As an adolescent in Berkeley in the 1960’s, I began a search for a means to shift the dominant paradigm of our perceptions of reality in order to survive the coming environmental chaos and resulting social unrest. A decade later, upon meeting Lama Thubten Yeshe and his teachers and disciples, I discovered a totally unique, mind-blowing, game-changing science of mind/spirit/ body that I thought could shift our perceptions to something bigger, to actually be able to go beyond small ego needs and feel the interconnectedness of all life. Standing on the balcony of the Green Hotel In McCleod Ganj, the light of bodhicitta filled my heart and all of space with the transitory nature of all existence and I was never the same again. I had studied the ecology of our planet, here was the ecology of mind. Here was the science that was missing from my education that can transform human greed and ignorance to end war and save life as we know it on Earth.
I was compelled to investigate, so I embarked on a lifelong experiment to see if a western person could indeed realise what I was being taught and experiencing in the presence of great Buddhist teachers, such as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. Perhaps Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche saw me as an experiment as well. I followed their advice as we embarked on a 40 year journey of study and retreats. I told Lama Yeshe I wanted to become a mahasiddha, so I trained as the mahasiddhas of the past, which took a lot of years in solitude.
And now, where am I now? I haven’t given up the goal. Lama Yeshe enjoined us to leave behind Tibetan Culture and create a western Buddhadharma. I didn’t see how that could be done if we didn’t first gain realisations. To do that, we need to take time out of the busy life to establish new habits of being. I continue to train as best as I can and I also help other people with similar predilections. Thanks to the kindness, generosity and vision of Geoff Jukes, I now have the best retreat conditions I’ve ever had. Braeview is particularly suited to Chöd practice, which I wish to preserve and make available in the English language
In the last 13 years, I have travelled in N. America, Europe, Asia and Africa giving talks, leading meditations and meeting wonderful heart friends. This website was created from their wish to have access to my simple writings, transcripts and videos that share what I have learned about the successful dharma practice; the sadhanas I have adapted to be chanted to the blessed Tibetan tune, and a sample of the songwriting that sprang from my retreats. It will also allow me to share the valuable teachings of my teachers, and other information to aid people in their dharma practice.
I also hope it will help make it easier for friends to make the greatly appreciated donations that continue to support my work for the dharma and for sentient beings while also supporting friends within our community who wish to do retreats at Braeview Cottage, either alone or with my guidance.
Events with Paula Chichester
Special Vajrayogini Self InitiationJanuary 24, 2025
Friday, January 24, 2025 6:00 am – 12:00 pm Online only via Zoom Paula Chichester will lead the Vajrayogini Self Initiation on this special Vajrayogini Day. This will be done in chantable English. Please feel free to make offerings on your personal alter at home. “The Tibetan 11th month (Gyal…