BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Planet Dharma - ECPv6.17.3.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Planet Dharma X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.planetdharma.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Planet Dharma REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Edmonton BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261009 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261026 DTSTAMP:20260303T233415Z CREATED:20251229T083831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T233415Z UID:10000685-1791504000-1792972799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Tantric Meditation Retreat 2026 DESCRIPTION:Tantric Meditation Retreat\n With Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\n October 9 – October 25\, 2026\nThis seventeen-day intensive practice retreat invites you into the heart of Vajrayana practice itself. We’ll journey through the complete path of Tantra—from essential foundational practices through the pinnacle of Highest Yoga Tantra and Mahamudra—moving beyond intellectual understanding into direct experience of the incredible mystery of existence. \n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Perhaps it is a more difficult path since we tend to get caught up in our desires that end up in attachment that is the source of suffering. But it is also a richer and more integrated path as we can use our full human potential and capabilities to rediscover wonderment without the clinging that causes suffering. \n Qapel (Acharya Doug Duncan)\n Life as Tantra: Weaving Desire into Liberation - Blog \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Practice Transmission\nSeventeen Days of Tantric Meditation\n\nDrawing on classical texts and lineage wisdom\, you’ll journey through the four classes of Tantra\, engaging deeply with creation stage (visualization of enlightened form) and completion stage (direct realization of ultimate reality) practices. This is training in how to enter\, progress on\, and complete the Vajrayana journey through all four classes of tantra\, following the classical Kagyu and Gelug presentations. \nYou’ll establish or deepen the four preliminary practices essential to this path: contemplating impermanence and precious human birth\, understanding karma\, developing bodhicitta\, and cultivating devotion to the lineage and guru. From this stable ground\, we progress through systematic training in generation stage yoga—learning to visualize ourselves in enlightened form—and completion stage yoga\, where we realize the ultimate nature of reality directly. \nThroughout\, we return to fundamental questions: What truly brings happiness? What is our actual motivation? How much can our rational minds grasp\, and where must we surrender to direct experience? \nThis is an advanced retreat and is offered upon approved application and requires an established meditation practice and completion of a significant portion of your foundation practices. If foundational practices are not complete\, the applicant must be actively progressing in their foundation work. \nWhile we believe any undertaking can be a vehicle for awakening\, there’s no substitute for the power of profound direct experience gained through meditation. This is why meditation is one of the four foundational practices of our teaching. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan as his attendant and consort from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What You’ll Practice\n  \nFoundation Practices for the Tantric PathWe’ll establish or deepen the four preliminary practices essential to Vajrayana: contemplating impermanence and precious human birth\, understanding karma\, developing bodhicitta\, and cultivating devotion to the lineage and guru. \nCreation Stage YogaThrough guided practice\, you’ll learn to visualize yourself in enlightened form—the generation stage practices that transform ordinary perception and establish divine pride. \nCompletion Stage YogaMoving beyond visualization\, we’ll engage practices that lead to direct realization of ultimate reality—the perfection stage that dissolves conceptual mind into direct knowing. \nThe Four Classes of TantraUnderstand how to progress through Kriya\, Charya\, Yoga\, and Highest Yoga Tantra\, with particular emphasis on the practices of Highest Yoga Tantra. \nMahamudra ViewExperience the Kagyu presentation of Mahamudra as the pinnacle practice—clarifying ground\, path\, and fruition through direct meditation experience rather than intellectual study alone. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?\n\nThis retreat requires an established meditation practice and completion of a significant portion of your foundation practices. Applications will be reviewed for approval.\nCultivating motivation\, devotion\, and genuine inquiry into what will truly make you happy\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nTo maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\nStudents are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.\nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances during this retreat and in the days immediately following it.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n The Location – Clear Sky Center\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, the center is home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. \nHow to get there\, what to bring and other FAQ about Clear Sky \nOur teachings and Clear Sky operate based on the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. As generosity is the basis upon which all spiritual practice flourishes\, we recommend that you learn more about this profound practice before you apply. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreatants at Clear Sky\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lodging Fees\nPlease go to the retreat application page for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n APPLICATION FORM\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Application Process\nThis retreat is offered upon approved application:  \nRegistration deadlines and application details will be announced in Spring 2026. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Fees & Requirements\n  \nArrivals and Departures\nFor those traveling short distances\, we recommend coming a day early\, but at the latest\, please arrive by 3pm on Friday. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive at least 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat. Orientation begins after dinner on October 16. The first class is held on Saturday morning\, October 17. \nThere will be a final morning class and closing circle\, as well as cleaning our rooms on the final Sunday before departing. Departures will begin after this\, approximately 11am. We also recommend adding an extra night or two to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. \n \n \n \n \n \n All Retreatants: A Dāna Based Retreat\nDāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”\, and is the traditional way in which Buddhist teachings are offered. With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. You may have come across this in the form of “pay from the heart”. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nYou will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after your application is approved. \nFor more information on dāna click here. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Spacer Holder for the 1st Item\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What specific Vajrayana practices will be covered during this retreat?\n The retreat explores the four classes of Tantra\, including creation stage visualization and completion stage practices. You will also engage in Mahamudra meditation to realize ultimate reality directly.\n \n \n \n \n \n What are the prerequisites for attending this advanced meditation retreat?\n Applicants must have an established meditation practice and have completed\, or be actively progressing in\, their foundational (Ngöndro) practices. Entry is based on an approved application process.\n \n \n \n \n \n Can you explain the four preliminary practices mentioned in the course?\n The foundational practices involve contemplating impermanence\, understanding karma\, developing bodhicitta (compassionate heart)\, and cultivating devotion to the lineage and teacher. These provide the stable ground for Tantric work.\n \n \n \n \n \n What is the difference between creation stage and completion stage yoga?\n The creation stage involves visualizing oneself in enlightened forms to transform perception. Completion stage moves beyond visualization to engage practices that dissolve the conceptual mind into direct\, ultimate knowing.\n \n \n \n \n \n What are the behavioral expectations for retreatants at Clear Sky?\n Participants must observe silence during designated times\, refrain from using technology or music\, and avoid mind-altering substances. Full participation in all classes and group meditations is required.\n \n \n \n \n \n How does the Dāna (generosity) system work for this retreat?\n Teachers offer these profound teachings based on mutual generosity. You are invited to offer a financial contribution that reflects your appreciation and supports the continuation of the lineage.\n \n \n \n \n \n What should I know about the arrival and departure schedule?\n Please arrive by 3:00 pm on Friday for orientation. The retreat concludes the following Sunday morning after a final class and closing circle\, with departures beginning around 11:00 am.\n \n \n \n \n \n Why is there an application process for this specific program?\n Due to the advanced nature of Vajrayana and Tantric practices\, the application ensures participants have the necessary experience and foundational training to safely and effectively engage with these teachings.\n \n \n \n \n \n Where is the retreat located and what is the environment like?\n The retreat is held at Clear Sky Center in the BC Rocky Mountains. It offers 300 acres of natural wilderness\, providing a supportive\, quiet space for deep spiritual immersion.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Did Last Year’s Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The anapanasati sutta created a deep\, deep experience for me. I was finally able to understand the 16 steps and the 4 tetrads much much better. It’s a whole new world. \nCheryl Bate Clinical Counsellor\, Private Practise\, Whistler\, BCI enjoyed reconnecting with my body\, with nature and with joyful memories during the retreat. Some of this was inspired through the breathing practice\, and some through searching for moments of piti which we could easily connect to. There was an easing during the retreat\, as well as some moments of deep connection and understanding. This time\, it was hearing spaciousness explained in a different way. \nZoe MooresTranslator\, trainer\, researcherThe breathing retreat was fantastic for me on so many levels! As my first retreat\, it really taught how me to deepen my budding meditation practice. Catherine Sensei is warm\, knowledgeable and led a wonderful course. \nJames StewartBuilding DesignerSensei\, fresh from a 3 month retreat\, gave beautiful\, grounded and profound teachings on breathing practice. The retreat worked seamlessly between those of us with the fortune to be in person\, and those joining online. Felt I could go very deep over the ten days with a transformative combination of a great teacher\, a deep practice\, a sincere group of co-retreatants\, and 310 acres in the mountains! \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/tantric-meditation-retreat-2026/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/vajralevel.