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Becoming a Work of Art: Dharma Foundations Retreat

October 11, 2019 - October 13, 2019

Dharma Foundations Retreat: A Lifeline for this Lifetime

A Dharma Foundations Weekend Retreat | October 11-13, 2019

What are qualities that we can grow to feel internally grounded and to act from a positive, wholesome place in our relationships with others? Discover the Six Perfections, or Paramis, at this Dharma Foundations Retreat.

OverviewDetails

Becoming a Work of Art – Dharma Foundations Retreat

During this retreat, we will study six aspects of consciousness that we may cultivate to become our own inner and outer works of art. These six aspects are called the paramis in Sanskrit, and have been taught in the buddhadharma for more than two thousand years.

Why Take Becoming a Work of Art

An Essential Dharma Foundations Retreat

October 11-13, 2019

 
 

Why Become a Work of Art?

Would you rather create one work of art or become a work of art? Our Teacher Namgyal Rinpoche said that it is “better to be a work of art than make a work of art”.  In a culture that values external achievements, we often forget the hidden gem inside us. This gem creates bliss, wisdom, and radiance, and it is fiercely worth growing.

Let your internal works of art flourish during our foundational three-day retreat.

 
 

Why Study the Paramis, the Perfections

Is the Buddhist body of practice or philosophical canon somewhat new to you? If so, this course will provide you with fundamental resources around which to develop a practice for the rest of your life.

Every meditative practice in our tradition, at some point, comes back to the Paramis, also known as the six perfections. These form a flawless path that carries us straight to spiritual enlightenment. It’s simple, beautiful, and powerful. Join us for this three-day weekend to get you squarely and joyfully on this path.

 
 

What’s Expected of Me if I Come to This Retreat?

  • An open mind and heart, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!
  • It’s human to have some apprehensions about doing something new, meeting new people, or going to a new place. Particularly when all three happen together. We try to make this as supportive as possible.
  • When exploring our growth edges, it’s natural to feel uncertain and awkward. And it’s very fruitful to transform that emotional tension into creative energy by drawing on your own inner resources – such as inquiry, going with the flow, and self-reflection, just a few of the many kinds of constructive engagement.
  • To maximize your learning, we ask that you refrain from reading, using the internet or listening to music during the course. We make an exception for journaling, course assignments and group celebration.
  • Lastly, our teaching and Clear Sky operate based on the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. Please learn more about this profound practice before you register. 

Meet the Teachers

Catherine Pawasarat
Catherine Pawasarat
Doug Duncan
Doug Duncan
Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre, BC, Canada. Achariya Doug Duncan received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct, humourous and compassionate engagement with students, Doug embraces various traditions, contemporary psychology, and science, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. Catherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies.

What Do Previous Retreatants Say?

During retreats with Doug and Catherine I was led to confront hidden parts of myself, unaware that they were affecting me so deeply. Shadow work helped me acknowledge new strengths and wisdom that were within me all along. After retreat I left feeling freer and more confident about my spiritual practice.

Shant Dolbakian

Video Producer, SD.com Toronto

My recent retreat experience has been incredibly beautiful, challenging and transformative. The teachers are an inspiration in all ways.

Ava MacLean

Communications Professional, AvaMacLean.com

It is one thing to hear or read the Dharma and understand it intellectually. This retreat went so much further than that, as I found myself receiving realizations of the teachings on a visceral basis, going far beyond simply understanding.
Bob Abraamms

Founder, ODT Maps

Course Details

Fees and Dāna

This course is run based on the ancient principle of generosity, or Dāna.  There are also fees for meals and accommodation at Clear Sky Retreat Center, where the retreat is held.

Details

Start:
October 11, 2019
End:
October 13, 2019
Event Category:

Venue

Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre
3567 Cockell Rd
Bull River, British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada
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