Qapel’s Last Teaching – The Future of Dharma

By on November 22nd, 2024

You may have already heard the recent sad news that Doug Qapel Duncan passed away suddenly on October 5th. Today we are sharing the last public teaching that Qapel gave, exactly two weeks before he passed away. The occasion was the 20th anniversary celebration for...

Uncover the Light: Awakening Through Shadow Integration

By on June 17th, 2022

In this final regular episode of Season 4, we finish up our series on the 4 pillars of Planet Dharma’s approach to working with students with a look at Shadow Integration. In this excerpt from their online course, Beyond the Cushion, Doug Qapel Duncan and Catherine...

BONUS Why Red Hats?

By on June 10th, 2022

We hope you enjoy today’s soundbite in which Doug Qapel Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei answer a question about why they wear red hats when they teach. Theoretical understanding and food for thought are helpful inputs as we go about our daily life, but for deep...

The Path of Service: Awakening Through Karma Yoga

By on June 3rd, 2022

In this third episode in our series on the 4 pillars of Planet Dharma’s approach to working with students, we will hear about Karma Yoga, also known as ‘the path of service’, or ‘meditation in action’. In this excerpt from their online course, Beyond the Cushion, Doug...

BONUS Intro to Tarot & the Fool Card

By on May 27th, 2022

We hope you enjoy today’s soundbite in which Doug Qapel Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei give a brief introduction to the Tarot. In addition to looking at the deck’s origin and how it can be used, they give a short introduction to the first card, the Fool.   ...

True Happiness: Awakening Through Meditation

By on May 20th, 2022

In this excerpt from their online course, Beyond the Cushion, Doug Qapel Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei talk about the value of meditation and the reason most of us find it so hard to maintain a solid practice. They also talk about their focus on ‘Meditating on...

BONUS Meditation is Not Passive

By on May 13th, 2022

We hope you enjoy today’s soundbite in which Catherine Pawasarat Sensei talks about how meditation works and why we need to value the experience of the practice and the insights we uncover. Sensei also talks about the importance of having guidance and a support...

Explore Everything: Awakening Through Study

By on May 6th, 2022

We will finish this 4th season of the podcast with a series of four episodes that explore Planet Dharma’s 4 pillars, the framework that Doug Qapel Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei employ to help people progress on the spiritual path. The 4 Pillars are...

BONUS Clinging to Emptiness

By on April 29th, 2022

 We hope you enjoy today’s soundbite in which Doug Qapel Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei respond to an insight shared by a participant after he had a breakout room conversation with other people in the class.    Catherine Sensei will be leading a breathing...

INTERVIEW Climbing the Western Side of the Mountain

By on April 22nd, 2022

In this interview, Qapel talks about the part the Western Mysteries played in his own path and how his teacher, Namgyal Rinpoche, employed these teachings. He also discusses the similarities and differences between the Western and Eastern esoteric teachings, and how...