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261108 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261130 DTSTAMP:20260709T221541Z CREATED:20251229T041521Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260709T221541Z UID:10000683-1794096000-1795996799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Power in Tantric Traditions DESCRIPTION:POWER IN TANTRIC TRADITIONS w/ Catherine Sensei & Susan Skjei\n Online Course \n November 8 – 29\, 2026 \nDo you feel empowered in your practice? In Buddha nature? Showing up authentically with both courage and vulnerability can support our sense of empowerment. In these confusing contemporary times\, such genuine empowerment is essential for tantric practitioners. In this online series\, Catherine Sensei and Right Use of Power and Authentic Leadership teacher Susan Skjei teach together about what power and empowerment mean in the context of tantric spiritual practices. This course aims to empower you to weave every moment with exactly the energy that is needed. \n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Do You Feel Empowered in These Uncertain Times?\n  \nIn this age of confusion about what we can believe and who we can trust\, many of us may feel disempowered at times. Victim culture is often more supported than empowered culture. Uncertainty about the future of humanity and the planet can shake our confidence to its core. \nAnd when scandals happen with spiritual leaders – often around money\, sex\, and power – it can leave tantric practitioners wondering: What does authentic empowerment actually look like? What is my power? How can I strengthen it? How can I ethically wield it? This course attends to these questions and issues\, pressing ones for contemporary tantra practitioners. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Path Forward: Your Practice Holds the Key to True Empowerment.\n  \nDo you feel strong and safe in your tantric practice? In your authentic presence? Do you have the resources you need to support others to feel empowered? \nPrimarily\, our practice helps us become a person who is authentic and therefore trustworthy – for ourselves and for others. This is part of what non-duality is about. The confusion of our times and world leaders doesn’t have to lead to our disempowerment. This course shares how our practice helps us to weave authenticity\, trustworthiness\, personal power\, and empowerment together.  \nAs symbols representing the lower three chakras\, authenticity related to money\, sex\, and power form the foundation of our being\, energetically and in the material world. Catherine Sensei and her partner and teacher Qapel have taught that money and sex are often\, the handmaidens of power\, and that the spiritual path is a quest for the truest and most deep-rooted empowerment there is. \nIn this course\, Catherine Sensei and Susan Skjei teach on what power and empowerment mean for tantric practitioners\, drawing on tantric teachings\, Authentic Leadership\, and Right Use of Power to provide an important framework for understanding power in traditional and modern tantric traditions – empowering us to weave every moment with exactly the energy that is needed. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What You’ll Learn\nIn Power in Tantric Traditions\, you’ll discover: \n\nHow to be empowered as a tantric practitioner in uncertain times\nHow to feel strong in your tantric practice and tradition\nA deeper understanding of tantra in the context of Buddhism\nHow to be trustworthy for yourself and others through non-dual practice\nThe resources to support others to feel empowered\n\nThis course weaves together the wisdom of tantric Buddhism with proven frameworks for Authentic Leadership and the Right Use of Power\, giving you practical tools to embody empowerment in every moment. \nWho This Course Is For\nThis course is open to any tantric practitioner seeking to deepen their understanding of power and empowerment in spiritual practice. All you need is an open mind. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan as his attendant and consort from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Susan Skjei\, Ph.D\n \n Susan Skjei\, Ph.D. has been a practitioner and Senior Teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist Community for the last 30 years. She has taught many programs and led retreats in the US\, Canada and Europe. She studied with Chogyam Trungpa\, Rinpoche and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche as well as other Tibetan Buddhist and Zen teachers. Susan is also a leadership coach and organizational consultant. She has been a catalyst for positive change for leaders\, executive teams and boards of nonprofit organizations\, businesses\, and government agencies for over 25 years. She enjoys creating energetic and high trust learning environments that accelerate practical organizational results while building strong\, collaborative relationships. Formerly Susan was a Vice-President and Chief Learning Officer in the technology industry\, a co-founder of the ALIA Institute\, and the founding Director of the Authentic Leadership Center at Naropa University. She loves being in nature and enjoys hiking\, biking and watercolor painting. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Life as Tantra: Weaving Desire into LiberationThis article was written by Qapel in 2016\, and recently re-discovered by Catherine Sensei. We are delighted to be able to publish it here and share a previously unpublished precious gem of Qapel’s teaching.