a freelance advertising copywriter, will serve as her primary caregiver during treatment. Cancer care carries substantial financial burdens, from treatment costs to lost income, and the months ahead will put real pressure on their household.An Opportunity to Support The Sangha now has an opportunity to support one of its own. As you know, Bodhi Lama Shannon has dedicated her life to teaching students through public events, weekend workshops, weeklong retreats, online practices, and internship tutoring. She has freely given her time, training, and compassion. This is a moment to repay the kindness of loving support she gave to our Sangha and others.There are several ways to offer support:Financial contributions will help offset treatment costs and lost income during Bodhi Lama Shannon's leave.Dharma practice offered on her behalf, including prayer, meditation, Dharma ceremonies, life release, loving encouragement, and virtuous activities carries deep meaning and real power during this time of swift healing process.Teaching support from fellow Sangha members will help sustain the Dharma activities Bodhi Lama Shannon has built over two decades.In Her Own Words"I love helping people tap into their potential, and I treasure celebrating their growth. After more than 23 years of learning, contemplating, and meditating on how our mind and body work, I'm eager to share this Buddhist wisdom with more people so they can unlock who they truly are."

During this sacred month of saga, when the karma of our intentions and actions is multiplied enormously, the Dzogchen Retreat Center USA is presenting a very special opportunity to sponsor offerings in our sacred shine.Your offerings support the preservation and teaching of authentic Dzogchen Buddha Path teachings at Dzogchen Retreat Center USA.