– Planet Dharma \n Read \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nCourse Schedule\nNovember 8 – 29\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Class Times (Mountain Time)\n\nSunday November 8 – 9:30-11am\n Sunday November 15 – 9:30-11am\n Sunday November 22 – 9:30-11am\n\nThe formal and participatory teachings for this course will occur on Sundays\, with a separate registration for the Saturday-Sunday flash retreat on the fourth weekend. Class times are estimates and may change slightly. \nWe encourage you to connect with Sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \nFlash Retreat Weekend: November 28-29\nTo deepen and integrate your experience\, the final (fourth) weekend during the course will also be a Flash Retreat (November 28-29)\, offered by a separate registration\, which will include exercises to engage in. This can be done at home\, or with us at Clear Sky Meditation Centre in Eastern British Columbia. \nFormal group sessions will be held at these approximate times: \n\nFlash Retreat morning session: 9:30am MT\nFlash Retreat afternoon session: 2:30pm MT\nSessions will be 60-90 mins in length.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Save the Dates in your Digital Calendar Now\nDownload the course schedules (.ics) to your iCal or Google calendars.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Classes (.ics)\n \n Flash Retreat (.ics)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\n \nTime and Location\nEach of the weekly classes in this online course will be streamed live at 9:30-11am MST. We ask participants to attend live whenever possible. The recording of each class will be available for one week after each class. We encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \nThe course culminates with a Flash Retreat on November 28-29\, 2026\, with formal group session times held at approx 9:30am and 2:30pm Mountain Time on Saturday and Sunday\, with a 60-90 minute duration. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nThis course is offered based on the unique combination of: \n\ndāna\, and\na $80-120 USD administrative fee:\n\nRegister by October 11th  – super early bird – $80 USD \nRegister by October 25th – early bird – $100 USD \nRegister less than two weeks prior: $120 USD\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart.” Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity.” With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No one is excluded for lack of funds. However\, it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able. \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure. Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nIf you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nWe're delighted to share that we created a short online course so that you can learn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, the costs of setting up good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online can be surprising. \nOur admin fee changes based on the date of registration. \nRegister four + weeks prior: $80 Register two to four weeks prior: $100Register less than two weeks prior: $120 \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n--- \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nHigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nOnline class systems (Zoom)\nRegistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\nCommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nOnline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nQuality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nOnline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nWebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Flash Retreat in community: students at Clear Sky Centre and online\, learning together.\n \n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Spacer Holder for the 1st Item\n \n \n \n \n \n \n What is the main focus of the Power in Tantric Traditions course?\n This 4-week series explores what empowerment means within Tantric Buddhism. It teaches practitioners how to navigate money\, sex\, and power using proven frameworks from Authentic Leadership and the Dharma. \n \n \n \n \n \n Who are the teachers for this course and what are their backgrounds?\n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, a contemporary Dharma teacher\, collaborates with Susan Skjei\, Ph.D.\, an Authentic Leadership coach. Together\, they bridge ancient Buddhist wisdom with modern\, ethical leadership and empowerment frameworks. \n \n \n \n \n \n How does this course help me feel more empowered during uncertain times?\n The course provides practical tools to move beyond victim culture. By strengthening your spiritual practice and understanding non-duality\, you will develop the internal resources needed to remain resilient.\n \n \n \n \n \n Why does the course focus specifically on money\, sex\, and power?\n These foundational energies are often the “handmaidens of power.” Understanding them through a spiritual lens helps practitioners build trustworthiness and prevents the scandals often seen in modern spiritual communities.\n \n \n \n \n \n Is this course suitable for beginners in Tantric practice?\n Yes\, the course is open to any practitioner with an open mind. It is designed to deepen your understanding of power\, whether you are new or highly experienced in spirituality. \n \n \n \n \n \n How does non-dual practice help me become more trustworthy for others?\n Non-dual practice clarifies confusion\, helping you become a more reliable person. By aligning your actions with your practice\, you provide a stable\, empowered presence that supports yourself and the community.\n \n \n \n \n \n How are the course fees determined through the principle of Dāna?\n This course is offered on a generosity basis\, or Dāna. Participants are invited to contribute an amount that feels healthy and reflects the value of the teachings they receive.\n \n \n \n \n \n What practical resources will I gain from participating in this series?\n You will discover how to feel strong in your tradition\, understand Tantra within Buddhism more deeply\, and gain leadership resources to support the empowerment of those around you. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Sensei’s intuitive wisdom on how you can use your astrology chart to grow the wholesome and let go of the unwholesome is skillful\, compassionate and loving. She is the real deal. She has worked and trained closely as an apprentice to Qapel Doug Duncan. As a result\, she has learned to help beings to let go of what is not working and embrace more sustainable behaviours using the combination of astrology and dharma. \nKaren McallisterThe Mindful Money CoachDearest Cata Sensei\,\nTHANK YOU – for holding and shining the outstanding love\, care\, compassion and wisdom that you do. We are so grateful to have you in our lives and for your presence in this world of ours.\nMuch love\, gratitude and appreciation to you for the incredible woman\, teacher and human being your are. Thank you for being a true light and inspiration in this world. \nRuth LevinMFA\, Small Business Owner\, Movement Teacher & Performing ArtistCatherine Sensei is an excellent teacher with a gentle manner and a keen intellect and breadth of knowledge. \nDean Nicholson Executive DirectorIt is simply hard to put the ineffable to words. I don’t find meditation easy\, but I do find it worth it. I would not have dreamed that a 3 day online retreat could resolve complicated matters that I have wrestled with for years. Yet it did. Thank you\, Sensei. Thank you each one of you at Clear Sky. \nCheryl Bate Clinical Counsellor\, Private Practise\, Whistler\, BCCatherine Sensei is an inspiring model and teacher of Women in Buddhism. She deftly weaves context\, questions and her own experiences with wisdom\, curiosity and a stunning clarity. \nMichelle Heinz Integral CoachDear Catherine Sensei\, we are so blessed to have you as one of the dedicated teachers at Clear Sky. I admire your continued commitment to helping us and others on the planet and I am awed by your abilities.  \nDan O'BrianAuthor\, Japan Series URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/power-in-tantric-traditions/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Power-in-Tantric-Traditions-just-background-2.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261225T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261229T170000 DTSTAMP:20260927T205337Z CREATED:20260927T200502Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260927T205337Z UID:10000689-1798185600-1798563600@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:The Kilesas: Freeing the Heart from Obscuring Emotions DESCRIPTION:The Kilesas: Freeing the Heart from Obscuring Emotions\n In-Person & Online with Catherine Pawasarat Sensei | December 25-29\, 2026\n \n\n  \n“The power of one person reducing the influence of the kilesas in their life is far greater than one in eight billion — because the effect is so pervasive.”  \n– Catherine Sensei \n\n\n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We spend a lot of energy learning to manage our emotions — naming them\, regulating them\, communicating them skilfully. That work matters. But Buddhism has always pointed to something underneath it: the kilesas\, the obscuring states of mind that colour how emotion arises in the first place. \nThis retreat continues to build on Sensei’s 2026 teachings on emotional intelligence\, bringing that work to a natural close by looking at the formal Buddhist teachings on emotion. Where this year’s work has helped us recognise and work skilfully with what we feel\, the kilesa teachings show us what’s underneath the feeling. These classic Buddhist teachings offer a direct\, practical remedy for dissolving it at the root. \nRegistration Deadline: for both in-person and online please register by December 18\, 2026 \nKeen Practitioner/Early Bird Rate: available until November 20\, 2026 \nWe recommend in-person retreats as the best way to get the most out of your experience. That said\, we recognise that travel is inhibitive for some people and are offering an online option for those outside the region unable to travel here. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Are the Kilesas and Upakkilesas?\nKilesa (Pali; kleśa in Sanskrit) is the traditional term for what are sometimes called the afflictive or destructive emotions — the mental states that cloud the mind and drive unskilful action. Buddhism has long focused on identifying what gets in the way of our well-being\, and working to remove it. The main kilesas are greed\, hatred and delusion — also described as clinging\, aggression and confusion — along with pride and jealousy. \nAlongside these\, we’ll explore the upakkilesas: subtler\, less familiar defilements that can slip by unnoticed\, quietly disrupting our equanimity day to day. Two we’ll focus on are worry\, often mistaken for a sign of care\, and an attachment to knowledge that can stand in for genuine wisdom. \nThese aren’t personal flaws to feel bad about — they’re universal patterns every human contends with on the path. Learning to recognise them clearly\, rather than being run by them\, is central to Buddhist practice. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What We’ll Explore\nOver four days of teaching\, guided meditation and group inquiry\, we’ll: \n\nLearn the main kilesas — greed\, hatred and delusion\, along with pride and jealousy — and the subtler upakkilesas or higher defilements.\nExplore how this traditional Buddhist map connects with modern emotional intelligence work\, bringing a fresh\, integrated view to classical teachings\nDraw on the book “Destructive Emotions: How Can We Overcome Them?” by Daniel Goleman and the Dalai Lama (Mind & Life Institute)\, and the Upakkilesa Sutta\nPractice recognising these patterns as they arise\, both in meditation and in daily life\nConsider how reducing these defilements in ourselves ripples outward\, offering a living example of non-duality — healing in ourselves as healing in society and on the planet\n\nNew to this year’s series? Working with the kilesas is always relevant\, so you’re welcome to join even if you haven’t taken part in the earlier emotional intelligence sessions this year. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule\nFor in-person\, please arrive December 25 no later than 5 pm. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFormal teaching runs December 26–29\, with classes at 9:30am and 2:30pm each day\, alongside group meditation\, meals and personal practice time. \nDeparture and New Year’s Celebration \nThe last formal retreat class will be 2.30-4 pm Tuesday 29th.  Departures can  begin after this.  However we warmly invite you to stay on after the retreat closes and welcome the new year with our community. We’ll gather on December 31 for a New Year’s Eve celebration. When booking\, you can select an option to remain at Clear Sky through January 1 to rest\, integrate the teachings and start the year in good company. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n Register for in-person retreat \n \n Register for Online \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Clear Sky\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. \nFounded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. \nIn adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. \nEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \nRegistration Deadline: for both in-person and online please register December 18\, 2026 \nKeen Practitioner/Early Bird Rate: available until November 20\, 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for in-person retreat \n \n Register for Online \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Spacer Holder for the 1st Item\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Costs\n The teaching itself is offered in the traditional Buddhist way on the basis of Dāna\,  Please see the section About Dāna below.\n\nThe costs below cover the accommodation\, food and program/admin fees for Clear Sky to operate the retreat. \n\nIn person cost including meals and accommodation range from CAD $384.30 to CAD $834.30 according to type of accommodation and whether you will stay on for New Year. \nOnline\n\nCAD $225.00 – Online Course Fee\n\nKeen practitioner/Early bird discount available until Novem \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n About Dāna\n Registration fees cover food\, accommodation and the technology needed to offer the retreat online. The Teachings are freely given on the basis of dāna. \nYou may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart”. Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”. With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No-one is excluded for lack of funds but it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course.  \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure.  Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us.  \nConversely\, if you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nLearn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n Scholarship Application\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  \nAs a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. \nThe teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  \nFor some\, this is still a barrier of entry. \nIf you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \nNote: In the unlikely scenario that this retreat is cancelled\, we recommend purchasing refundable travel fares.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Cannabis\, Psychedelics and Microdosing\n We recognize and respect plant medicine as an important part of some people’s spiritual paths.  \nPlease note\, the meditation practice on this retreat is very powerful. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  \nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances during this retreat and in the days immediately following it.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Keen Practitioner/Early Bird & Registration Deadlines\n IN-PERSON: Please register as early as possible so we can plan for the retreat. Save 10% on fees until November 20th. Registration deadline for in-person retreatants is December 18th\, 2026. \nONLINE: We encourage early registration – keen practitioner/early bird discount available until November 20th. December 18th is the final online registration deadline. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Sensei’s intuitive wisdom on how you can use your astrology chart to grow the wholesome and let go of the unwholesome is skillful\, compassionate and loving. She is the real deal. She has worked and trained closely as an apprentice to Qapel Doug Duncan. As a result\, she has learned to help beings to let go of what is not working and embrace more sustainable behaviours using the combination of astrology and dharma. \nKaren McallisterThe Mindful Money CoachWe are so blessed to have Sensei as one of the dedicated teachers at Clear Sky. I admire her continued commitment to helping us and others on the planet and I am awed by her abilities. Glad you are not hiding them under a basket. Thank you so much for the time you give so generously to talk\, touch one on the shoulder\, listen and speak truth. \nDan O'BrianAuthor\, Japan SeriesSensei has an unwavering compassion and commitment to support and accelerate the unfoldment of all beings around her.\nIt is a blessing and a privilege to be one of the lucky few who can bask in the glow of this radiance. \nDave Basu RoyChef\, food business strategist and socialpreneurSensei is an inspirational woman and I am blessed to walk this earth beside her. \nMaya LewandowskyArtistic Director and Vocal CoachMuch love\, gratitude and appreciation to Sensei for the incredible woman\, teacher and human being that she is. Thank you for being a true light and inspiration in this world. \nRuth Naomi LevinMFA\, Small Business Owner\, Movement Teacher & Performing ArtistGratitude to Sensei for lighting up our love lives with her fire. \nEvangelos DiavolitisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/the-kilesas-freeing-the-heart-from-obscuring-emotions/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/kilesas-retreat-banner-small.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR