BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Planet Dharma - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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:20160313T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20161106T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20170312T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20171105T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20180311T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20181104T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20190310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20191103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20200308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20201101T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20210314T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20211107T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20220313T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20221106T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Vancouver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20180311T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20181104T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20190310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20191103T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20200308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20201101T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20160327T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20161030T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20170326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20171029T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20180325T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20181028T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210908 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210921 DTSTAMP:20260610T064407Z CREATED:20201031T014824Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T064407Z UID:10000435-1631059200-1632182399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Baltic Sea Region Dharma Trip 2021 DESCRIPTION:Baltic Sea Region Dharma Trip\n September 8-20\, 2021\n Bring your dharma to the road\, or in this case\, the water!  Join Doug and Catherine Sensei for a cruise of the Baltic Sea Region\, from Stockholm to Amsterdam in September 2021. \n OverviewAbout Dharma Trips\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Baltic Sea Region Dharma Trip\nA Dharma Voyage\, from Stockholm to Amsterdam  \nBring your dharma to the road\, or in this case\, the water!  Join Doug and Catherine Sensei for a twelve day cruise of the Baltic Sea Region\, in September 2021.  \nDharma trips provide an opportunity to spend precious time with your teachers and sangha outside of more familiar contexts. On Dharma trips\, you are constantly moving\, seeing and experiencing new things. This takes us outside of our comfort zone\, and provides a rich environment for growth. You might even discover things about yourself you never knew\, and find new ways of being and communicating.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Where will we visit on this trip?\n \n \n \n \n \n Including our departure and destination ports\, there are stops in 10 cities on this trip. They include:\nStockholm (Sweden)\, Helsinki (Finland)\, St Petersberg (Russia) (2 nights)\, Tallin (Estonia)\, Riga (Latvia)\, Copenhagen (Denmark)\, Berlin (Germany)\, Malmo (Sweden)\, Oslo (Norway)\, Amsterdam (Netherlands).  Enjoy some photos of these destinations below: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Oceania-Cruises-Marina\n \n \n \n \n Stockholm\, Sweden\n \n \n \n \n Amsterdam\, Netherland\n \n \n \n \n Tallin\, Estonia\n \n \n \n \n Norway\n \n \n \n \n St. Petersberg\, Russia\n \n \n \n \n Riga\, Latvia\n \n \n \n \n Copenhagen \, Denemark\n \n \n \n \n Berlin\, Germany\n \n \n \n \n Helsinki\, Finland\n \n \n \n \n Malmo\, Sweden\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Baltic Sea Region Dharma Trip 2021\nFAQs\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q1: What kind of dharma voyage is this?\n This is a cruise around the perimeter of the Baltic Sea\, beginning in Stockholm and ending in Amsterdam. It’s called “Castles to Cobblestones.” See the webpage for this cruise: Oceania Cruises.\n \n \n \n \n \n Q2: Where does it stop?\n Including our departure and destination ports\, there are stops in 10 cities:\nStockholm\, Sweden\nHelsinki\, Finland\,\nSt Petersberg\, Russia (2 nights)\nTallin\, Estonia\nRiga\, Latvia\nCopenhagen\, Denmark\nBerlin\, Germany\nMalmo\, Sweden\nOslo\, Noway\nAmsterdam\, Netherlands\n \n \n \n \n \n Q3: What are the dates?\n Sept 8-20\, 2021 \n \n \n \n \n \n Q5: How much does the trip cost?\n Fares begin at C$ 3\,899 / approx USD 2970 / approx EUR 2510 per person (using approx. exchange rates from 11 Oct 2020).\nSee the Oceania webpage for this cruise to see the costs in your local currency here.\n\nThe fare increases depending on:\n\ncabin type (see the webpage to choose your cabin type);\nwhether or not you also purchase round trip air fare from your origin country as part of the cruise package;\nhow many and what kind of tours you choose to go on in each port\nwhether or not you purchase medical and travel insurance from Oceania.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Q4: How many days of sightseeing will there be?\n Including Stockholm and Amsterdam (our departure and destination ports)\, there are 11 days of sightseeing. Two days will consist of traveling at sea. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q6: When do I have to book? Will the fares go down if I wait? \n Whenever you like. Oceania’s better deals are further in advance.\nThey will hold a reservation for one week\, at which time they need a minimum US$750 deposit per person. The balance is due before June 10 (confirm at time of booking).\n\nNote that as of the first week of October 2020\, 300 of the boat’s 630 cabins were already reserved.\n \n \n \n \n \n Q7: How do I book a cabin? \n You can contact Oceania directly (see contact details below)\, or you can have your travel agent book for you. The fare will be the same\, either way. Please email Andrea at andreaomtare@me.com to let her know you’ve booked\, so she can keep a list of dharma voyage participants. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q8: What currency do I have to pay in?\n They accept various currencies. When you make a reservation you can lock in that day’s exchange rate – contact your local Oceania office (see below) for more information.\n \n \n \n \n \n Q9: Are Doug and Cata Senseis definitely going? \n They have made reservations and paid deposits. They’re planning to go unless it’s impossible to travel or the cruises are not sailing (i.e.\, due to covid). \n \n \n \n \n \n Q10: Will the boat sail\, with covid? \n That remains to be seen. At present\, all cruises have been suspended until November. Oceania is now developing a plan with major health organizations so their passengers can sail safely. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q11: Can I cancel and get a free refund? \n A: Yes. The date until which you can get a full refund depends on when you pay your deposit. For a deposit made on Oct 7\, a full refund is available until May 10.After that\, you can cancel and receive a full credit for any sailing through 2022 up to 15 days before the cruise departs (Aug 23\, 2021). Confirm at time of booking. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q12: Is the air fare package with Oceania a good deal?\n We found the fare they quoted competitive. Please check with Oceania and compare for yourself. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q13: What kind of boat is it?\n The Marina is one of Oceania’s newer boats. It is considered relatively small\, with 630 rooms\, accommodating 1250 people. Most of Oceania’s boats sail at full capacity\, though they sail even when they are not. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q14: Are meals included? \n All meals on the boat are included\, with two central dining rooms and four specialized restaraunts. The food is considered a highlight. Meals do not include alcohol\, unless you choose that as your OLife amenities package with Oceania.\n \nIn port\, meals may or may not be included in each tour – ones with meals included are indicated with a fork and knife symbol on the pdf describing all the tours.\n \n \n \n \n \n Q15: What do we do in port? \n There are many different tours available in each port for you to choose from\, for an extra fee (some tours may be included as part of your OLife amenities package\, depending on the one you choose).  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q16: Can we explore on our own without a tour / what tours are available? \n Yes\, except in Russia\, where we are required to do the Oceania tours. See attached pdf of tours that are available: Stockholm to Amsterdam tours (USD version).\nPlease contact Oceania for tour prices in your currency.\n \n \n \n \n \n Q17: If we’d like to explore on our own\, are there concierge services available on the cruise ship? \n You’re welcome to ask staff for recommendations. If any arrangements need to be made\, that falls under customized travel arrangements. Oceania can help you with this based on your requests 180 days prior to sailing. Oceania can procure tickets\, services\, and provide pricing\, etc. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q18: How big are the tour group sizes? \n The standard tour sizes are around 30 people\, with a maximum of 40. There is one guide. Headsets are generally not used.   \nPremium tours are available with group sizes of 10-16. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q19: When do I need to decide which tour excursions I’m going on? \n You can decide up until 10 days before the tour departs\, but many fill up before then. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q20: Do I need visas for each country?\n Americans and Canadians don’t need visas except a visa for Russia (which Oceania will take care of). Other nationalities need to inquire in advance about visas at their local Oceania office.\n \n \n \n \n \n Q23: How can I find out more? \n  See the Oceania webpage for this tour here. \nSee the Oceania FAQ here.\n\nIn Canada and the U.S\, contact Carl @ Oceania  at 1-305-514-2300\, x 42138\, Mon-Th 9:30-6:00 ET.\nIn the UK\, Oceania can be reached at 0345 505 1920\nFrom Germany\, Austria and Switzerland\, call +49 69 2222 33 00. Click here for the Oceania website in German.\nFind your nearest Oceania office on their Contact Us webpage.\n \n \n \n \n \n Q24: Are there prerequisites to attend?\n This trip is open to existing Dharma students\, or those who have attended classes/courses with us before. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q25: Dāna / Generosity Practice?\n This trip is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). \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 opportunity to practice your Dharma ‘on the road’\, 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. \nFor more information on dāna click here. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q26: How do I register?\n Contact Andrea Netscher if you’re interested in coming on the cruise with us. Andrea will let Doug and Catherine Sensei know. Her email is: andreaomtare@me.com \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Dharma Trips\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How is a Dharma Trip different than a holiday?\n \n \n \n \n \n It’s easy to mistake a dharma trip for a holiday somewhere exciting. However\, dharma trips are not really about what you might see or do. Sure\, sightseeing is great (and we will do a bunch of that)\, but dharma trips are really about bringing your growth and unfoldment to the road and to new environments. These trips are an opportunity to spend precious time with your dharma teachers and community in a new environment. It might be exciting\, challenging\, joyful and exhausting – all in one day\, but whatever happens\, we have an opportunity to practice and grow more conscious. \nWhat are some ways to approach the trip?\n\nThe trip is an opportunity to practice Meditation on the Fly\nStay focused on the teachers\, as they teach 24/7.\nPractice being in conscious community with sangha\, as they are indispensable mirrors for our unfoldment. You might say that we can learn from ‘group guru’.\nAn 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.\n\n\nAttention to details and schedules – always arrive early\, 10 minutes before the teachers to keep the group moving as planned.\nArrive with a spirit of generosity and a constant state of question – how can I grow? How can I support and engage with my Teachers and community as a bodhisattva in training?\n\n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Past Dharma Trips Photo Gallery\n \n \n \n \n \n Doug and Catherine Sensei have travelled widely with students over the past 20 years. Trips destinations have included Mongolia\, Peru and Galapagos\, Jordan and Egypt\, South Africa (twice)\, Cambodia and Burma\, Laos and Bhutan\, India and Ladakh\, Costa Rica and Guatemala\, Antartica and Argentina\, Brazil\, Ireland and Scotland\, Greece and Israel\, Mexico\, Grand Canyon USA\, Germany and Japan… \nHere are a selection of  photos from 2019’s trip to Mexico (courtesy of Ava MacLean) and 2008’s trip to Bhutan (courtesy of Sarah Brayer): \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mexico trip 1\n \n \n \n \n Mexico trip 2\n \n \n \n \n Mexico trip 3\n \n \n \n \n Mexico trip 4\n \n \n \n \n Mexico trip 5 Lamas Boat\n \n \n \n \n Bhutan trip 1\n \n \n \n \n Bhutan trip 4\n \n \n \n \n Bhutan trip 2\n \n \n \n \n Bhutan trip 3\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n And\, it is a tradition…\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Namgyal Rinpoche’s Dharma Trips\nVenerable Namgyal Rinpoche spent a great deal of time travelling with students\, often on ships (usually freighters).  They would sail from port to port\, on an unpredictable schedule. The ship provided retreat-like conditions – a contained environment with nowhere to run (!)\, alongside opportunities to see new and interesting countries. \nDoug Duncan Sensei speaks fondly of the many travel experiences he had with Namgyal Rinpoche: \nI was on many of Namgyal Rinpoche’s freighter trips\, at least 5 or 6  – the freighter’s job was to deliver goods\, so you weren’t going to Paris\, you went to unusual\, obscure places in Africa\, India\, remote islands…  While on the boat\, there wasn’t a lot of distractions. Your meals and housekeeping were taken care of by the boat crew. There was no entertainment.  There was no internet. You were there to do your dharma work\, to study and meditate.  \nWhen we arrived at port we’d get off and do a tour or some exploration for a few days or a week\, depending on how long the ship needed to be there unloading.  The contained environment with no more than 15 students made for an intense ongoing day in day out experience. Everyone who had that experience came away more awakened than when they got on the boat. \nRinpoche later graduated from freighter style transport – he got involved with more exotic places and ways to travel.  He took dive trips off the coast of Thailand and the South Pacific\, he was on one of the first commercial trips via the North West Passage to the North Pole\, he visited Antarctica.  This was all by way of getting students away from their home country and typical engagements\, getting them meditative\, quiet\, exploring and discovering.  \n–Doug Duncan Sensei\, November 4\, 2020 \n  \n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Dharma Trip Travellers 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 On Dharma Trips\, you are out of your comfort zone\, you’re not held down by habitual patterns and you get the joy of receiving training when you are more open and vulnerable. I love the stimulation of seeing and learning new things\, tasting new food\, speaking new languages.  It is exploration and dharma training combined. \n Karen McAllister\, Canada/Ireland\n The Mindful Money Coach \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n I have been on several dharma trips – to Burma\, Cambodia\, Costa Rica and Bhutan. I saw how Lama-mind can change course to respond with compassion\, that might be outside expectations or ‘the written plan’. There are many liberating moments between Lamas and students. Being part of a group lets one witness many teachings on the spot\, and have time to integrate and absorb them together. \n Sarah Brayer\, Kyoto/USA\n Artist\, Sarah Brayer Studios \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dharma trips are an incredible way to deepen connection with the Teachers\, teachings and sangha\, while simultaneously experiencing new people\, places and adventures. A rare and precious opportunity indeed.\n Ava MacLean\, BC Canada\n Sex & Relationship Coach\, Kootenay Somatics URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/baltic-trip/ LOCATION:British Columbia CATEGORIES:Dharma Trip,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Stockholm-Sweden-e1604705321421.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210821 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210901 DTSTAMP:20260610T063216Z CREATED:20210316T221019Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T063216Z UID:10000443-1629504000-1630454399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Dzogchen Meditation Retreat - Opening to the Clear Light of the Mind (Online & UK Residential) DESCRIPTION:Opening to the Clear Light of the Mind\n Dzogchen Meditation Retreat (Online/UK Residential/At Clear Sky)\n August 21-31\, 2021\nBeneath the confusion and distraction of our minds\, the Mind itself is empty\, spontaneous and compassionate.  The practice of Dzogchen helps us cut right through the confusion to this original\, pure and luminous nature of Mind.   \nThis retreat\, with meditation masters Acharya Doug Duncan And Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, is for any meditator looking to go deeper to the essence of practice.   \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dzogchen\nThe Natural State \nThe Three Words that Strike the Vital Point is one of the principal teachings of the practice of Dzogchen\, the Great Perfection.  Patrul Rinpoche’s Special Teaching of the Wise and Glorious King\, with commentary\, is treasured as one of the most crucial instructions in the practice of Dzogchen. It’s pith teachings give simple yet deeply profound guidance on directly recognizing the mind’s innate purity and clarity. \nIn the confusion of our times\, a myriad of teachings and techniques surround us. The direct teachings of Dzogchen offer a refreshing clarity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Opening to the Clear Light of the Mind\nDzogchen Meditation Retreat  \n(Online/ UK Residential / At Clear Sky) 21 – 31 August 2021\n    \n  \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n**See ‘Covid-19 Retreat Modifications’ below photos: Online and UK Residential Retreat \n(Updated June 20\, 2021)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “How wonderful!  Nothing whatsoever\, a glaring openness.  An openness that is penetrating; a penetrating openness that is indescribable … \nDirect recognition within yourself; that is the first vital point.” \n— Patrul Rinpoche from The three words that strike the vital point\, a root text expounding Garab Dorje’s teachings on Dzogchen – the Great Perfection. \n \n \n \n \n \n Why do a Retreat on Dzogchen?\nRelaxing the mind\, dropping words\, the practice leads us towards an experience of profound openness.  From this place of clarity and origin\, new perspectives can arise.  We gain confidence founded on our own direct experience that wisdom and compassion are possible\, and in fact an inherent part of our nature.  Learning to rest more and more in this inherent nature of mind lets us bring this experience of openness into every moment\, transforming how we live and act.   \nFrom daily life to Dzogchen can be a sudden step\, so as well as the teachings of the Three Words\, the Teachers will draw on another key text: the ‘Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness’ a treatise by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamsto Rinpoche\, to help gain a deeper understanding. \nDrawing on decades of personal practice and teaching experience\, Acharya Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei will lead you with practical experiential exercises and humour\, explore the nature of Mind beyond the surface confusions. \n \n Register 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 Covid 19 Retreat Modifications\nA silver lining of Covid-19 travel restrictions is that this retreat will now be accessible to an international audience. With the teachers not travelling beyond BC\, Canada this year\, we are offering an online option for this retreat. For those who can join us at Maitreya House in the UK\, there will be an in-person group retreat. Both options will have live streamed classes and meditations. \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me if I Sign Up for This Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n  The Course \n\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’s human to have some apprehensions about doing something new\, meeting new people online\, or going to a new place. Particularly when all three happen together. We try to make this as supportive as possible.\nWhen 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.\nTo maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\n\n \nMore info   \n \n\nThe retreat is hosted by Planet Dharma & Dharma Europe. \nThese teachings operate on the basis of the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. Please learn more about this profound practice before you register. \nWe aspire that no-one is excluded from hearing the Dharma due to lack of funds.  If you are unable to afford this admin fee\, please contact Jonathan to discuss options.\n\n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreat\nBasic requirements to do the retreat online:· Block out the ten days and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at the retreat centre in person. This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule.· Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.· Set up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.· Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.· If there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet and do group practice throughout the retreat. \nThe Teachers\, Dharma Europe and Clear Sky Retreat centre from which classes will be streamed\,  all operate based on the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. Please learn more about this profound practice before you register. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n UK Residential Retreat – Attending in person at Maitreya House\n· Maitreya House is a beautiful retreat centre located in the golden valley\, a remote part of Herefordshire\, near the Welsh border in the United Kingdom.· Learn more about the retreat location: Maitreya House.· There will be appropriate Covid 19 protocols followed on this retreat – with numbers limited to 12 people at Maitreya House.· The retreat is hosted by Dharma Europe.· The teachers and Dharma Europe operate on the basis of the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. Please learn more about this profound practice before you register. \nFor UK and general enquiries contact Jonathan Clifford\,dharmaeurope@outlook.com +44 7891 621865. \nIn-person at Clear Sky\nIf you are local to Clear Sky in BC\, Canada you may also choose to be onsite in person to where the teachers are streaming from.  We invite you to book a personal retreat cabin for the duration of the retreat.  See here for details.  Or contact us the Clear Sky team to discuss other options. \n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.  \n \n \n \n \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 World class teachings from world class people! Doug and Catherine Sensei are the real deal and they ultimately want one thing for you – to guide you toward awakening with totality and intelligence. Planet Dharma’s steadfast\, professional commitment to meet the needs of seekers today is impressive. What a precious gift to have access to these wisdom teachings and practices from anywhere in the world; Live online and in connection with others as well as on-demand courses and podcasts. Clear Sky in-person immersions set in a pristine landscape offer the opportunity to come back to center while having the support of an established compassionate sangha to help deepen the experience. So grateful for having met this community!Florence\, Italy \n Nishta Matarese\, Italy\n Transformational Coach & Open Floor Teacher \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ancient teaching that I feel is important to understand if someone was serious about meditation practice. I appreciate the teachers\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these rich practices. These practices are life changing\, so it is great that we can have teachers that will explore the rich history with us\, and deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \n Jenai Lieu\, Canada\n Psychology student \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n I recommend these down to earth teachers bringing dharma to the planet. It’s great that classes can be watched in person\, virtually\, or within a week depending on one`s schedule. Increase the awareness\, compassion\, wisdom\, strength\, and joy in your life! \n Brendan Ries\, Australia\n Life coach\, teacher & artist \n \n \n \n \n \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\nFees and Dāna\nThis course is run based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna\, as well as an administration fee. \n\nOnline Retreatant Admin Fee: CA$250\nUK Residential Admin Fee CA$250 (Approx £150) plus\nUK  Residential Fees £550 (Inc. Food & Accommodation)\nClear Sky Residential Fees (Inc. Food & Accomodation – please contact Clear Sky via the registration button below.\nTeachers receive no income from these administration fees. They offer their teaching on the basis of generosity\, or Dāna\, which you will have an opportunity to give when you register.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Please register here: \n \n Registration URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/clear-light-retreat-uk-2021/ LOCATION:Maitreya House\, Lower Maes-coed\, Hereford\, England\, HR2 0HP\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Clear-Light-retreat-banners.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dharma Europe - Jonathan Clifford":MAILTO:dharmaeurope@outlook.com GEO:51.9720215;-2.9511638 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Maitreya House Lower Maes-coed Hereford England HR2 0HP United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Lower Maes-coed:geo:-2.9511638,51.9720215 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210813 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210816 DTSTAMP:20260610T063350Z CREATED:20210614T161842Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260610T063350Z UID:10000610-1628812800-1629071999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Clear Sky's Sweet 16th Anniversary with Tantric Empowerments DESCRIPTION:Clear Sky's Sweet 16 & Tantric Empowerments\n Weekend Celebration | August 13-15\n In Vajrayana Buddhism\, initiations\, empowerments or wongkur (Tib. དབང་\, wang) are considered the spring from which all blessings flow. Join us for three empowerments\, during a weekend of joy to celebrate our retreat centre’s 16th anniversary. \nImportant Note: \nOnline registrations close by August 10th \nIn person registrations close by August 3rd  \n  \n OverviewRegister\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Celebration & Tantric Empowerments\n\n\n\nCelebration time! Covid-19 travel restrictions threw a wrench in our plans for Clear Sky’s 15th Anniversary and ten day Tantric Deep Dive in 2020\, as well as in 2021.  We’ve adjusted the programming so that community can come together from anywhere in the world for a three day celebration instead. It will be online\, *and if health restrictions ease\, possibly in person as well. \nTo fete Doug Sensei’s 72nd year\, together with 16 remarkable years at Clear Sky we invite you to join us for three empowerments. \nThese empowerments give you an energetic blessing\, and access to practice mantra and visualisation of different transcendental archetypes from the Himalayan schools of Buddhism. \nOver the weekend\, we will celebrate Clear Sky’s 16th anniversary – sharing our community’s stories from past and present as well as future visions..  The three wongkur empowerments will be interspersed throughout the weekend. \nHeld at Clear Sky\, a 21st-century model for innovative awakening\, situated in the beautiful B.C. Rocky Mountains. \n  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Empowerments Offered\n\nGreen Tara\nAmitayus\nVajrapani Hayagriva Garuda\n\nThese empowerments are open to the general public (live attendance).  They are special ceremonies that are best experienced in person. However\, if you cannot come live\,  we ask that you have attended events with us in the past\, or have some experience with vajrayana deity 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 16th Anniversary and Tantric Empowerments Weekend Schedule*\n*exact times being confirmed. \nFriday Schedule – August 13th \n\nArrival time: 11am Friday August 13th (onsite participants)\n4pm Green Tara Empowerment [available online]\n7:30pm Anniversary Opening and Japanese Cocktail Party with the Teachers. [available online]\n\nSaturday Schedule – August 14th \n\n9:30am-11:30am MST: Catherine Sensei presenting on the History of Clear Sky [available online]\n4pm Amitayus Empowerment [available online]\n7:30pm: Community Sharing Open Mic [available online]\n8:30pm: Dancing [available online]\n\nSunday Schedule – August 15th \n\n9:30-11:00am: Looking to the Future – Community visioning and temple update [available online].\n4pm Vajrapani Hayagriva Garuda Empowerment [available online]\nCelebrations officially end with the wongkur on Sunday afternoon. There is also the option to stay for dinner.\n\nOnline Participants Wongkur Orientation \n\n2pm MST (Tentative. Time to be confirmed) before each wongkur on Friday\, Saturday and Sunday.\n24 hour online practice rooms will be available.\n\nParticipants coming onsite for empowerments only \n\nPlease register online and arrive by 3pm MST before each empowerment. Please also call 250-429-3929 to confirm we have received your registration.\n\n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n   \nParticipants coming onsite for empowerments only \n\nIf you would like to come to the empowerments only\, but not the anniversary weekend\, please register online and arrive by 3pm MST before each empowerment. Please also call 250-429-3929 to confirm we have received your registration and details.\n\n \n  \n \n \n \n \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 are Vajrayana Empowerments (aka Wongkur)?\n \n \n \n \n \n Namgyal Rinpoche\, our lineage root guru\, put it best: \nIn the depth of the psyche lie all possibilities in a state of unrealized potential. In every being there exists the possibility of experiencing transcendental consciousness\, which when the student is ready\, the Teacher(s) can make accessible to him or her via empowerment\, initiation\, or wongkur. \nOne should regard Wongkur as an event in which the Lama sows the seed of transcendental consciousness in the depth of the student. The seed will lie in the unconscious until the student brings it to realization in the practice of meditation. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Empowerments Offered\n\nGreen Tara\nAmitayus\nVajrapani Hayagriva Garuda\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Suggested Reading\nWe highly recommend you read What is Wong Kur – Explanations by Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche and H.H. Sakya Trizin” compiled by Wesley Knapp\, prior to registering for this retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Clear Sky’s 16th Anniversary\nA Weekend Celebration\nAugust 13-15\, 2021 \nJoin us in-person for the weekend\, or if you can’t make it live\, for the online celebration. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Countless hands have contributed to building our incredible center\, Clear Sky. It is with deep gratitude that we excitedly share this opportunity to join in celebration\, connection and growth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Location: Clear Sky Center\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, the centre 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\nBooking a flight? Airport pickups can be booked when you register for the retreat. In the event that this retreat is cancelled\, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Friday Schedule \n\nArrival time: 11am \nOrientation & Welcome: 11:30am\n12:20pm: Lunch\n4pm: Green Tara Empowerment\n\nOnline Participants Wongkur Orientation \n\n2pm MST (Tentative. Time to be confirmed) before each wongkur on Friday\, Saturday and Sunday.\n\n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \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 Through the power of long dedication\, deep meditation\, and wise guidance\, life can definitely be transformed. If you get a chance to study with Doug-sensei and Catherine\, don’t miss it. This kind of spiritual guidance and down to earth work have deeply shifted many people’s lives and led to deep awakenings. \n Paul Jaffe\,USA\n Retired Professor & Meditation Teacher \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug and Catherine Sensei are living examples of the dharma teachings.  In their presence\, they have the ability to put me at ease and their teachings (somewhat mysteriously) become alive and intimate. I trust in their one-pointed focus on whatever it takes to speed their students unrealized potential. \n Laura Montgomery\, Canada\n Counsellor & Mum of Two \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n Bob Abraamms\n Founder\, ODT Maps \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Event Details\nFees and Dāna\nThis two night\, three day celebration package at Clear Sky retreat center includes accommodation and all meals. There are cabin\, shared and tenting accommodation options available. Click on the registration link for details and pricing. \nFor online participants\, there is a $75 administration fee to cover administrative and other costs of hosting the online empowerments and anniversary.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here for the Weekend: \n \n 16th Anniversary weekend (In-Person)\n \n 16th Anniversary weekend (online)\n \n \n \n \n \n Empowerments Registration\nAfter registering for the 16th anniversary weekend\, please register for each empowerment individually via the buttons below.  If you cannot attend the whole weekend it is also possible to attend individual empowerments. \nWe highly recommend that you attend these empowerments in person. They are very special events and transmissions where live attendance gives you the full experience. If you cannot attend in person\, but have attended events with us in the past\, or have done vajrayana deity practice in the past\, it is possible to attend online. \nThese empowerments are offered by Doug and Catherine Sensei through the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Empowerments Schedule\n\nGreen Tara: 4:00pm MST Friday August 13th\nAmitayus: 4:00pm MST Saturday August 14th\nVajrapani Hayagriva Garuda: 4:00pm MST Sunday August 15th\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register for Empowerments:\n \n Green Tara Empowerment\n \n Amitayus Empowerment\n \n Vajrapani Hayagriva Garuda Empowerment URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/clear-skys-sweet-16th-anniversary-with-tantric-empowerments/ LOCATION:British Columbia CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210709 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210717 DTSTAMP:20260611T050216Z CREATED:20210103T190327Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T050216Z UID:10000606-1625788800-1626479999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Summer Meditation Retreat: Breathing (Online) DESCRIPTION:Summer Meditation Retreat: Breathing\n Meditation Retreat ONLINE | July 9-16\, 2021\n A one week meditation retreat on powerful breathing meditation practice. \nPlease note that registration closes July 4th 2021. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.\n Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat: Breathing\n\nBreathing. You can’t beat it\, for life\, and as a meditation practice. Breathing meditation is suitable for all types of people.  It develops\, concentration\, calm\, bliss and insight – altogether leading to awakening and healing. \nThis meditation retreat will be led by Achariya Doug Duncan Sensei and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC\, and will now held online\, with participation possible from anywhere in the world. \n\nWhile we believe any undertaking can be a vehicle for awakening\, there’s no substitute for the power of one’s own profound experience of truth\, gained through meditation. This is why meditation is one of the four foundational practices of our teaching. \nA guiding text for this retreat will be the Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta\, or discourse on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness\, which has been described as the most profound discourse the Buddha ever gave on mental development. \nThis simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreat Option\nCan’t fly here? Do the retreat where you are.\nIt most likely won’t be possible to retreat at Clear Sky this year. Instead\, join us from wherever you are in the world. \nBasic requirements to do the retreat online: \n\nBlock out the week and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at Clear Sky in person.  This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule.\nParticipate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.\nSet up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.\nPut away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.\nIf there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet to do a group practice throughout the retreat.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreat schedule:\n(Time Zone: MST\, subject to change) \n\n[Personal Meditation / Breakfast]\n9:30am  – 11am:  Class with Teachers\n[Personal Meditation / Lunch]\n2pm – 3 pm: Group Practice and Q&A with the Teachers\n[Personal Meditation / Dinner]\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nDoug 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. \n \n \n \n \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 This retreat was right on the mark\, a perfect blend of focused inner work along with space for reflection in a trusting and comfortable setting. The teachers were wonderful\, insightful\, humorous\, and extremely attentive to our individual needs for understanding. This unique experience cultivated a bond within the group and fostered an energy that amplified each lesson. \n Ryan Gies\, USA\n Manager of Software Engineering \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ancient teaching that I feel is important to understand if someone was serious about meditation practice. I appreciate the teachers\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these rich practices. These practices are life changing\, so it is great that we can have teachers that will explore the rich history with us\, and deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \n Jenai Lieu\, Canada\n Psychology student \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n I feel so lucky to have received this precious Dharma-teaching. Your presence\, your compassion and your wisdom is as infinite as its effectiveness. Thank you so much\, to get us out of the mud again and again and again. You are needed in many places on this planet. \n Andrea Netscher\, Germany\n Physical Therapist \n \n \n \n \n \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 Fees & Requirements\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Retreatants: A Dāna Based Retreat\n This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). \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 registration.  \nFor more information on dāna click here. \n \n \n \n \n \n For Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional pay by the heart\, sliding scale admin fee* of $200-$700. The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. \nIf you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. \nRequirements include: \n\nBlock out the week and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at Clear Sky in person.  This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule. \nParticipate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.\nSet up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.\nPut away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.\nIf there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet to do a group practice throughout the retreat.\nNote: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registering\n\n  \nAbout the administrative fee* \nIn 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. Learn more about the practice of dāna here. \nThe admin fee goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. \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\nMay all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \nWe welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact registrar@planetdharma.com. \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreatants at Clear Sky: Lodging Fees & Covid 19 Protocols\n In addition to Dana to the teachers\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provides you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. \nPlease go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the two week retreat. \nCovid-19 Protocols\nPlease note\, we are taking measures to keep us all healthy during this retreat\, including: \n\nYou must have experienced no symptoms associated with covid-19 in the past 14 days.\nYou have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days.\nPhysical distancing (2m) amongst all visiting retreatants will be observed during this retreat.\nPlease bring your own face mask(s) that you will feel comfortable wearing. When physical distancing is not possible during this retreat\, you will be asked to wear a mask.\nSanitation and hand washing procedures will be explained when you come and must be followed.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule\n Specific times may change (MST) \n\n\n\nRETREAT DAILY SCHEDULE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6:30 – 7:30 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:15 AM\nBreakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n8:15 – 8:45 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n9:00 – 10:00 AM\nClass with Teachers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10:00 – 10:30 AM\nWalk\n\n\n\n10:30 – 11:30 AM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11:30 – 12:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n12:30 – 1:30 PM\nLunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n\n1:30 – 3:00 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n\n\n3:00 – 4:00 PM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4:00 – 5:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n\n\n\n5:30 – 7:00 PM \nDinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n\n7:00 – 7:30 PM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:30 PM\nGroup Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8:30 – beyond\nPersonal Practice & bed\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ready to Register?\nPlease click on the buttons below to register for either retreat option. If you  If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact michelle@clearskycenter.org. \nPlease note that registration closes July 4th 2021. \n  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n RETREAT AT HOME - Online \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n RETREAT AT CLEAR SKY* (wait list)\n \n \n \n \n \n *This retreat is currently offered online and in some cases in person.  If Covid-19 restrictions change prior the retreat we may be able to run the retreat in person as well. Please register for the waitlist if you would like to be contacted should this be possible. \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 course went beyond my expectations\, I feel I learned a lot of new things or new ways of seeing things. The teachers have an incredible way of presenting the themes in a way that makes it easy to understand. They also make the teachings fun and suggest exercises so that you can apply them in your life. \n Irene Arriaza\, Guatemala / Spain\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n I was expecting to get pearls of wisdom and I always get far far more. The  teachings always speak directly to me. It is uncanny. It is like hearing a language that I spoke in some other life-form and suddenly it rings a bell. And bell after bell. Like a universal language that we all used to speak but have forgotten\, and now as if a new pathway in the brain has opened up and the signals coming in are making sense! Directly from the cosmos via Doug and Catherine Sensei. \n Renata Drtinova\, Czechia / Spain\n Psychotherapist (Gestalt therapist) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The teachers of Planet Dharma [Retreat] aim to provide opportunities to learn from age old teachings while including modern information as they are examples of continuing to learn about the fascinating\, yet troubled world we live in. They help one to develop ideas how to help out society\, live in society and contribute to themselves and others. \n Daniel O'Brien\, USA\n Author\, Japan Series URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/summer-meditation-retreat-breathing-2021/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/5-images-Breathing.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210619 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210626 DTSTAMP:20260606T054819Z CREATED:20201008T235024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260606T054819Z UID:10000434-1624060800-1624665599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Exploring the Bardo of Now - Meditation Retreat (Online) DESCRIPTION:Exploring the Bardo of Now\n Meditation Retreat (Online) | June 19-25\, 2021\n Bardos relate to both living and dying\, creating and dissolving.  In 2020\, we collectively had the rug pulled out from underneath us by the COVID-19 virus. During this retreat\, we will investigate the bardos and what they can teach us about life and impermanence. \n*Due to the ever-changing travel restrictions\, globally and in Canada\, this course is now offered online.   \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Exploring the Bardo of Now\nDuring this retreat\, we will investigate the bardos and what they can teach us about ordinary life. We’ll draw on Vajrayana Buddhism\, contemporary psychology and modern exploration practices to learn how to make peace with the bardos and live more fully in the present moment.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free Infographic: What Happens to Consciousness During the Death Process?\nAdd your information below to receive the infographic. You will also get amazing dharma content from Planet Dharma\, directly to your email inbox. We promise not to spam!\n\n \n LinkedInThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.First Name*Email Address*\n \n Sign-up Location\n Download Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Exploring the Bardo of Now?\n\nJune 19-25\, 2021 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why a meditation retreat on the Bardos?\n \n \n \n \n \n Bardos relate to both living and dying\, creating and dissolving.  Bardos can appear at any time\, and may make us feel we have lost all of our stability and reference points. However\, they also offer us an opportunity to explore what is dying and prepare for a new birth. \n Bardo study is relevant to people of all ages\, regardless how old they are or how close to dying they are. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Who is this retreat ideal for?\n \n \n \n \n \n This retreat is ideal for relatively new students who are interested in exploring Buddhist principles that include both Eastern and Western views of death and impermanence. It will appeal to students of the Positive Death movement. Is is also ideal for AIT students who cannot travel to BC as often as they like to\, given the pandemic situation. \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 if I Come to This Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n The Course \n\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’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.\nWhen 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.\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. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nDoug 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lina Hochstetler\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lama Linda (Linda Hochstetler) has studied both mindfulness meditation and Vajrayana Buddhism for more than 20 years. She trained in mindfulness meditation with Jon Kabat-Zinn in the 90’s\, and studied under Namgyal Rinpoche (the first Canadian-born Rinpoche) from 1995 until his death in 2003. She received permission to teach in the Namgyal lineage in 2014\, and currently studies Vajrayana Buddhism with Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat. Silent meditation retreats are a central part of her study and practice\, and since 1995\, she has completed retreats of between 1 week and 2 months in length every year. \n \n \n \n \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 I attended two retreats led by Doug Sensei. Both were life-changing experiences. During the retreats I was led to confront hidden parts of myself\, unaware that they were affecting me so deeply. Shadow work helped me accept and integrate parts of myself that I had rejected\, and also to acknowledge new strengths and wisdom that were within me all along. After each retreat I left feeling freer and more confident about my spiritual practice. \n Shant Dolbakian\, Toronto\n Video producer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The retreat helped me to access both my strengths and my dark shadow side that interfere with my reaching my fullest potential. Now I am able to better integrate these two parts of myself\, allowing both to unfold\, rather than one suppressing the other. Making both sides more explicit\, more conscious in this retreat\, I lost some fears I didn’t know I had\, and I continue to use the tools today\, a few years later. \n Lisa Feder\, US / France\n Ph.D Cultural Anthropologist and Ethnomusicologist \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ancient teaching that I feel is important to understand if someone was serious about meditation practice. I appreciate the teachers\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these rich practices. These practices are life changing\, so it is great that we can have teachers that will explore the rich history with us\, and deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \n Jenai Lieu\, Calgary Alberta \n Psychology student \n \n \n \n \n \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\nFees and Dāna\nThis course is offered based on the unique combination of 1) dāna  and 2) a $200 CAD administrative fee. Click on the tabs below to learn more: \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 Please register here: \n \n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Also See the Presentation on Buddhist End of Life Contemplative Care (February 6th 2021): Buddhist perspectives on end of life speakers series. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free Infographic: What Happens to Consciousness During the Death Process?\nAdd your information below to receive the infographic. You will also get amazing dharma content from Planet Dharma\, directly to your email inbox. We promise not to spam!\n \n CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.First Name*Email Address*\n \n Sign-up Location\n Download Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/bardo-retreat-2021/ LOCATION:British Columbia CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Bardos.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Awaken in Toronto":MAILTO:info@awakenintoronto.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20201204 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20201220 DTSTAMP:20260723T060707Z CREATED:20200903T170216Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T060707Z UID:10000430-1607040000-1608422399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Winter Meditation Retreat: The Kasinas DESCRIPTION:Winter Meditation Retreat: The Kasinas\n Meditation Retreat ONLINE or in BC\, Canada| Dec 4-19\, 2020\n Registration ends November 20\, 2020 \nKasiṇa meditation is a concentration meditation (samatha\, jhāna) intended to settle the mind and create a foundation for liberation. \nImportant Announcement and Change\nThis is a two week retreat and the Teachers have added a one week option. The Teachers recognize that circumstances may make it difficult for some people to attend both weeks. Attending the full two weeks is ideal. \nIf you choose to take the one week option it is the first week\, December 4 – 12\, 2020. \nThe teachers will be offering a Chenrezi Wongkur at the beginning of the first week. This empowerment will be streamed live\, enabling both online and onsite participation. (Exact time and date to be announced.) \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Winter Meditation Retreat: The Kasinas\nSettling the Mind\, Cultivating Concentration (Jhāna)\nThe ten kasina are part of the forty kammatthana: objects of meditation. They are described in detail by Buddhaghosa in the meditation section of the Visuddhimagga. \nKasina meditation is a concentration meditation (variously known in different traditions as samatha\, dhyana\, or jhana meditations)\, intended to settle the mind of the practitioner and create a foundation for further practices of meditation. In the early stages of kasina meditation\, a physical object is used as the object of meditation\, being focused upon by the practitioner until an eidetic (after-image) image of the object forms in the practitioners mind. In more advanced levels of kasina meditation\, only a mental image of the kasina is used as an object of meditation. \nExperience Acariya Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei’s meditation experience in this strengthening\, mind settling and concentration building retreat. \nHeld online\, and at our home retreat centre\, Clear Sky\, a 21st-century model for innovative awakening\, situated in the beautiful B.C. Rocky Mountains. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreat Option\nCan’t fly here? Do the retreat where you are.\nIt might not be possible to get to Clear Sky to do this retreat. Join us from wherever you are in the world instead. \nBasic requirements to do the retreat online: \n\nBlock out the two weeks and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at Clear Sky in person.  This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule.\nParticipate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.\nSet up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.\nPut away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.\nIf there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet to do a group practice throughout the retreat.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n One Week Option & Chenrezi Wongkur\nThis is a two week retreat and the teachers have added a one week option. The teachers recognize that circumstances may make it difficult for some people to attend both weeks. Attending the full two weeks is ideal. If you choose to take the one week option it is the first week\, December 4 – 12\, 2020. \nThe teachers will be offering a Chenrezi Wongkur at the beginning of the first week. This empowerment will be streamed live\, enabling both online and onsite participation. (Exact time and date to be announced). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Typical Retreat schedule:\n(Time Zone: MST\, Actual times my differ) \n\n[Personal Meditation / Breakfast]\n9am  – 10:30am:  Class with Teachers\n11am-12pm: Group Practice lead by Sangha\n[Personal Meditation / Lunch]\n3pm – 4 pm: Group Practice lead by Sangha\n[Personal Meditation / Dinner]\n7:30pm – 8:30pm: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n[Personal Meditation / Sleep]\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Winter Meditation Retreat: The Kasinas\nSettling the Mind\, Cultivating Concentration (Jhāna)\nDecember 4-19\, 2020 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why this Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n This winter meditation retreat focuses on the kasinas\, part of the 40 classical Buddhist meditations. \nBy focusing on ten kasinas as mind objects we developing concentration\, calm and bliss.  As we deepen our focus\, we develop and strengthen our absorption\, the jhanas. This provides a platform for awakening. \nThere are ten kasiṇa described in the Visuddhimagga\, which are also mentioned in the Pali Tipitaka:[1] \n\nearth पठवी कसिण (Pali: paṭhavī kasiṇa\, Sanskrit: pṛthivī kṛtsna)\nwater आपो कसिण (āpo kasiṇa\, ap kṛtsna)\nfire तेजो कसिण (tejo kasiṇa\, tejas kṛtsna)\nair\, wind वायो कसिण (vāyo kasiṇa\, vāyu kṛtsna)\nblue\, green नील कसिण (nīla kasiṇa\, nīla kṛtsna)\nyellow पीत कसिण (pīta kasiṇa\, pīta kṛtsna)\nred लोहित कसिण (lohita kasiṇa\, lohita kṛtsna)\nwhite ओदात कसिण (odāta kasiṇa\, avadāta kṛtsna)\nenclosed space\, hole\, aperture आकास कसिण (ākāsa kasiṇa\, ākāśa kṛtsna)\nconsciousness विञ्ञाण कसिण (viññāṇa kasiṇa\, vijñāna kṛtsna); in the Pali suttas and some other texts; bright light आलोक कसिण āloka kasiṇa according to later sources\, such as Buddhaghosa‘s Visuddhimagga.\n\nThe framework we’ll use is the classical teachings on the Kasinas from Buddhaghosa’s 5th-century text Visuddhimagga (Path of Purification). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Can I expect with this Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n The Course  \n\nThis meditation retreat consists of many hours of consecutive practice each day. Therefore some experience\, especially with insight meditation\, is highly recommended.\nNOTE: If this is your first two-week retreat\, advance permission from the teachers is required.\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’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.\nThis is a silent retreat. To deepen your meditation\, we ask that participants refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\nSuggested reading: The Visuddhimagga\, Chapters 3-5. (PDF from Access to Insight)\n\nThe Location – Clear Sky Center \n\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, the centre 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.\n\n\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 register.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.\n \n \n \n \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 This retreat was right on the mark\, a perfect blend of focused inner work along with space for reflection in a trusting and comfortable setting. The teachers were wonderful\, insightful\, humorous\, and extremely attentive to our individual needs for understanding. This unique experience cultivated a bond within the group and fostered an energy that amplified each lesson.\n Ryan Gies\n Manager of Software Engineering \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ancient teaching that I feel is important to understand if someone was serious about meditation practice. I appreciate the teachers\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these rich practices. These practices are life changing\, so it is great that we can have teachers that will explore the rich history with us\, and deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way.\n Jenai Lieu\n Psychology student \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n I feel so lucky to have received this precious Dharma-teaching. Your presence\, your compassion and your wisdom is as infinite as its effectiveness. Thank you so much\, to get us out of the mud again and again and again. You are needed in many places on this planet.\n Andrea Netscher\, Germany\n Physical Therapist \n \n \n \n \n \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 Fees & Requirements\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Retreatants: A Dāna Based Retreat\n This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). \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 registration.  \nFor more information on dāna click here. \n \n \n \n \n \n For Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n In order to bring you this retreat an home\, there is an additional pay by the heart\, sliding scale admin fee* of $200-$700. The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. \nIf you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire two weeks. \nRequirements include: \n\nBlock out the two weeks and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at Clear Sky in person.  This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule. \nParticipate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.\nSet up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.\nPut away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.\nIf there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet to do a group practice throughout the retreat.\nNote: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registering\n\n  \nAbout the administrative fee* \nIn 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. Learn more about the practice of dāna here. \nThe admin fee goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. \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\nMay all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \nWe welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact registrar@planetdharma.com. \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreatants at Clear Sky: Lodging Fees & Covid 19 Protocols\n In addition to Dana to the teachers\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provides you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. \nPlease go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the two week retreat. \nCovid-19 Protocols\nPlease note\, we are taking measures to keep us all healthy during this retreat\, including: \n\nYou must have experienced no symptoms associated with covid-19 in the past 14 days.\nYou have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days.\nPhysical distancing (2m) amongst all visiting retreatants will be observed during this retreat.\nPlease bring your own face mask(s) that you will feel comfortable wearing. When physical distancing is not possible during this retreat\, you will be asked to wear a mask.\nSanitation and hand washing procedures will be explained when you come and must be followed.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule\n Specific times may change (MST) \n\n\n\nRETREAT DAILY SCHEDULE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6:30 – 7:30 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:15 AM\nBreakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n8:15 – 8:45 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n9:00 – 10:00 AM\nClass with Teachers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10:00 – 10:30 AM\nWalk\n\n\n\n10:30 – 11:30 AM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11:30 – 12:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n12:30 – 1:30 PM\nLunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n\n1:30 – 3:00 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n\n\n3:00 – 4:00 PM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4:00 – 5:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n\n\n\n5:30 – 7:00 PM \nDinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n\n7:00 – 7:30 PM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:30 PM\nGroup Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8:30 – beyond\nPersonal Practice & bed\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ready to Register?\nPlease click on the buttons below to register for either retreat option.  If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact michelle@clearskycenter.org. \n \n RETREAT AT CLEAR SKY (2 Weeks)\n \n RETREAT AT CLEAR SKY (1 Week)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n RETREAT AT HOME - Online (2 weeks)\n \n RETREAT AT HOME - Online (1 week)\n \n \n \n \n \n \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 course went beyond my expectations\, I feel I learned a lot of new things or new ways of seeing things. The teachers have an incredible way of presenting the themes in a way that makes it easy to understand. They also make the teachings fun and suggest exercises so that you can apply them in your life. \n Irene Arriaza\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n I was expecting to get pearls of wisdom and I always get far far more. The  teachings always speak directly to me. It is uncanny. It is like hearing a language that I spoke in some other life-form and suddenly it rings a bell. And bell after bell. Like a universal language that we all used to speak but have forgotten\, and now as if a new pathway in the brain has opened up and the signals coming in are making sense! Directly from the cosmos via Doug and Catherine Sensei. \n Renata Drtinova\n Psychotherapist (Gestalt therapist) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The teachers of Planet Dharma [Retreat] aim to provide opportunities to learn from age old teachings while including modern information as they are examples of continuing to learn about the fascinating\, yet troubled world we live in. They help one to develop ideas how to help out society\, live in society and contribute to themselves and others. \n Daniel O'Brien\n Author\, Japan Series URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/kasinas-meditation-retreat-2020/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/kasinas-elements.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20200807 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20200822 DTSTAMP:20260608T061416Z CREATED:20190920T030952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T061416Z UID:10000586-1596758400-1598054399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Mastering the Sixteen Stages of Insight (Meditation Retreat) DESCRIPTION:Mastering the Sixteen Stages of Insight\n Meditation Retreat ONLINE or in BC\, Canada| August 7-21\, 2020\n “Within this fathom long body\, I show you the arising and passing away of the universe.” -Shakyamuni Buddha \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mastering the Sixteen Stages of Insight\nThrough the Practice of the Foundations of Mindfulness\nLife is repetitious––we do many things over and over again\, often in the same habitual way. The path of insight is about vipassana\, literally meaning “looking again and again.” \nIn insight meditation\, we look again and again at the arisings within the mind in order to uncover the patterns within. Our minds and bodies are our most precise tools as well as our laboratories. \nBy liberating unconscious patterns\, we liberate karma from neurotic repetition. We make way for more wholesome karma–becoming a manifestation of compassion\, loving-kindness\, empathetic joy and equanimity in the world. \nExperience Acariya Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei’s mastery of insight in this powerful and rare two-week insight meditation retreat. \nHeld online\, and at our home retreat centre\, Clear Sky\, a 21st-century model for innovative awakening\, situated in the beautiful B.C. Rocky Mountains.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreat Option\nCan’t fly here? Do the retreat where you are.\nIt might not be possible to get to Clear Sky to do this retreat. Join us from wherever you are in the world instead. \nBasic requirements to do the retreat online: \n\n\n\nBlock out the two weeks and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at Clear Sky in person.  This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule.\nParticipate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.\nSet up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.\nPut away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.\nIf there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet to do a group practice throughout the retreat.\n\n\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreat schedule:\n(Time Zone: MST\, subject to change) \n\n[Personal Meditation / Breakfast]\n9am  – 10am:  Class with Teachers\n10:30am – 11:30am: Group Practice lead by Sangha\n[Personal Meditation / Lunch]\n3pm – 4 pm: Group Practice lead by Sangha\n[Personal Meditation / Dinner]\n7:30pm – 8:30pm: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n[Personal Meditation / Sleep]\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Mastering the Sixteen Stages of Insight\nThrough the Practice of the Foundations of Mindfulness\nAugust 7-21\, 2020 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why this Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n This classic meditation retreat supports mastery of the sixteen stages of insight through the practice of the seven paths of purification. \nThrough vipassana or insight practice we cultivate mindfulness and awareness\, with the ultimate aim of final liberation of the mind from greed\, hatred and delusion. When we purify our minds and bodies of these defilements\, our original pure nature––awakening itself––is what remains. \nThe framework we’ll use is the classical seven stages of purification from Buddhaghosa’s 5th-century text Visuddhimagga (Path of Purification). Through these seven highly embodied\, experiential stages\, we develop various phases of insight knowledge\, leading up to ultimate liberation. \nThrough bare insight or direct observation\, we perceive our own physical and mental processes as impermanent\, subject to suffering\, and without an inherent independent self. \nThis retreat’s daily intensive meditation practice is essential to support the intellectual learning in classes. Body contemplation will be central to this practice. As our practice deepens\, insight knowledges unfold in order as a natural outcome.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Can I expect with this Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n The Course  \n\nThis meditation retreat consists of many hours of consecutive practice each day. Therefore some experience\, especially with insight meditation\, is highly recommended.\nNOTE: If this is your first two-week retreat\, advance permission from the teachers is required.\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’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.\nThis is a silent retreat. To deepen your meditation\, we ask that participants refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\nExceptions are recommended texts we’ll be using during this course.\n\nThe Location – Clear Sky Center \n\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, the centre 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.\n\n\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 register.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Required Reading\n\nSeven Stages of Purification and the Insight Knowledges by Matara Sri Nanarama Mahathera (1998-07-28): PDF / Amazon\n\nRecommended reading:\n\nNamgyal Rinpoche’s Breath of Awakening\, a commentary on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.\nThe Progress of Insight by Mahasi Sayadaw\, and\nManual for Checking Your Vipassana-Kammathana Progress\, by Udom Vijjanana Thera.\n\nThis is a silent retreat\, with the exception that you may read and use any and all of these precious texts. They’re available in the Clear Sky shop or by clicking on the hyperlinks above. If ordering on your own\, we recommend you do so well in advance\, as delivery times vary.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.\n \n \n \n \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 Through the power of long dedication\, deep meditation\, and wise guidance\, life can definitely be transformed. If you get a chance to study with Doug-sensei and Catherine\, don’t miss it. This kind of spiritual guidance and down to earth work have deeply shifted many people’s lives and led to deep awakenings.\n Paul Jaffe\n Retired Professor & Meditation Teacher \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug and Catherine Sensei are living examples of the dharma teachings.  In their presence\, they have the ability to put me at ease and their teachings (somewhat mysteriously) become alive and intimate. I trust in their one-pointed focus on whatever it takes to speed their students unrealized potential.\n Laura Montgomery\n Counsellor & Mum of Two \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.\n Bob Abraamms\n Founder\, ODT Maps \n \n \n \n \n \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 Fees & Requirements\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Retreatants: A Dāna Based Retreat\n This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). \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 registration. \nFor more information on dāna click here.\n \n \n \n \n \n For Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n In order to bring you this retreat an home\, there is an additional pay by the heart\, sliding scale admin fee* of $200-$700. The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. \nIf you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire two weeks. \nRequirements include: \n\nBlock out the two weeks and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at Clear Sky in person.  This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule.\nParticipate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.\nSet up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.\nPut away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.\nIf there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet to do a group practice throughout the retreat.\nNote: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registering\n\n  \nAbout the administrative fee* \nIn 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.\nThe 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. Learn more about the practice of dāna here. \nThe admin fee goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. \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\nMay all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \nWe welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact registrar@planetdharma.com.\n \n \n \n \n \n Retreatants at Clear Sky: Lodging Fees & Covid 19 Protocols\n In addition to Dana to the teachers\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provides you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. \nPlease go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the two week retreat. \nCovid-19 Protocols\nPlease note\, we are taking measures to keep us all healthy during this retreat\, including: \n\nYou must have experienced no symptoms associated with covid-19 in the past 14 days.\nYou have not travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days.\nPhysical distancing (2m) amongst all visiting retreatants will be observed during this retreat.\nPlease bring your own face mask(s) that you will feel comfortable wearing. When physical distancing is not possible during this retreat\, you will be asked to wear a mask.\nSanitation and hand washing procedures will be explained when you come and must be followed.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule\n Specific times may change (MST) \n\n\n\nRETREAT DAILY SCHEDULE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6:30 – 7:30 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n7:30 – 8:15 AM\nBreakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n8:15 – 8:45 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n9:00 – 10:00 AM\nClass with Teachers\n\n\n10:00 – 10:30 AM\nWalk\n\n\n10:30 – 11:30 AM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n11:30 – 12:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n12:30 – 1:30 PM\nLunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n1:30 – 3:00 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n3:00 – 4:00 PM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n4:00 – 5:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n5:30 – 7:00 PM \nDinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n7:00 – 7:30 PM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n7:30 – 8:30 PM\nGroup Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n\n\n8:30 – beyond\nPersonal Practice & bed\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ready to Register?\nPlease click on the buttons below to register for either retreat option.  If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact michelle@clearskycenter.org. \n \n RETREAT AT CLEAR SKY\n \n RETREAT AT HOME (ONline) URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/sixteen-stages-insight-meditation-retreat-2020/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/sixteen-stages-of-insight.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191206 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191223 DTSTAMP:20260720T065058Z CREATED:20181104T001318Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T065058Z UID:10000400-1575590400-1577059199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Six Yogas of Naropa Retreat 2019 DESCRIPTION:Six Yogas of Naropa\n Bardo Yoga & Transference of Consciousness Yoga | Dec 6-22\, 2019\n The final exploration in our three-part series\, this two-week retreat focuses on Bardo Yoga and Transference of Consciousness Yoga. \n OverviewDetails\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Six Yogas of Naropa\nBardo Yoga \nThere are six bardos\, yet you only encounter four during your lifetime. Bardo Yoga is the yoga of the intermediate or liminal state. As it includes aspects of illusory body yoga and dream yoga\, it’s recommended that participants have done both of those practices. \n Transference of Consciousness Yoga \nTransference of Consciousness Yoga practice helps us prepare for when consciousness leaves this organism at the time of death. Practices include dissolving the sufferings of the six realms into a bindu which travels upwards in the central channel. \nAlso called the yoga of changing places\, this yoga speaks to other worlds and maintaining the light of sleep (as in lucid dreaming) or the light after death. As in other yogas\, its successful practice relies on practicing the Paramis. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the 2019 Six Yogas of Naropa Retreat\nBardo Yoga and Transference of Consciousness Yoga\nDecember 6-22\, 2019 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Six Yogas of Naropa are one of the central practices of the Tibetan Kagyu lineage\, to which we belong. These practices form a path to freedom through the development of deep understanding into the way things and formations arise and pass away. Meanwhile\, the teachings are grounded in the deep understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of Tantra. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PREREQUISITES: Who can attend this retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n This retreat requires the following three pre-requisites: \n\n1 million Chenrezig mantras completed.\n100\,000 long Vajrasattva mantras completed\n100\,000 prostrations completed.\nOr special permission from the teachers (contact them at your earliest convenience as another practice is likely to be substituted/required instead).\n\n  \n\nOur teaching and Clear Sky operate based on the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. Please learn more about this profound practice before you register. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \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 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.\n Shant Dolbakian\n Video Producer\, SD.com Toronto \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My recent retreat experience has been incredibly beautiful\, challenging and transformative. The teachers are an inspiration in all ways.\n Ava MacLean\n Communications Professional\, AvaMacLean.com \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.\n Bob Abraamms\n Founder\, ODT Maps \n \n \n \n \n \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\nFees and Dāna\nThis 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. \nImportant\nYou are invited to spend extra time at Clear Sky after the retreat\, especially with it being the holiday season. It is important to note that due to their Christmas offering: airport drop-offs are not available December 23-25th. Departures during this time will require your own transportation. \n  \n \n Register Now URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/six-yogas-of-naropa-retreat-2019/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Yogas-Naropa-tall.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191017 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191026 DTSTAMP:20260718T060748Z CREATED:20190218T174611Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260718T060748Z UID:10000574-1571270400-1572047999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Wasteland to Pureland Retreat in Germany 2019 DESCRIPTION:Wasteland to Pureland Retreat\n An Eight Day Retreat in Seidenbuch\, Germany| October 17-25\, 2019\n with Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat \nWhat 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 journey from Wasteland to Pureland in this meditation retreat in Seidenbuch\, Germany. \n OverviewDetails\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Wasteland to Pureland Retreat\n  \nThis retreat will be held in the heart of Germany\, in Seidenbuch\, 60km from Frankfurt and Heidelburg. \nThis is your opportunity to meet and study with Dharma Teachers and Spiritual Mentors\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat. \nThey will teaching from awakening principles in their cutting edge new book\, Wasteland to Pureland. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why the Wasteland to Pureland Retreat?\nAn Eight Day Retreat in Germany\nOctober 17-25\, 2019 \n \n \n \n \n \n There is an awakening experience that is vast and beyond words. The path beckons. Are you ready? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Wasteland to Pureland\n \n \n \n \n \n Wasteland to Pureland is a retreat for those wanting to walk a path to increase clarity of heart and mind\, and experience greater freedom and fulfillment in life. This is the journey that leads to a state of ultimate care for others as well as oneself. \nGrounded in the belief that awakening is available to everyone\, Doug & Catherine teach us how to reunite with our gifts\, to become agents of compassion and transformation\, personally\, interpersonally and globally. \nThe spiritual path teaches us to access bliss and insight\, and to decrease suffering and ignorance. That’s why a healthy spiritual path feels so rich\, wonder-filled and generally happy. The Great Happiness arises when bliss and insight come together to manifest through everything we do and are. \nIn this retreat you will walk the path\, guided by Doug and Catherine. You will understand the practical steps\, phases and elements that must come together for transcendental alchemy to occur. Bliss and Insight will be your pillars to get a taste of this beautiful journey. \nThis retreat is a guide for how to integrate spiritual practice with everyday life. \n  \n \n Visit Dharma Europe\n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya 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. \nCatherine 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. \n \n \n \n \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 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. \n Shant Dolbakian\n Video Producer\, SD.com Toronto \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My recent retreat experience has been incredibly beautiful\, challenging and transformative. The teachers are an inspiration in all ways. \n Ava MacLean\n Communications Professional\, AvaMacLean.com \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.\n Bob Abraamms\n Founder\, ODT Maps \n \n \n \n \n \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 Venue\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Seminarhotel Seidenbuch in Lindenfels/Odw.\nLegendary surroundings in a powerful landscape. \nThe venue is located in the heart of Germany\, in the picturesque Odenwald. The hotel is open to all people who are interested in their inner work\, personal and spiritual growth\, problem solving\, love and peace. \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 venue is predominantly furnished with comfortable double rooms\, usually with private sanitary facilities. It can accommodate 50 guests in 26 rooms and also offers dormitory spaces. Many rooms have balcony. \nThe menu has a basic vegetarian orientation. However\, the chef is happy to serve you tasty homemade food in grandmother’s style. \n \n \n \n \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\nDāna\nThis course is offered by Doug & Catherine Sensei based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna. You may have come across this is 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 their joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match their time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy. \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Fees\nThe course fee covers the costs for the teachers travel expenses\, room and lodging during their stay in Germany. Dāna is not included. \nPrice: € 669 \nLodging\nThe prices for board and lodging range\, depending on your preference of room\, from € 59 – € 89 per night. \nRegistration for the hotel directly at: www.seminarhotel-seidenbuch.de \nRetreat Registration: \n \n Visit Dharma Europe\n \n \n \n \n \n Or email: dharmaeurope@outlook.com / andreaomtare@me.com \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 if I come to this Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n First of all smell the roses. \nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring! \nIt’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. \nWhen 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. \nTo maximize your experience\, 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. \nLastly\, our teachers Doug and Catherine operate based on the ancient tradition of Dana or Generosity. Please learn more about this profound practice before you register. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/wasteland-to-pureland-retreat-2019-germany/ LOCATION:British Columbia CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/above-atmosphere-clouds-37728-sm.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191011 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191014 DTSTAMP:20260727T060320Z CREATED:20181103T234522Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T060320Z UID:10000399-1570752000-1571011199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Becoming a Work of Art: Dharma Foundations Retreat DESCRIPTION:Dharma Foundations Retreat: A Lifeline for this Lifetime\n A Dharma Foundations Weekend Retreat | October 11-13\, 2019\n 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. \n OverviewDetails\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Becoming a Work of Art – Dharma Foundations Retreat\nDuring 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Take Becoming a Work of Art\nAn Essential Dharma Foundations Retreat\nOctober 11-13\, 2019 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Become a Work of Art?\n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \nLet your internal works of art flourish during our foundational three-day retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Study the Paramis\, the Perfections\n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \nEvery 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 if I Come to This Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n \nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’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.\nWhen 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.\nTo 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.\nLastly\, 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. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. \n \n \n \n \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 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. \n Shant Dolbakian\n Video Producer\, SD.com Toronto \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My recent retreat experience has been incredibly beautiful\, challenging and transformative. The teachers are an inspiration in all ways. \n Ava MacLean\n Communications Professional\, AvaMacLean.com \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.\n Bob Abraamms\n Founder\, ODT Maps \n \n \n \n \n \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\nFees and Dāna\nThis 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. \n \n Register URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/becoming-a-work-of-art-dharma-foundations-retreat/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Kyoto2017-Sml-ArtForPublicTalk.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190817 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190818 DTSTAMP:20260727T060659Z CREATED:20190719T030210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T060659Z UID:10000579-1566000000-1566086399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Sengema Empowerment DESCRIPTION:Sengema (Siṃhamukhā) Empowerment\n Lion Faced Dakini Initiation | By Dāna\n This empowerment requires permission to attend.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In this initiation\, Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat will share the fierce dakini archetype\, in the form of Sengema (Skt. Siṃhamukhā) – the Lion Faced Dakini. \nThis empowerment is by permission only.  It is offered by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat on the basis of dāna\, or generosity 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 For attendance:\nPlease contact us by August 10th\, 2019 if you would like to request permission to attend. Please contact Cara at Clear Sky Center by phoning 250-429-3929. \n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nDoug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya 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. \nCatherine 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. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/sengema-empowerment-2019/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Public Classes,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Sengema-wongkur.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190810 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190811 DTSTAMP:20260720T070103Z CREATED:20190718T234145Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T070103Z UID:10000418-1565395200-1565481599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Green Tara Empowerment DESCRIPTION:Green Tara Empowerment\n Initiation into the Feminine Archetype of Compassion | By Dāna\n This empowerment and blessing is open to the public.\n \n \n \n \n \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 invite you to participate in this Vajrayana initiation where Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat will share and water the seed of wholistic healing\, so that you can call on and embody this archetype in your life. \nIf this is your first experience\, just let us know and we’ll guide you. This empowerment is offered by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat on the basis of dāna\, or generosity practice. \nWhat are the benefits of the practice of Tara?\nIn contemporary parlance\, Tara is a feminine archetype of compassion that supports us in healing and interconnection. There are many Tara practices\, of which Green Tara is one. \nThe practice of Tara is traditionally said to: \n-Guard us from both mental and physical dis-ease \n-Have the power to dispel poisons such as toxic unwholesome states of being \n-Dispel conflict\, including unpleasant dreams\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n RSVP\nPlease RSVP by August 7th\, 2019.  Start time and details will be conveyed when you RSVP. Please contact Cara at Clear Sky Center by phoning 250-429-3929.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  Why Green Tara?\nThere are many forms of Tara\, and this empowerment conveys the essence of Green Tara specifically. \nGreen Tara demonstrates the enlightened compassion of nature. Her archetype is particularly helpful for connecting with wholistic healing and the immersive and unitive qualities of mother nature. \nShe is a manifestation of the divine feminine and all that is supportive and nurturing.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You can learn more about the practice of Tara below:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya 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. \nCatherine 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. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/green-tara-empowerment-2019/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Public Classes,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/green-tara-aka-Tman.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20190809T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20190824T170000 DTSTAMP:20260723T055655Z CREATED:20181019T030519Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T055655Z UID:10000568-1565337600-1566666000@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Buddhas in Action: Awakening in Daily Life DESCRIPTION:Buddhas in Action: Awakening in Daily Life\n A Karma Yoga Retreat | August 9-24\, 2019\n When we’re in the middle of modern busy-ness\, the spiritual life can feel out of reach. This retreat gives you the building blocks to apply awareness\, compassion\, wisdom\, and strength to each moment. \n OverviewDetails\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhas in Action: Awakening in Daily Life\nWe all need to earn a living and deal with day-to-day pressures. We want to relate meaningfully with those around us\, but we often feel unfulfilled. Work just leaves us feeling worn out and slightly empty. And sometimes the space between self and other feels like a tremendous gap. \nWhen we’re in the middle of modern samsaric busy-ness\, the spiritual life can feel out of reach. The wonderful news is that we can use contemporary spiritual practices at work and in relationship to feel fulfilled while doing so. These different parts of our life can support one another in beautiful ways\, leading to great feelings of meaningfulness\, balance\, and connection. \nThis retreat gives you the building blocks to apply awareness\, compassion\, wisdom\, and strength to each moment. The result is greater fulfillment amid daily life and meaningful connection with others and the world 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Take Buddhas in Action\nThe Benefits of a Karma Yoga Retreat\nAugust 9-24\, 2019 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Study Awakening through Action?\n \n \n \n \n \n We’ve spent the last 20 years adapting this tradition of awakening through action to our modern lives\, at home\, in offices\, in conversations\, at our desks\, in meetings\, in bed and in the field. This profoundly practical application can help you find greater joy\, fulfillment\, and calm amidst your busy daily life. \nBy learning the principles of karma yoga (awakening through action)\, you can apply awareness and wisdom to everything you do. Cultivating this practice allows you to transform your work\, home and city life into a connective field of monastic or yogic practice. Your home becomes your monastery\, while your co-workers become your fellow yogis and yoginis. \nOur experience shows that blending study\, meditation\, and what we call “awakening through action”\, profoundly integrates spiritual practice with day-to-day demands. \n\nKarma yoga has made me aware of how to streamline my energy to a sustainable\, smooth level of work. It has given me invaluable practice on focusing my attention on the task at hand. – Lisa Feder \n\nPlease note that this retreat and Clear Sky welcome people of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. This retreat is also open to all experience levels. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 if I Come to This Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n \nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’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.\nChanges – including positive ones – require movement\, and movement requires engaged energy. We ask you to engage with us around the teachings and activities that will support your learning and unfoldment around awakening in action.\nWhen 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.\nTo 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 dancing during exercises or group celebration – all great resources for integration and growth\nLastly\, 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. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Qapel Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Sensei (Catherine Pawasarat) were Planet Dharma’s founding teachers. Since Qapel passed away in 2024\, Catherine Sensei is our head teacher and lineage holder. Qapel and Sensei also founded Clear Sky Meditation Center\, BC\, Canada. \nQapel (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\, Qapel embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei has trained daily with Qapel (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 Sensei also draws on generative living and the arts. With Qapel she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n \n \n \n \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 Graduates 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 Watching how everyone engaged and getting new insights and a-ha moments brought home to me that karma yoga and dharma training is a path that brings the modern spiritual explorer alive and moves them forward. \n Dr. Duncan Cryle\n Ph.D\, Executive\, IBM Canada \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhas in Action has been an outstanding retreat experience! One of the unexpected and lovely aspects is working and work-shopping while talking\, and eating meals in silence. \n Maureen Smith\n Counsellor\, MBSR Trainer\, Alive Mindfully\, BC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhas in Action gave me the benefits of a deep meditation retreat alongside added opportunity to see and reflect on patterns as they came up in our activities. This made it all the more powerful. \n Cara Conroy-Low\n Acupuncturist\, Cranbrook Acupuncture Clinic\, BC \n \n \n \n \n \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\nFees and Dāna\nThis 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. Please see the registration page fore details: \n \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n Wongkur Empowerments\nThere will also be two special wongkur empowerments during this retreat\, given by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei: \nGreen Tara Empowerment: August 10\, 2019 – Green Tara Info \nSengema Empowerment: August 17\, 2019 – Sengema Info \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pre-Requisites & Recommendations\nThe retreat is engaging\, active and will challenge you.  We welcome new participants\, however recommend you have done some preparation and are in a good space to participate fully.   \nThe following may be helpful criteria to decide if this retreat is a good fit for you: \n\nMost importantly\, you are open\, curious\, and willing to step outside your box to explore new approaches.\nYou have attended one or more Planet Dharma online courses\, or\, have read Wasteland to Pureland and viewed teachings videos and blogs on the Planet Dharma website.\nHave an established meditation practice and are comfortable sitting in meditation for 45 minutes.\nHave experience working\, communicating and learning in challenging team or community environments.\n\n \n Register URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/buddhas-in-action-awakening-in-daily-life/ LOCATION:British Columbia CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Buddhas-in-Action-2019.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20190520T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20190520T080000 DTSTAMP:20260718T061004Z CREATED:20190513T025337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260718T061004Z UID:10000576-1558335600-1558339200@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Black Tara Empowerment DESCRIPTION:Black Tara Empowerment\, May 20th 2019\nA Black Tara Empowerment will be given by Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat on May 20th. \nTara supports us as we transcend unwholesome states and integrate psychological shadow material. We invite you to participate in this ritual where the Lamas will share and water the seed of strength and healing within\, so that you can call on and embody this archetype in your life. \nThis event is open to the public and is also part of the Golden & Dark Shadows Retreat. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/black-tara-empowerment/ LOCATION:Mountain Waters Retreat\, 2109 Svaboda Road\, Nelson\, BC\, V1L 3E3\, Canada CATEGORIES:Public Classes,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Screen-Shot-2019-05-12-at-8.45.22-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190517 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190521 DTSTAMP:20260717T061406Z CREATED:20181213T182430Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T061406Z UID:10000572-1558051200-1558396799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Golden & Dark Shadows: A Shadow Work Retreat DESCRIPTION:Golden and Dark Shadows\n A Shadow Work Retreat in Nelson\, BC - May 17-20\, 2019\n Integrating our shadow may be the fastest way to unfold spiritually\, and reduce our suffering. By its very nature\, shadow work is not fun or pretty. It takes courage and fortitude. Join us for this incredible retreat. \n OverviewDetails\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Golden and Dark Shadows\nA Shadow Work Retreat\nJoin Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat at the Mountain Waters Retreat in Nelson BC for this powerful May long weekend shadow retreat. \nMost people are drawn to meditation and mindfulness for the bliss experiences. These bliss experiences spur on beginning meditators to stay with the practice. But as the practice of meditation deepens\, darker arisings can start to manifest. \nRather than being discouraged by these experiences\, it is helpful to see this as an opportunity to integrate these dark shadows into conscious awareness so that we may be free of their control. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Integrate the Shadow?\nThe Benefits of this retreat in Nelson\, BC\nMay 17-20\, 2019 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why work with the shadow?\n \n \n \n \n \n If you’ve had these challenging arisings during your practice\, you may have been tempted to quit meditating\, or try a different method or a different teacher. This is understandable\, as facing these dark shadows can be scary and unpleasant. However\, if you can lean into these dark manifestations and hold the space openly around them\, there can be great release and transformation. \nRecognizing the contribution of the golden shadow – our ‘better angels’ – also helps ensure the practice stays joyful and doesn’t descend into nihilism. \nPlease note that this retreat  welcomes people of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. This retreat is also open to all experience levels. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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.\n \n \n \n \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\nFees and Dāna\nThis course is run based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna.  There are also fees for meals and accommodation at Mountain Waters Retreat where the retreat is held. \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule\nParticipants should expect to arrive at Mountain Waters between 4.00-6.00pm on Friday May 17th. Course completion will be after lunch on Monday May 20th. The daily schedule includes classes\, movement and meditation sessions\, group work and personal integration time. \nBlack Tara Empowerment\nThere will also be a Black Tara Empowerment\, open to the public\, on Monday morning. \n \n Register Now URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/golden-dark-shadows-retreat-nelson-2019/ LOCATION:Mountain Waters Retreat\, 2109 Svaboda Road\, Nelson\, BC\, V1L 3E3\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Golden-Dark-Shadow-retreat-nelson.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190315 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190325 DTSTAMP:20260903T055624Z CREATED:20180823T225656Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T055624Z UID:10000562-1552608000-1553471999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Insight Meditation Retreat DESCRIPTION:Insight Meditation Retreat\n A Ten-Day Meditation Retreat | March 15-24\, 2019\n Why do we lose bliss? How do we regain it? By popular demand\, Planet Dharma is offering this ten-day insight retreat at the beautiful and innovative Clear Sky Retreat Center. \n early bird special!\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Insight Meditation Retreat\nMost think of meditation as a sense of calm and concentration that leads to bliss. But\, bliss is impermanent and subject to loss. How do we lose bliss? How to we regain it? \nThrough studying insight we realize that the self that searches for bliss and that this search is itself the root\, source and continuance of the struggle. \nThe path of insight leads us to the realization that there’s no inherent\, independent\, self identity to be found. This is called liberation\, awakening\, freedom. And it’s just a good idea. \n  \n  \n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Study Insight?\nThe Benefits of an Insight Retreat\nMarch 15-24\, 2019 \nInsight is the practice of watching the arisings and falling away of phenomena in the mind. “Insight” comes from the Pali “Vipassana” which means “to see again and again;” we use the 16 Stages of Insight to become sleuths of patterns of the mind.\nMost people live in the first three stages of insight; when you experience the fourth\, it’s considered that you’ve entered “the path to the path” of awakening. Experiencing stages from four to thirteen can be a bit like a yo-yo: we go up and down repeatedly in our meditation.\nThen we have a breakthrough experience of sotāpanna at the 14th stage\, when we experience that there is no inherent self. This sets us free to continue swimming in the stream of our spiritual journey with much more ease and relaxation. \nRather than writing a spoiler here\, we’d like to use this retreat to support you to experience the 15th and 16th stages for yourself. We look forward to you telling us what they are like. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya 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. \nCatherine 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.\n \n \n \n \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\nDāna\nThis course is offered by Doug & Catherine Sensei based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna.  You may have come across this is 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 their joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match their time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy. \nFees\nThe retreat is held at beautiful Clear Sky Retreat Centre.  Fees for meals and accommodation are set by the centre\, which is both a non-profit and Charitable organisation.  You can find these fees on the course registration page. \nDaily Schedule\nThis is a meditation focused retreat. Your practice will be in silence with a focus on a combination of walking\, sitting and standing meditation throughout the day.   There will be a daily morning classes and evening meditation with Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, as well as group meditation and personal meditation time. \nIn order to focus on your meditative work\, we ask that participants put away your cellphone\, books and digital technologies for the duration of the retreat. \nCreating a strong discipline for your practice will make the retreat highly immersive\, focused and profound. \n \n \n Register Now URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/insight-meditation-retreat/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2019-Insight-meditation-retreat-BC.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190101 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190111 DTSTAMP:20260903T055001Z CREATED:20180918T071809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T055001Z UID:10000565-1546300800-1547164799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Year of Pureland Program for Spiritual Awakening DESCRIPTION:Year of Pureland: Program for Spiritual Awakening\n 2019 Program for Spiritual Awakening \n “Why awaken?” may be the most important question a spiritual practitioner ever asks themself.  \nJoin a group of dedicated practitioners in this year-long program that empowers and supports awakening in the modern age. \n The CourseSchedule\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Year of Pureland: Program for Spiritual Awakening\n  \nHow do you deepen your spiritual practice amidst day-to-day demands? Enrich your journey to the Pureland in a program that will support and empower your practice\, wherever you are on the path. \nJoin our global community for a year of online courses\, meditation retreats (at home or in person)\, and mentorship opportunities. \nThe benefits for participants in our past year-long programs (the Year of Awakening\, Year of Victory and Year of Joy have been very clear. For those who engaged in a committed way\, this program has been a game-changer for their practice and dedication to the path. The growth we’ve seen in participants has been remarkable.\n \n \n \n \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\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya 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. \nCatherine 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. \nRead their FULL BIOS.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This Program Includes Online Courses…\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Pearl Without Price: Why Awaken?Starts January 21\, 2019\nThis course is for visionaries. For anyone who wants to live a good and happy life\, who cares about their community and dreams of a healthier and more harmonious planet. Discover how spiritual awakening in this lifetime is an accessible\, compelling and very sane aspiration.\n Details\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Riding the Dragon: Spiritual Awakening in Modern LifeStarts June 3\, 2019\nHow do we integrate our spiritual practice with the demands of modern life? Explore strategies for up-cycling everyday challenges as fuel for the awakening fire.\n Details\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Crazy Wisdom: Taking a Walk on the Wild SideStarts Sept 9\, 2019\nIt takes courage and an open mind to explore the frontiers of awakening. What’s more\, this greater range of understanding creates something we all desire: greater degrees of freedom. And freedom ain’t for the faint of heart.\n Details\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n …Meditation Retreats…\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n WEEKEND FLASH RETREATSFeb. 15\, June 28 & Oct. 5\nIntegrative home retreats at the end of each online course series. Resiliently align spiritual awakening with your daily life and routine.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n INSIGHT RETREATMarch 15-24\, 2019\nBy popular demand\, we are offering this ten-day insight meditation retreat at the beautiful and innovative Clear Sky Retreat Center. Set yourself free in the stream of your spiritual journey with much more ease and relaxation.\n Details\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BUDDHAS IN ACTIONAugust 9-23\, 2019\nOur signature fourteen-day retreat at Clear Sky Center that transforms your work\, home and city life into a spiritual practice. Discover how active meditation can heal\, align and invigorate your body\, speech and mind.\n Details\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n And Mentorship:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Master Classes*for some levels\nDeepen your online course experience in weekly Q&A sessions with Doug and Catherine Sensei. Empower your practice by learning from each other’s questions and insights.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Office HoursThroughout the year\nVirtual group Q&A sessions with Doug and Catherine Sensei. No matter how distracting modern life and samsara may be\, this regular connection with awakening minds helps ensure that your spiritual awakening prevails.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online ForumShare and learn\nConnect with our global virtual community. Experience group support to leave the Wasteland behind and enjoy the Pureland as you keep your spiritual practice front and center throughout the year. \n \n \n \n \n \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 Program Graduates Have to 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 I’m so thankful I gave myself this gift of this transformational year long program. The program was captivating and very supportive. It was like a sling shot to the greater clarity\, freedom and understanding I’ve been seeking in life. I’d recommend this program to anyone who is wondering which direction to take in order to live a life with more passion and meaning.\n Karen Scott\n RMT\, Fernie Massage\, BC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It was a fantastic tool to not get completely lost in Samsara throughout the year. Especially because I don’t live in Canada and cannot be with the teachers so often. I felt very connected and supported by the Teachers and Sangha. As a result I became much more aware of my state of mind. I recommend this program to people that are truly interested in studying interconnectedness and the miracle of life.\n Andrea Netscher\n Physiotherapist\, Bewegungslust\, Germany \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Participating fully in the Year of Victory Program gave me an opportunity to stay close to the Teachers and practice throughout the year. As a result I benefited by being “tuned” to the Teachers and to my personal victory. I feel like the confidence I gained in victory over my own preference mind was a direct result of this commitment to the full year program. The harder it seems to find time and make a year long commitment\, the greater the results seem to be when one does. The program is flexible enough if you plan well\, yet structured enough to make sure you don’t get lost during the year.\n Linda Hochstetler\n Clinical Social Worker / Therapist\, Private Practice\, Ontario \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n There are THREE PROGRAM LEVELS\nChoose which commitment level you’d like to take: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Diamond\n Commitment\n \n \n $350 admin + dana\n \n \n Two weeks of meditation retreat time.Retreat interview with Doug & Catherine Sensei.Three online courses.Three Flash Retreats at home\, with virtual support.Live streamed Master Classes during Online Courses.Cohort check-ins with Ruby Level Participants.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ruby\n Commitment\n \n \n $250 admin + dana\n \n \n One week of meditation retreat time.Optional retreat interview.Three online courses.Three Flash Retreats at home\, with virtual support.Public Office Hours approx. every two weeks.Cohort check-ins with Diamond Level Participants.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sapphire\n Commitment\n \n \n $200 admin + dana\n \n \n Optional meditation retreat time.Optional retreat interview.Three online coursesThree Flash Retreats at home\, with virtual support.Public Office Hours approx. every two weeks.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Here’s the fine print:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Diamond\n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreats\n\nA minimum of one two-week retreat or two one-week retreats\, led by Doug and Catherine Sensei in 2019. We encourage you to come to Clear Sky Center. This allows you to take advantage of the blessed Buddha field that many beings’ practices have been cultivating in this extraordinary place. The centre embodies very modern manifestations of spiritual awakening. If this isn’t possible\, you may do a retreat elsewhere in the world\, led by Doug and Catherine Sensei (see the 2019 teaching schedule).\nA retreat interview with the teachers. This lineage emphasizes working directly with teachers. This is so they can provide instructions that are completely customized to your particular needs and path of spiritual unfoldment. They’ll share the practices you can do to awaken most speedily and effectively. Take greatest advantage of this with interviews\, at least one during your retreat(s).\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ruby\n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreats:\n\nOne-week retreat with Doug and Catherine Sensei. We encourage you to come to Clear Sky Center. This allows you to take advantage of the blessed Buddha field that many beings’ practices have been cultivating in this extraordinary place. The centre embodies very modern manifestations of spiritual awakening. If this isn’t possible\, you may do a retreat elsewhere in the world\, led by Doug and Catherine Sensei (see the 2019 teaching schedule).\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sapphire\n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreats:\n\nOptional\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Courses\, Flash Retreats and Virtual Support \n\nBenefit from participating in the three online courses (four online classes in each course) throughout the year. Stay connected with the awakening mind and grow your spiritual awakening and learning all year long. This offers you new opportunities to integrate spiritual awakening with your daily life and routine. Check the schedule to add the dates to your calendar.\nEngage with the weekly Year of Pureland Master Class during each online course\, at 3pm MT each Saturday (four consecutive Saturdays). Master Classes only take place during the three online courses. Live attendance at these online check-ins is mandatory for diamond-level participants. Check the schedule to add the dates to your calendar.\nParticipate in the three Flash Retreats that seal each webinar series. Each occurs over the weekend after the final class of each webinar series\, and is supported with the final Master Class. These Flash Retreats help us apply and integrate the online teachings\, establishing us more firmly in the Pureland state\, empowering us to hold this space more resiliently as we go about our daily lives\, thereby benefiting all beings. Since it’s easier with others and sangha is one of the Triple Gems\, we recommend doing this together with your local community of practitioners. If this is not possible you may do them in the convenience of your own home: this is meant to support your practice of honoring your space and your cultivation of a stronger discipline. Check the schedule to add the dates to your calendar.\n\n\nBetween the online courses\, diamond-level participants  are expected to demonstrate a commitment to regular\, engaged attendance at Office Hours throughout the year. Again\, this supports you in making progress in leaving the Wasteland behind and spending more and more time in the Pureland\, with your spiritual practice front and center throughout the year. No matter how distracting modern life and samsara may be\, this regular connection with awakening minds helps ensure that your spiritual awakening prevails.\nBetween online courses\, diamond-level participants will also attend periodic cohort check-ins along with ruby-level participants. These are another opportunity to keep the learning and growth going throughout the year.\n\n\nWhen possible\, we encourage you to engage with your local sangha or community of practitioners around these online courses and office hours\, whether through weekly teachings or discussion groups. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Courses\, Flash Retreats and Virtual Support: \n\nBenefit from participating in the three online courses (four online classes in each course) throughout the year. Stay connected with the awakening mind and grow your spiritual awakening and learning all year long. This offers you new opportunities to integrate spiritual awakening with your daily life and routine. Check the schedule to add the dates to your calendar.\nParticipate in the three Flash Retreats that seal each webinar series. Each occurs over the weekend after the final class of each webinar series. These Flash Retreats help us apply and integrate the online teachings\, establishing us more firmly in the Pureland state\, empowering us to hold this space more resiliently as we go about our daily lives\, thereby benefiting all beings. Since it’s easier with others and sangha is one of the Triple Gems\, we recommend doing this together with your local community of practitioners. If this is not possible you may do them in the convenience of your own home: this is meant to support your practice of honoring your space and your cultivation of a stronger discipline. Check the schedule to add the dates to your calendar.\nAs a ruby-level practitioner\, between the online courses you’ll maintain a strong connection with the Pureland consciousness via our regular Office Hours throughout the year\, generally twice monthly. Again\, this supports you in making progress in leaving the Wasteland behind and spending more and more time in the Pureland\, with your spiritual practice front and center throughout the year. No matter how distracting modern life and samsara may be\, this regular connection with awakening minds helps ensure that your spiritual awakening prevails.\nBetween online courses\, ruby-level participants will also attend periodic cohort check-ins along with diamond-level participants. These are another opportunity to keep the learning and growth going throughout the year.\nWhen possible\, we encourage you to engage with your local sangha or community of practitioners around these online courses and office hours\, whether through weekly teachings or discussion groups. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Courses\, Flash Retreats and Virtual Support:\n\nBenefit from participating in the three online courses (four online classes in each course) throughout the year. Stay connected with the awakening mind and grow your spiritual awakening and learning all year long. This offers you new opportunities to integrate spiritual awakening with your daily life and routine. Check the schedule to add the dates to your calendar.\nParticipate in the three Flash Retreats that seal each webinar series. Each occurs over the weekend after the final class of each webinar series. Sapphire level participants will be able to access online check-ins during the retreats to support their practice. These Flash Retreats help us apply and integrate the online teachings\, establishing us more firmly in the Pureland state\, empowering us to hold this space more resiliently as we go about our daily lives\, thereby benefiting all beings. Since it’s easier with others and sangha is one of the Triple Gems\, we recommend doing this together with your local community of practitioners. If this is not possible you may do them in the convenience of your own home: this is meant to support your practice of honoring your space and your cultivation of a stronger discipline. Check the schedule to add the dates to your calendar.\nAs a sapphire-level practitioner\, between the online courses you’re invited to maintain your connection with the Pureland consciousness via our regular Office Hours throughout the year\, generally twice monthly. Again\, this supports you in making progress in leaving the Wasteland behind and spending more and more time in the Pureland\, with your spiritual practice front and center throughout the year. No matter how distracting modern life and samsara may be\, this regular connection with awakening minds helps ensure that your spiritual awakening prevails.\nWhen possible\, we encourage you to engage with your local sangha or community of practitioners around these online courses and office hours\, whether through weekly teachings or discussion groups.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Program Details\nWho Can Apply?\nIf you have participated in previous Planet Dharma courses\, retreats or classes\, or have worked with Doug and Catherine in other ways\, you are invited to apply for this program. \nThe deadline to apply is Christmas Day\, December 25\, 2018\, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We will let you know whether the program is a good fit and whether you are accepted into the program by January 10th\, 2019.  The first online course in the program starts on January 21\, 2019. \nDāna\, Generosity\nDoug & Catherine Sensei are offering this year long program based on the ancient practice of Dāna\, generosity. Recognize that in your commitment to the program\, you are also making a commitment to a healthy and conscious practice of dāna. Before applying\, we encourage you to review if you are in a financially sustainable situation. Are you able to support your exploration and dāna throughout the year? We believe that financial health is unique for each person and each situation. It is also very important for a healthy spiritual practice and life. \nTo support you in a healthy and sustainable dāna practice for the Year program\, we have created a Dana Sustainability Calculator.  We recommend you do the Dana Calculator and Heart-based practice exercises ahead of your application. \nWe also invite you to explore more about how you can practice Dāna. This is one of the pillars of Buddhist spiritual philosophy and the process of enlightenment. \nProgram Registration Fee\nThere is a one-time program fee* for each level\, to cover operating costs during the year: \n\nDiamond Level – 350 USD\nRuby Level – 250 USD\nSapphire Level – 200 USD\n\n*We believe that finances are one of many creative manifestations of energy exchange. If your aspiration to take this program is strong but the course fee and other financial commitments feel like a challenge\, please note this in your application and make an offer of alternative forms of exchange.\n \n Apply Here URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/year-of-pureland-program-2019/ LOCATION:British Columbia CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Public Classes,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/year-of-Pureland-Wide.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20181207 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20181223 DTSTAMP:20260903T054643Z CREATED:20171028T015639Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T054643Z UID:10000379-1544140800-1545523199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Retreat: Six Yogas of Naropa - Dream Yoga & Light Yoga DESCRIPTION:*Early Bird Special until November 6\, 2018* \nRetreat: Six Yogas of Naropa\, Part 2 of 3 \nDream Yoga and Light Yoga \n\nAt beautiful\, innovative Clear Sky Retreat Center.\nThis is one of the retreats available for Year of Joy.\n\nThe Six Yogas of Naropa are one of the central practices of the Tibetan Kagyu lineage\, to which we belong. \nThese practices form a path to freedom through the development of deep understanding into the way things and formations arise and pass away. \nMeanwhile\, the teachings are grounded in the deep understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of Tantra. \nTo do this work\, each of us must leave behind all partial views and develop a complete “viewing.” \nBy studying the energy channels of the body\, the bindhus (hormones)\, and the overall functioning of the energy systems\, the Diamond Body emerges. A radiant energy body\, the Diamond Body is no longer subject to the blocks and malformations that are the natural result of conditioned patterns. \nWe enJOY–and share with all beings–the radiant and blissful result: kundalini energy. This burns up the amassed undergrowth of our unwholesome patterns\, resulting in the natural liberation of energy\, loving kindness and compassion. \nDumo Heat Yoga and Illusory-Body Yoga were taught and practiced in 2017. Bardo Yoga and Transformation Yoga be the focus of retreat at the end of 2019. \nDuring these two weeks\, we will be focusing on the third and fourth Yogas of Naropa: Dream Yoga and Light Yoga. \n*Retreat Prerequisites:  1 Million Chenrezig Mantras. For attendees of the 2017 Yogas of Naropa retreat who completed 1 million Chenrezig mantras\, also complete 100\,000 Vajrasattva mantras or 1 Million Mantras of your Yidam. \nRegister Now\n \n  \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/retreat-six-yogas-naropa-dream-yoga-light-yoga/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6-Yogas-of-Naropa.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180903 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180910 DTSTAMP:20260831T054544Z CREATED:20171105T201118Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T054544Z UID:10000383-1535932800-1536537599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Golden & Dark Shadows: A Shadow Work Retreat DESCRIPTION:Shadow Retreat at Dharma Centre of Canada\, Ontario\nIntegrating our shadow may be the fastest way to unfold spiritually\, and reduce our suffering. By its very nature\, shadow work is not fun or pretty. It takes courage and fortitude. Once we decide to change\, the shadow’s darkness moves towards greater and greater light in a process that is both beautiful and exciting.  Join Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat at the Dharma Centre of Canada in Ontario for this powerful five day shadow retreat. \nIntegrating Our Challenging Shadow Aspects\nMost people are drawn to meditation and mindfulness for the bliss experiences. These bliss experiences spur on beginning meditators to stay with the practice. But as the practice of meditation deepens\, darker arisings can start to manifest. Rather than being discouraged by these experiences\, it is helpful to see this as an opportunity to integrate these dark shadows into conscious awareness so that we may be free of their control. \nIf you’ve had these challenging arisings during your practice\, you may have been tempted to quit meditating\, or try a different method or a different teacher. This is understandable\, as facing these dark shadows can be scary and unpleasant. However\, if you can lean into these dark manifestations and hold the space openly around them\, there can be great release and transformation. \nRecognizing the contribution of the golden shadow – our ‘better angels’ – also helps ensure the practice stays joyful and doesn’t descend into nihilism. \nShadow Work with Experienced Guides\nLeaning into shadow work requires an experienced guide\, someone who has navigated the path themselves and who can inspire confidence and offer support. Dharma teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat have been offering this guidance to students for more than half a century between them. Integrating the shadow is one of the 4 pillars of their approach to spiritual awakening that informs their organization\, Planet Dharma. \nThis retreat will utilize various shadow work techniques such as dream recall (including lessons in lucid dreaming) and working with masks to explore the topic and connect with transformative experience. \n“I attended two retreats led by Doug Sensei at the Dharma Centre of Canada. Both were life-changing experiences. During the retreats I was led to confront hidden parts of myself\, unaware that they were affecting me so deeply. Shadow work helped me accept and integrate parts of myself that I had rejected\, and also to acknowledge new strengths and wisdom that were within me all along. After each retreat I left feeling freer and more confident about my spiritual practice.” \n– Shant Dolbakian\, 2015 & 2017 retreat participant \nVajrayana Empowerment Wongkur: Yamantaka\nYamantaka Wongkur / initiation ceremony will take place on Saturday morning (8th September) at 8am. The ceremony is open to anyone who wants to attend. Please arrive early if you are not part of the retreat. A fee of $35 (plus dana to the teachers) for the ceremony can be paid at the door. For more information about what a Wongkur is\, click here. For questions\, please contact Linda Hochstetler. \nYamantaka is considered to be the “tool man” of Vajrayana archetypes\, because of his many hands and implements. Another name for Yamantaka is the “slayer of death.” He is a wrathful and extremely energetic archetype that works well with the forces of both the Dark and Golden Shadows. Yamantaka is the energetic manifestation of Manjushri\, the Buddha of Wisdom. Working with Yamataka helps to transform and is powerful enough to overcome and subdue even the most powerful negative emotions. \nCourse Outcomes:\n\nLearn about the unconscious aspects of consciousness and how they influence our behaviours\, habits and life choices\nBetter understand how these aspects show up as both positive potential (golden shadows) and challenging forces (dark shadow)\nLearn practices for integrating you golden and dark shadow aspects\nGain confidence in addressing challenging aspects of your life\nGenerate more calm\, concentration and joyful energy\n\nRegister Now:\n \n\nAbout the Teachers:\n \nDharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat place great value on using every action as your practice for enlightenment. Combined\, they have been practicing meditation for more than 60 years. \nThey both received lay ordination from the Canadian-born Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche\, and have shared teachings of liberation worldwide for decades. As North Americans\, they are adept at understanding the western psyche and combining traditional Buddhist concepts and western psychological processes. \nRead more: Full Bios.[tmls category=”20″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”large_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#000000″ neme_font_size=”14px” neme_font_weight=”normal” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”rand” order=”DESC” auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \n\n  \n\nWhat else do you need to know?\n\nDāna (Generosity Based Teaching)\n\nDoug & Catherine are teaching this meditation retreat via the ancient tradition of Dāna (generosity)\, an offering from them to the attendees. It is considered of supreme value to your life and thus “beyond price” so it is expected that the student will be equally generous and support the teaching and the teachers by making an offering. \nWhile no offering is too small\, also no offering is too great. The giver benefits by offering as much as they can\, given the individual’s circumstances. Along with compassion\, generosity is considered the root of spiritual progress and\, according to the ancients\, therefore the root of our success in daily life as well. \nFind out more about how you can practice Dāna. We invite you to offer Dāna when you register and via the Dāna bowl available at Clear Sky. \n\nMeditation Retreat Centre Fees (includes lodging & meals)\n\n\nFull Retreat: $900\nWeekend Only (7th to 9th Sept): $300\nYamantaka Wongkur / Initiation Only (8th Sept): $35 \n\nRegistration: URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/shadow-retreat-dcc-2018/ LOCATION:Dharma Centre of Canada\, 1886 Galway Road\, Kinmount\, \, ON\, K0M 2A0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Golden-Dark-Shadow-Banner.jpg GEO:44.7739537;-78.5296539 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Dharma Centre of Canada 1886 Galway Road Kinmount ON K0M 2A0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1886 Galway Road:geo:-78.5296539,44.7739537 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180824 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180901 DTSTAMP:20260729T053829Z CREATED:20171105T200644Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T053829Z UID:10000382-1535068800-1535759999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Meditation Retreat at Maitreya House\, UK Body of Truth & Star Group DESCRIPTION:Meditation Retreat: Body of Truth & Star Group\nAugust 24 – August 31\, 2018 \n*Super Early Bird Special until May 1st\, 2018* \nImagine being the change you want to see in the world.  Creative visualization and active imagination are vital to the spiritual path. They improve our relationships with ourselves and others and grow our desire to benefit all beings. \nBy cultivating powerful visualization skills\, we can imagine our desired way of being into existence. As a bonus\, we strengthen the ability to see through and decrease our negative states when they arise. \nThe Power of Western Meditations and Star Group\n \nBuddhist philosophy holds that the waking world is no more “real” than the worlds of meditation or dreams. Therefore our ability to imagine new and more diverse positive arisings is an essential skill for the bodhisattva path. \nDuring this retreat\, we’ll follow Namgyal Rinpoche’s pioneering work with these practices\, drawing on his book\, A Body of Truth\, and the Star Group meditation methodology that he developed. \nWhat to expect:\n• We will explore diverse meditations from the Western Mystery tradition. This tradition focuses more on archetypes\, and less on human-centric deities and saints (which are present in traditions like Buddhism and Christianity).\n• We will draw on the use of forms\, elements\, shapes\, movement and color to stimulate transformative energies within us.\n• We will explore a broad spectrum of practices–from meditations on honeycombs to the Great Pyramid and its secret chambers.\n• To create a holistic experience\, we will balance the five elements\, inner and outer\, active and passive energies\, time indoors and outdoors\, alone and in groups.\n• You may discover hidden talents\, and increase your strengths. Negative internal blocks will loosen. \nWhat is Star Group?\nDeveloped by Namgyal Rinpoche\, Star Group is a rare and precious practice. Small groups of people meditate together to create a psychic platform where they collectively explore the depths of inner and outer space. Star Group meditation draws on the powers of several minds working together and individually\, increasing the range and power of our exploration\, meditative vision and joy. \nStar Group could be seen as a progression from meditating alone to meditating as a group or collective. This practice provides an outstanding opportunity to draw on meditation as a resource to develop relationship and community skills.\nIntegrating your experiences and energies with others benefits innumerable beings. We invite you to join us to train in becoming more skilled and compassionate for the benefit of all beings. \nSaraswati Initiation\nA Saraswati wongkur initiation ceremony will take place at the start of the retreat. \nSaraswati is a female deity figure who represents the archetypal creative principle. In Tibetan Buddhism\, she is the divine embodiment and bestower of enlightened eloquence. Saraswati is the inspiration for and a matriarch of the arts\, sciences\, music\, languages\, literature\, history\, poetry\, philosophy and all those engaged in creative endeavours. \n  \nMaitreya House\, Herefordshire\, UK\nwww.maitreyahouse.org.uk\nMaitreya House\, Lower Maescoed\, Herefordshire\, HR2 0HP \nSet in the golden valley of rural Herefordshire on the Welsh borders and in sight of the black mountains\, Maitreya House is a beautiful\, supportive environment for the retreat. You’ll love the converted stone farmhouse\, private grounds and stunning panoramic views. Maitreya House is run specifically to support universal growth and unfolding through precious teaching. This is the perfect location for stepping away from daily life and truly benefiting from these powerful practices that Doug and Catherine are sharing. \nRegister Now\nThe full fee for this retreat\, which includes lodging and meals\, is £800. A £100 deposit will hold your space on the retreat. \nTransfer Details:\nAccount Name: M&R\nAccount No: 68613180\nSort code: 60 22 25\nIban: GB40NWBK60222568613180\nIban bic or swift: NWBKGB2L\nAccount Address: Natwest Bank\, 73 High Street\, Walton on Thames\, KT12 1DW \nRegistration and Inquiries: \nContact: Jonathan and Zoe at dharmaeurope@outlook.com or call us:\nJonathan 00 44 7891 621865\nZoe 00 44 7861 247357 \nFor more information\, visit our retreat page at www.dharmaeurope.org \nAbout the Teachers:\n \nWe encourage everyone to find the “teacher within” that we can be. But\, for almost everyone\, we need to apprentice before we can master. Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat apprenticed in the teachings of awakening for decades with their teachers. Between them they have been teaching for more than 30 years. \nTheir explorations and teachings are guided by four principles: spiritual growth\, social connectivity\, economic sustainability and environmental integrity. \nDoug & Catherine teach from various wisdom traditions – including buddhadharma\, Western Mysteries\, modern science\, art and nature – based on broad interests and a non-judgemental approach. We’ve lived and worked overseas for many years\, and a planetary outlook is important to us. So is humour! Read more: Full Bios. \n[tmls category=”20″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”large_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#000000″ neme_font_size=”14px” neme_font_weight=”normal” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”rand” order=”DESC” auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \nWhat else do you need to know?\n• Dāna (Generosity Based Teaching)\nDoug & Catherine are teaching this meditation retreat via the ancient tradition of Dāna (generosity)\, an offering from them to the attendees. It is considered of supreme value to your life and thus “beyond price” so it is expected that the student will be equally generous and support the teaching and the teachers by making an offering. \nWhile no offering is too small\, also no offering is too great. The giver benefits by offering as much as they can\, given the individual’s circumstances. Along with compassion\, generosity is considered the root of spiritual progress and\, according to the ancients\, therefore the root of our success in daily life as well. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/meditation-retreat-maitreya-house-uk/ LOCATION:Maitreya House\, Lower Maes-coed\, Hereford\, England\, HR2 0HP\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/BodyofTruth-stargroup.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dharma Europe":MAILTO:dharmaeurope@outlook.com GEO:51.9720215;-2.9511638 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Maitreya House Lower Maes-coed Hereford England HR2 0HP United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Lower Maes-coed:geo:-2.9511638,51.9720215 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180727 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180812 DTSTAMP:20260514T105421Z CREATED:20170914T040830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T105421Z UID:10000545-1532649600-1534031999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Retreat: Buddhas in Action DESCRIPTION:*Early Bird Special until June 26th\, 2018.* \nBuddhas in Action Karma Yoga Retreat: Awakening In Daily Life\nInvest in your growth and unfoldment with this karma yoga retreat with master Dharma teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains\, beautiful and innovative Clear Sky meditation centre offers the perfect locale for deep learning this summer. \nReceive hands-on training in mind\, body and feeling as Doug & Catherine guide you through Karma Yoga and Dharma Training via classes\, assigned exercises and practice in community. You will also discover the powerful holistic clearing technique and other forms of meditation. \nThis summer\, Buddhas in Action is offered July 28-August 11\, 2018. \nWhy Study Awareness in Action?\nWhen we’re in the middle of modern samsaric busy-ness\, the spiritual life can feel out of reach. We want to relate meaningfully with those around us\, but we often feel unfulfilled. Work just leaves us feeling worn out and slightly empty. And sometimes the space between self and other feels like a tremendous gap. \nWe all need to earn a living and deal with day-to-day pressures. The wonderful news is that we can use contemporary spiritual practices at work and in relationship to feel fulfilled while doing so. These different parts of our life can support one another in beautiful ways\, leading to great feelings of meaningfulness\, balance\, and connection. \nOur experience shows that blending study\, meditation\, and what we call “awakening through action”\, profoundly integrates spiritual practice with day-to-day demands. \nTraditionally\, spiritual seekers lived in monasteries or trained with their teacher in remote mountain caves. Throughout both traditions\, meditation and training were supplemented with practical application. \nThis practical application–also called karma yoga or the path of action–helped students learn to embody ever-growing wisdom and awareness moment-to-moment. The idea was always to share these fruits of spiritual practice in meaningful ways with the broader community\, for everyone’s benefit. \nWe’ve spent the last 20 years adapting this tradition of awakening through action to our modern lives\, at home\, in offices\, in conversations\, at our desks\, in meetings\, in bed and in the field. This profoundly practical application can help you find greater joy\, fulfillment\, and calm amidst your busy daily life. \nWhy Use Karma Yoga to Wake Up Your Work & Daily Life? \nBy learning the principles of karma yoga\, you can apply awareness and wisdom to everything you do. Cultivating this practice allows you to transform your work\, home and city life into a connective field of monastic or yogic practice. Your home becomes your monastery\, while your co-workers become your fellow yogis and yoginis. \nThis retreat gives you the building blocks to apply awareness\, compassion\, wisdom\, and strength to each moment. The result is greater fulfillment amid daily life and meaningful connection with others and the world around you. \nKarma yoga has made me aware of how to streamline my energy to a sustainable\, smooth level of work. It has given me invaluable practice on focusing my attention on the task at hand. – Lisa Feder \nPlease note that this retreat and Clear Sky welcome people of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. This retreat is also open to all experience levels. \nWhat might I learn from the retreat?\nEnjoy this interview with Tony A\, who did the retreat last year: \n \nWhy the Actions of “Service?” \nCalling our actions “service” instills the notion that we do it with and for others. Service helps both ourselves and others gain greater clarity and contentment throughout our daily activities. \nBy putting others first\, we give the ego a chance to relax. The result is increased success\, effectiveness\, and fulfillment in our work and relationships. This is a profoundly joyful experience. \nThis approach is highly relevant to the Western lifestyle of the 21st century. This course offers you the opportunity to learn from our experience and take it back home and to work with you. \nKarma Yoga as a practice for unfoldment\, as taught and exemplified by Doug and Catherine Sensei\, has been a hugely transformative power in my life. It has made me into a stronger\, more capable and more visionary human being. – Ruth Levin \nIn this course\, we’ll draw on traditional meditation and yogic practices and philosophy. We’ll also utilize exercises drawn from Namgyal Rinpoche’s Holistic Clearing practice\, Authentic Leadership\, Theory U\, Fifth Discipline\, Five Dysfunctions of a Team\, as well as original exercises we’ve created expressly for Karma Yoga and Dharma Training development. \nWhat Previous Participants Say About This Retreat \n[tmls category=”2183″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”medium_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#777777″ text_font_size=”14px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#777777″ neme_font_size=”15px” neme_font_weight=”bold” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”date” order=”DESC” number=”2″ auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ]\n  \nWhat’s Expected from Me if I Come to This Retreat? \n\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’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.\nChanges – including positive ones – require movement\, and movement requires engaged energy. We ask you to engage with us around the teachings and activities that will support your learning and unfoldment around awakening in action.\nWhen 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.\nTo 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 dancing during exercises or group celebration – all great resources for integration and growth\nLastly\, 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. \n\nRegister Now\n*Early Bird Special until June 26th\, 2018.* \n \n\nAbout the Teachers:\n\nDharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat place great value on using every action as your practice for enlightenment. Combined\, they have been practicing Karma Yoga and meditation for more than 60 years. They both received lay ordination from the Canadian-born Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche\, and have shared teachings of liberation worldwide for decades. \nThis retreat is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in karma yoga learning and practice over a focused two-week period. Doug and Catherine typically teach students one-on-one at various times. It is suitable for their students who are already practicing karma yoga and for beginners alike. Join this retreat for the valuable opportunity to help share these unique teachings in the contemporary world. \nRead more: Full Bios. \n[tmls category=”27″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”large_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#000000″ neme_font_size=”14px” neme_font_weight=”normal” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”date” order=”DESC” number=”1″ auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \n\nWhy come to Clear Sky – Experience the difference:\n\nKnow what it is to truly unwind\, surrounded by pristine\, tranquil nature.\nEnjoy fresh air and wholesome food\, with an emphasis on organic and locally sourced.\nExperience the support of a community that exists to help you reconnect.\nBe part of a working and awakening community that practices what it teaches.\nYou’ll both reinvigorate and integrate what you learn into your daily life.\nShare the learning and growth with other participants\, making new friends who are also on a path of spiritual unfoldment.\nConnect to the teachings that have enlivened humanity over centuries (regardless of religion).\n\nWhat Previous Participants Say About This Retreat \n[tmls category=”2183″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”medium_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#777777″ text_font_size=”14px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#777777″ neme_font_size=”15px” neme_font_weight=”bold” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”date” order=”ASC” number=”2″ auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ]\n\nWhat else do you need to know?\n\nDāna (Generosity Based Teaching)\n\nDoug & Catherine are teaching this meditation retreat via the ancient tradition of Dāna (generosity)\, an offering from them to the attendees. It is considered of supreme value to your life and thus “beyond price” so it is expected that the student will be equally generous and support the teaching and the teachers by making an offering. \nWhile no offering is too small\, also no offering is too great. The giver benefits by offering as much as they can\, given the individual’s circumstances. Along with compassion\, generosity is considered the root of spiritual progress and\, according to the ancients\, therefore the root of our success in daily life as well. \nFind out more about how you can practice Dāna. We invite you to offer Dāna when you register and via the Dāna bowl available at Clear Sky. \n\nMeditation Retreat Centre Fees (Lodging & Meals)\n\n\nThis meditation retreat will be held at beautiful Clear Sky Meditation Centre. Fees which include lodging & meals start at $1500 CAD. \nSign up before June 26th\, 2018 for significant Early Bird savings. \n\nRegistration\n\nBook early for this meditation retreat. All registrations and inquiries can be made via the Clear Sky Registration page\, by clicking the Register Now button below: \n \n\n*Spaces on this retreat are limited so we recommend registering early to hold a space. Camping is also an option. \nSign up here to be notified about any retreat updates and Planet Dharma news. \nSome Fun!\nLast year we made these playful videos on Karma Yoga\, Dharma Training and Buddhas in Action: URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/retreat-buddhas-action/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/buddhas-inaction-2017.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180704 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180709 DTSTAMP:20260822T052558Z CREATED:20170914T040251Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260822T052558Z UID:10000544-1530662400-1531094399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Astrology & Dharma Course: Awakening Through AstroDharma (Hollyhock) DESCRIPTION:Astrology and Dharma:  Awakening Through AstroDharma \nReady to embrace your unique journey in this lifetime\, and transform this path for the benefit of all beings? The exhilaration of ongoing transformation and empowerment is our birthright. We don’t have to feel frustrated or stuck! AstroDharma\, a combination of Astrology and Dharma\, can help.  \nWith AstroDharma we transform challenges in our life – old mental models\, counterproductive emotional and relationship patterns\, unwholesome habits – by upcycling them into healthier\, more beneficial ones. AstroDharma offers us the tools of timeless Buddhist wisdom applied to help us skillfully navigate our soul map\, our natal astrological chart. \nWhy AstroDharma? Astrology and Dharma Combined\nTranspersonal astrology draws on Jungian principles and Western mythology to understand how unique we each are\, and at the same time how our experiences as humans are universal. Buddhism packs 2500 years of profound consciousness studies to ensure that the transformations in our lifetime are based in loving kindness\, compassion and wisdom. \nAbout this Astrology & Dharma Course\nThis course offered at Hollyhock is designed to help you: \n\nbetter identify patterns in your own astrological birth chart;\nrecognize and develop opportunities and gifts shown in your chart;\nidentify and loosen blocks\, freeing up energy;\nrecognize and transform challenges into strengths. \n\nThe aim is ever deeper self-realization and connection with our higher purpose for this lifetime. You’re invited to dive deeper into the transformational process by working on a specific personal challenge. \nWe’ll take advantage of various modalities for this work: guided visualizations\, journaling\, drawing\, constellation role play\, social presencing theater and found-object mandalas. \n  \nDon’t know anything about astrology or dharma? Don’t worry – Catherine Sensei’s online introduction to Astrology and dharma will provide you with material you need to get going. \n  \n“Hearing Catherine’s interactions with others\, I observe such a strong palpable intention to be of benefit when speaking\, and also to really hear when listening. Both are such rare qualities in the world and clearly the fruit of a life of practice.” \n– Jacob Steele\, Events Organizer\, Banyen Books. \n  \nRelated Content\nBlogs: \n\nTurbo Charge Your Freedom: AstroDharma\nUse AstroDharma to Increase Joy and Integrate the Shadow\n\nInterview with Banyen Books & Sound \n\nOn Integrating Eastern & Western Awakening Traditions\, The Hero’s Journey\, and Dharma-Astrology\n\nAstroDharma Insights Videos \n\nRelationships Through an AstroDharma Lens\nThe Three Most Important Parts of Your Astrology Chart\n\n  \nReady to go? Register for the Course\nRegister early to ensure your program and accommodation choices\, and take advantage of early bird specials: \n \n  \nEarly Bird Specials\n\nIf registered by April 24th you get:\n\nA Personalized Natal Chart Package (20+ pages) with information about your specific astrological make-up\nAccess to an exclusive 1-hour webinar Q&A with the instructor\, Catherine Pawasarat\n$25 discount to the Intro to AstroDharma online course on PlanetDharma.com\n\n\n\nIf registered by May 15th you get:\n\n\nAccess to an exclusive 1-hour webinar Q&A with the instructor\, Catherine Pawasarat\n$25 discount to the Intro to AstroDharma online course on PlanetDharma.com\n\n\n\n\n\nIf registered by June 1st you get:\n\n$25 discount to the Intro to AstroDharma online course on PlanetDharma.com\n\n\n\n\nAbout the Teacher\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei has been a student of astrology and dharma for more than 25 years.  She has been a dharma trainer and teacher of the path of awakening since the early 2000s. \nCatherine began her spiritual practices in earnest in her early 20s. At this time she struggled to overcome personal suffering.  She also found it hard to make sense of international environmental and social justice challenges. This struggle led her to became a student of metaphysics\, Western spiritual traditions\, ayahuasca sacraments and Buddhadharma. \nSince 1998 she has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan.  This training has been an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies and Planet Dharma\, and a lineage holder for these teachings. \nCatherine worked as an advocacy photojournalist and studied traditional Japanese arts (including koto\, shamisen\, kyogen) in Kyoto for 20 years\, culminating in her landmark work at GionFestival.org. Throughout the year she travels internationally giving dharma teachings with Doug Sensei. She also offers an introductory online course in astrology.  In addition\, Catherine supports social entrepreneurship for spiritual practitioners at AkasaVision Consulting. \n  \nWhat students say about Catherine’s AstroDharma Course:\n[tmls category=”2128″ layout=”tmls_list” style=”style2″ image_size=”large_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#777777″ text_font_size=”14px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#777777″ neme_font_size=”15px” neme_font_weight=”bold” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”date” order=”ASC” border_style=”tmls_border tmls_solid_border” border_color=”#DDDDDD” ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \n\nAwakening Through AstroDharma at Hollyhock\, Cortes Island BC\nThis astrology and dharma course will be held at innovative and beautiful Hollyhock Centre on Cortes Island\, BC. \nSince 1982 Hollyhock has been a pioneering human potential education centre. Hollyhock’s founders dreamed of creating a lifelong learning and leadership curriculum to inspire\, nourish and support people intent on service to a better world. Find out more about Hollyhock in this video: \n \nReady to go? Register for the Course\nRegister early to ensure your program and accommodation choices\, and take advantage of early bird specials: \n \nNew to Astrology? Introductory Online Course:\nAre you new to astrology?  Don’t worry.  While a basic working knowledge of astrology is required for this course\, here’s how you can get up to speed. \nSimply enroll in Catherine Pawasarat Sensei’s self-guided Introduction to AstroDharma online course. \nThe course consists of 12 videos that will give you a solid grounding in the exciting foundations of astrology\, plus follow-up activities to help you integrate your learning into your life. \nAlso\, read this article on how astrology and dharma is used to increase joy and integrate the shadow. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nSign up here to be notified about any retreat updates and Planet Dharma news. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/astrology-dharma-hollyhock-2018/ LOCATION:Hollyhock\, Manson's Landing\, Cortes Island\, BC\, V0P 1K0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/awakening-astrodharma-hollyhock.jpg GEO:50.0592633;-124.9628721 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hollyhock Manson's Landing Cortes Island BC V0P 1K0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Manson's Landing:geo:-124.9628721,50.0592633 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180511 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180520 DTSTAMP:20260727T060843Z CREATED:20170914T032312Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T060843Z UID:10000542-1525996800-1526774399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Meditation Retreat: Body of Truth & Star Group DESCRIPTION:*Please note\, these retreat dates have changed to May 11-19th 2018*\n \nWestern Mysteries Retreat: Body of Truth and Star Group (at the beautiful and innovative Clear Sky Center)\nImagine being the change you want to see in the world. \nCreative visualization and active imagination are vital to the spiritual path. They improve our relationships with ourselves and others and grow our desire to benefit all beings. \nBy cultivating powerful visualization skills\, we can imagine our desired way of being into existence. As a bonus\, we strengthen the ability to see through and decrease our negative states when they arise. \nThe Power of Western Meditations and Star Group\n \n  \nBuddhist philosophy holds that the waking world is no more “real” than the worlds of meditation or dreams. Therefore our ability to imagine new and more diverse positive arisings is an essential skill for the bodhisattva path. \nDuring this retreat\, we’ll follow Namgyal Rinpoche’s pioneering work with these practices\, drawing on his book\, A Body of Truth\, and the Star Group meditation methodology that he developed. \nWhat to expect:\n\nWe will explore diverse meditations from the Western Mystery tradition. This tradition focuses more on archetypes\, and less on human-centric deities and saints (which are present in traditions like Buddhism and Christianity).\nWe will draw on the use of forms\, elements\, shapes\, movement and color to stimulate transformative energies within us. \nWe will explore a broad spectrum of practices–from meditations on honeycombs to the Great Pyramid and its secret chambers. \nTo create a holistic experience\, we will balance the five elements\, inner and outer\, active and passive energies\, time indoors and outdoors\, alone and in groups.\nYou may discover hidden talents\, and increase your strengths. Negative internal blocks will loosen.\n\nWhat is Star Group?\nDeveloped by Namgyal Rinpoche\, Star Group is a rare and precious practice. Small groups of people meditate together to create a psychic platform where they collectively explore the depths of inner and outer space. Star Group meditation draws on the powers of several minds working together and individually\, increasing the range and power of our exploration\, meditative vision and joy. \nStar Group could be seen as a progression from meditating alone to meditating as a group or collective. This practice provides an outstanding opportunity to draw on meditation as a resource to develop relationship and community skills. \nIntegrating your experiences and energies with others benefits innumerable beings. We invite you to join us to train in becoming more skilled and compassionate for the benefit of all beings. \nRegister Now\n \n\nAbout the Teachers:\n \nWe encourage everyone to find the “teacher within” that we can be. But\, for almost everyone\, we need to apprentice before we can master. Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat apprenticed in the teachings of awakening for decades with their teachers. Between them they have been teaching for more than 30 years. \nTheir explorations and teachings are guided by four principles: spiritual growth\, social connectivity\, economic sustainability and environmental integrity. \nDoug & Catherine teach from various wisdom traditions – including buddhadharma\, Western Mysteries\, modern science\, art and nature – based on broad interests and a non-judgemental approach. We’ve lived and worked overseas for many years\, and a planetary outlook is important to us. So is humour! Read more: Full Bios. \n[tmls category=”20″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”large_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#000000″ neme_font_size=”14px” neme_font_weight=”normal” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”rand” order=”DESC” auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \n\nWhy come to Clear Sky: Experience the difference:\n\nKnow what it is to truly unwind\, surrounded by pristine\, tranquil nature.\nEnjoy fresh air and wholesome food\, with an emphasis on organic and locally sourced.\nExperience the support of a community that exists to help you reconnect.\nBe part of a working and awakening community that practices what it teaches.\nYou’ll both reinvigorate and integrate what you learn into your daily life.\nShare the learning and growth with other participants\, making new friends who are also on a path of spiritual unfoldment.\nConnect to the teachings that have enlivened humanity over centuries (regardless of religion).\n\n\nWhat else do you need to know?\n\nDāna (Generosity Based Teaching)\n\nDoug & Catherine are teaching this meditation retreat via the ancient tradition of Dāna (generosity)\, an offering from them to the attendees. It is considered of supreme value to your life and thus “beyond price” so it is expected that the student will be equally generous and support the teaching and the teachers by making an offering. \nWhile no offering is too small\, also no offering is too great. The giver benefits by offering as much as they can\, given the individual’s circumstances. Along with compassion\, generosity is considered the root of spiritual progress and\, according to the ancients\, therefore the root of our success in daily life as well. \nFind out more about how you can practice Dāna. We invite you to offer Dāna when you register and via the Dāna bowl available at Clear Sky. \n\nMeditation Retreat Centre Fees (Lodging & Meals)\n\n\nThis meditation retreat will be held at beautiful Clear Sky Meditation Centre. Fees which include lodging & meals start at $999 CAD. \n\nRegistration\n\nBook early for this meditation retreat. All registrations and inquiries can be made via the Clear Sky Registration page\, by clicking the Register Now button below: \n \n  \n\nNotes: \n[1] Karma Yoga is our practice of awakening in action. It may entail supporting the center and participants in the area of nourishment\, environmental services\, land management or infrastructure. \nSign up here to be notified about any retreat updates and Planet Dharma news. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/meditation-retreat-body-truth-western-visualizations/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/BodyofTruth-stargroup.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180330 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180403 DTSTAMP:20260806T062532Z CREATED:20170927T154052Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T062532Z UID:10000546-1522368000-1522713599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Meditation Retreat: Becoming a Work of Art DESCRIPTION:A Meditation Retreat to Build your Foundations: Easter Long Weekend 2018\n\n“Better to be a work of art than make a work of art.” – Namgyal Rinpoche \nIs 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. \nEvery 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. \nWhy Becoming a Work of Art?\nWould you rather create one work of art or become 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. \nLet your internal works of art flourish during our three-day retreat this Easter Long Weekend. Led by Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, it is a perfect time to embrace springtime and nurture your inner potential. \nDuring 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. \nThis retreat has a powerful experiential meditation component – participants will receive an initiation to the Chenrezi practice.  Chenrezi is a form of ‘arising yoga’ from Vajrayana Buddhism. It is a principle practice of compassion that will give you full mind body experience of the Paramis. \nThe paramis are qualities that we grow to feel internally grounded and to act from a positive\, wholesome place in our relationships with others. They help us reside in a clear\, calm\, and loving place\, while becoming more curious and absorbed with our inner and outer worlds. With these qualities\, happiness and beautiful works of art shine. \n  \nWho is this course for? \nBecause we are active people with busy lives\, it is common to feel like we can’t take the time to get grounded. This affects how we work\, play\, and relate to each other. As the saying goes\, “when you’re up to your neck in alligators\, it’s hard to remember that your original intention was to drain the swamp.” \nThis short course is designed for those of us who feel challenged around making the time. \nWe’ll explore how to cultivate mindfulness as we go about our daily lives. As our relationships and professional lives blossom\, we’re of greater service to ourselves\, our communities\, and the planet. \nThis retreat is intended to create a work of art that is founded in an abundant and durable happiness … even when there are ‘gators nipping at our heels.\n \nNote: These are universal teachings open to people of any faith\, or with no particular faith. \nCourse Outcomes:\n\nLearn to be more generous with ourselves and others\, materially\, emotionally and mentally.\nDevelop a greater sense of ease around thorny emotional issues.\nCultivate greater patience in the face of life’s ongoing challenges.\nOpen more energy through less resistance rooted in fear and mistrust.\nFind greater calm and focus based on a clearer sense of one’s place in the world.\nDiscover a closer connection to the wisdom inside us that arises from the development of the above outcomes.\n\nRegister Now\n \n\nAbout the Teachers:\n \nWe encourage everyone to find the “teacher within” that we can be. But\, for almost everyone\, we need to apprentice before we can master. Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat apprenticed in the teachings of awakening for decades with their teachers. Between them they have been teaching for more than 30 years. \nTheir explorations and teachings are guided by four principles: spiritual growth\, social connectivity\, economic sustainability and environmental integrity. \nDoug & Catherine teach from various wisdom traditions – including buddhadharma\, Western Mysteries\, modern science\, art and nature – based on broad interests and a non-judgemental approach. We’ve lived and worked overseas for many years\, and a planetary outlook is important to us. So is humour! Read more: Full Bios. \n[tmls category=”20″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”large_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#000000″ neme_font_size=”14px” neme_font_weight=”normal” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”rand” order=”DESC” auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \n\nThis course is open to all experience levels\n\nWe work with beginners and advanced participants alike\, and mold our teaching to the readiness of each student.\nEach student sets the pace and scope of their own development. We do encourage you to stretch your comfort zone so that it becomes broader\, and so you enjoy maximum benefits of the course.\nThe schedule is very accessible (see below for details).\nOur teachers and staff are friendly and well trained\, and have supported many people in becoming ever-evolving works of art.\n\nWhat’s expected from me if I come to this course?\n\nCome with an open and engaged attitude.\n© C. Pawasarat \nParticipate in the program as fully as you’re able.\nFoster and maintain an atmosphere of trust and acceptance in the group-learning environment.\nRefrain from reading\, using the internet or listening to music during the course (except journaling and assigned reading).\nParticipate in Karma Yoga[1] service at Clear Sky (maximum of two hours daily).\nSupport the teachers and teachings through the practice of dāna.\n\nWhy come to Clear Sky: Experience the difference:\n\nKnow what it is to truly unwind\, surrounded by pristine\, tranquil nature.\nEnjoy fresh air and wholesome food\, with an emphasis on organic and locally sourced.\nExperience the support of a community that exists to help you reconnect.\nBe part of a working and awakening community that practices what it teaches.\nYou’ll both reinvigorate and integrate what you learn into your daily life.\nShare the learning and growth with other participants\, making new friends who are also on a path of spiritual unfoldment.\nConnect to the teachings that have enlivened humanity over centuries (regardless of religion).\n\n\nWhat else do you need to know?\n\nDāna (Generosity Based Teaching)\n\nDoug & Catherine are teaching this meditation retreat via the ancient tradition of Dāna (generosity)\, an offering from them to the attendees. It is considered of supreme value to your life and thus “beyond price” so it is expected that the student will be equally generous and support the teaching and the teachers by making an offering. \nWhile no offering is too small\, also no offering is too great. The giver benefits by offering as much as they can\, given the individual’s circumstances. Along with compassion\, generosity is considered the root of spiritual progress and\, according to the ancients\, therefore the root of our success in daily life as well. \nFind out more about how you can practice Dāna. We invite you to offer Dāna when you register and via the Dāna bowl available at Clear Sky. \n\nMeditation Retreat Centre Fees (Lodging & Meals)\n\n\nThis meditation retreat will be held at beautiful Clear Sky Meditation Centre. Fees which include lodging & meals range from $350-$550 CAD. Sign up before February 27th\, 2018 and take advantage of Early Bird savings on accommodation & meals. \n\nCourse Schedule\n\n\n-Friday\, March 30\, 7pm – 9pm \n-Saturday\, March 31\, 7am – 10pm \n-Sunday\, April 1\, 7am – 10pm \n-Monday April 2\, 7am – 1pm \n\nRegistration\n\nBook early for this long weekend meditation retreat. All registrations and inquiries can be made via the Clear Sky Registration page\, by clicking the Register Now button below: \n \n  \n\nNotes: \n[1] Karma Yoga is our practice of awakening in action. It may entail supporting the center and participants in the area of nourishment\, environmental services\, land management or infrastructure. \nSign up here to be notified about any updates regarding this retreat and other Planet Dharma news. \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/becoming-work-art-easter-retreat-2018/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Public Classes,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/becoming-work-of-art2018.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20180101 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20180102 DTSTAMP:20260904T061322Z CREATED:20171028T015315Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T061322Z UID:10000548-1514764800-1514851199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Year of Joy - 2018 Program for Spiritual Awakening DESCRIPTION:Year of Joy: 2018 Program for Spiritual Awakening\nHow would you like to spend the year cultivating joy? Alas\, one can’t awaken from a state of bliss. But it provides the juice to continue deepening our practice of insight. And it feels fantastic. \nMost of all\, joy is a natural and essential component of the awakening mind. \nBesides cultivating joy\, the aim of this year-long program is to support beings to awaken joyfully in this very lifetime. On y va! Vamos! 行きましょう！ Embora gente! \nTo us\, the teachers\, the benefits for participants in the past two year-long programs (the Year of Awakening and Year of Victory) have been very clear. They have been a game-changer in the practice and dedication to the path for people who’ve engaged in a committed way. The growth we’ve seen in participants has been remarkable. \nAbout the Program Teachers:\n\nCombined\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat have been teaching\, practicing and living spiritual awakening for more than 60 years. They’re well versed in Buddhist and Western philosophy and practices\, as well as contemporary psychology\, consciousness studies and art. \nSince Doug and Catherine have lived and traveled extensively overseas\, they also draw on inter- and transcultural experiences. This helps broaden the range and depth of their understandings of spiritual awakening and liberation to an experience that knows no country. \nTo implement these teachings and experiences in the world\, they founded the beautiful and innovative Clear Sky Meditation Centre in BC in 2005. \nTheir engaged compassion\, sense of humor\, adventurousness and combined wisdom will enrich your life with exploration and discovery. More to the point\, this year it will support you cultivating more joy in your life. Click for their full bios: Year of Joy Teachers. \nWhat others say about the Teachers:\n[tmls category=”20″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”large_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#777777″ text_font_size=”14px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#777777″ neme_font_size=”15px” neme_font_weight=”bold” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”rand” order=”DESC” auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \n  \nWebinars & Retreats Offered\n\nCommitment to the Year of Joy entails participating in all three webinars below\, plus retreat time\, varying according to the level of your commitment. You’ll benefit from one of these retreats taking place at Clear Sky Meditation Centre. Please see the program description below for details. \nCultivating Joy through Year of Joy Webinars:\n\nDharma in Film (January 29-February 19\, 2018)\nThe Path of Ecstasy: Following Your Bliss (June 4-25\, 2018)\nThe Joy of Sex and Relationship (October 1-22\, 2018)\n\nCultivating Joy through Year of Joy Retreats at Clear Sky Centre:\n\nBecoming a Work of Art Retreat (March 31-April 2\, 2018 and extend your stay to a week)\n\nBody of Truth and Star Group Retreat (May 4-18\, 2018)\n\nBuddhas in Action Retreat (July 28-August 11\, 2018)\nSix Yogas of Naropa\, Dream Yoga & Light Yoga (Dec 7-22\, 2018)\n\n\nTestimonials from Students in Last Year’s Program (Year of Victory)\nI’m so thankful I gave myself this gift of this transformational year long program. The program was captivating and very supportive. It was like a sling shot to the greater clarity\, freedom and understanding I’ve been seeking in life. I’d recommend this program to anyone who is wondering which direction to take in order to live a life with more passion and meaning. \n–Karen Scott\, BC\, Canada \nIt was a fantastic tool to not get completely lost in Samsara throughout the year. Especially because I don’t live in Canada and cannot be with the teachers so often. I felt very connected and supported by the Teachers and Sangha. As a result I became much more aware of my state of mind. I recommend this program to people that are truly interested in studying interconnectedness and the miracle of life. \n–Andrea Netscher\, Germany \nParticipating fully in the Year of Victory gave me an opportunity to stay close to the Teachers and practice throughout the year. As a result I benefited by being “tuned” to the Teachers and to my personal victory. I feel like the confidence I gained in victory over my own preference mind was a direct result of this commitment to the full year program. The harder it seems to find time and make a year long commitment\, the greater the results seem to be when one does. The program is flexible enough if you plan well\, yet structured enough to make sure you don’t get lost during the year. I started in the lower level commitment for the last two years\, but now this year I’m diving into the higher level commitment and can’t wait for it to start. \n–Linda Hochstetler\, ON\, Canada \n\nProgram Benefits & Commitment Levels \nThe Year of Joy program has three commitment levels for how you will approach cultivating joy – Vajra\, Diamond and Lotus levels. \n1. Cultivating Joy at the Vajra Level\nThe vajra level offers a thunderbolt to strike through the illusions of samsara\, clearing the air so that joy can emerge. \nWe appreciate that the basics of daily life can be very demanding for modern people. Add relationship\, career development\, education and so on\, and maintaining a regular spiritual practice can begin to feel very challenging. This is samsara talking! Apply the thunderbolt: we’ve designed the Vajra level to support you to cut through the illusion. \nThe Vajra level of Year of Joy will help include cultivating joy in your spiritual practice. Moreover\, the program will support you to stay connected to spiritual awakening as the foundation of the rest of your life. It will also leave time for the other exigencies of your life right now. This is designed as a bridge to a time–hopefully in the very near future–when you can make a deeper commitment to your spiritual practice. \nVajra Level Benefits and Commitments Include:\n \n\nA commitment to a regular\, engaged practice sustained over 2018. Structure and routine are your friends. When applied to your spiritual practice\, your current practices will stabilize and shift into a higher gear. Your power for cultivating joy will increase.\nOngoing engagement with a community of other committed practitioners\, with whom you connect virtually and in person. It’s easier with others. This will bring new insights into the power of sangha\, and allow you to enjoy its benefits in new ways. Enjoy and learn from cultivating joy together.\n\nMeditation Retreats\n\nA minimum of two one-week retreats during the year. We encourage you to come to Clear Sky. This allows you to take advantage of the blessed Buddha field that many beings’ practices have been cultivating in this extraordinary place. The centre embodies very modern manifestations of spiritual awakening. If this isn’t possible\, you may do a retreat elsewhere in the world\, led by Doug and Catherine Sensei (see the 2018 teaching schedule).\nA retreat interview with the teachers. This lineage emphasizes working with directly with teachers. This is so they can provide instructions that are completely customized to your particular needs and path of spiritual unfoldment. They’ll share the practices you can do to awaken most speedily and effectively. Take greatest advantage of this with interviews\, at least one during your retreat.\n\nWebinars\, Virtual Support and Home Flash Retreats\n\nParticipation in the three series of webinars (four webinars in each series) throughout the year. Stay connected with the awakening mind and grow your spiritual awakening and learning all year long. This offers you new opportunities to integrate spiritual awakening with your daily life and routine.\nWhile not required\, we encourage you to participate in the three Flash Retreats that seal each webinar series. Each occurs over the final weekend of every webinar series. These help us apply and integrate the webinar teachings\, so that we connect with the cultivation of joy in our beings\, and embody them in the world. These are done in the convenience of your own home: besides being easily accessible for you\, it also supports your practice of honoring your space and your cultivation of a stronger discipline. In short\, we’d like to support your learning about cultivating joy in the comfort of your own home.\nJoin our regular Office Hours throughout the year\, generally twice monthly. Again\, this supports you in keeping cultivating joy and your spiritual practice front and center throughout the year. No matter how distracting modern life and samsara may be\, this regular connection with awakening minds helps ensure that your spiritual awakening prevails.\n\n2. Cultivating Joy at the Diamond Level \nThe adamantine awakening mind possesses the indestructibility\, clarity and luminosity of this gem. The Diamond Level is for people who are prepared to put a stake in the ground and orient the mandala of life around spiritual awakening at the centre of it. Cultivating joy comprises an essential part of this mandala and one’s daily life. \nDiamond Level Benefits and Commitments Include:\nThe following elements\, which are the same as Vajra Level: \n \n\nA commitment to a regular\, engaged practice sustained over 2018. Structure and routine are your friends. When applied to your spiritual practice\, your current practices will stabilize and shift into a higher gear.\nOngoing engagement with a community of other committed practitioners\, with whom you connect virtually and in person. It’s easier with others. This will bring new insights into the power of sangha\, and allow you to enjoy its benefits in new ways. Enjoy and learn from cultivating joy together.\n\nAdditionally\, Diamond Level includes lengthened retreats and more specialized virtual guidance:\n \nMeditation Retreats\n\nA minimum of a two-week retreat at Clear Sky during the year. You may choose from the three retreats described above. Alternatively you may consult with Doug and Catherine to see whether doing a personal retreat at Clear Sky while they’re in residence would be highly supportive your cultivating joy practice.\nA minimum of one retreat interview with the teachers during each retreat. Take full advantage of suggestions designed to help you in cultivating joy\, speed up your spiritual awakening\, and make both these more beneficial to all beings.\n\nWebinars\, Virtual Support and Home Flash Retreats\n\nParticipation in three series of webinars (four webinars in each series) throughout the year. Stay connected with the awakening mind and grow your spiritual awakening and learning all year long. This offers you new opportunities to integrate spiritual awakening with your daily life and routine.\nParticipation in the three Flash Retreats that seal each webinar series. There is one weekend-long Flash Retreat per webinar series\, generally on the final weekend. The Flash retreats\, like their name\, are short and sweet and intense. They help us apply and integrate the webinar teachings\, so that we connect with the cultivating joy experience in our beings\, and can embody them in the world. These are intentionally done in the convenience of your own home: besides being easily accessible for you\, it also supports your practice of honoring your space and your cultivation of a stronger personal discipline.\nSpecialised Year of Joy Office Hours: These are Office Hours sessions for Diamond Level Year of Joy students only. These are live\, 60-minute internet conference calls weekly during each webinar series. They provide a small-group opportunity for learning and sharing how cultivating joy can be increased or be more integrated with your life right now.\nWhen YoV Office Hours are not offered\, regular Office Hours support you twice monthly. Keep your spiritual practice front and center throughout the year. No matter how distracting modern life and samsara may be\, this regular connection with awakening minds helps ensure that your spiritual awakening prevails.\n\n  \n3. Cultivating Joy at the Lotus Level\n \nDo you want to cultivate your knowledge and exposure to awakening wisdom in 2018? \nAt the lotus level we encourage you to audit and join in as many of the 2018 Planet Dharma events and retreats as possible. There is no application process for the lotus level. \nRegister for each event\, webinar\, retreat in 2018 on our Dharma teachings schedule page. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\nWhat else do you need to know?\nDāna (Generosity Based Teaching)\nDoug & Catherine are teaching this year long program via the ancient tradition of Dāna (generosity). This is an offering from them to participants. It is considered of supreme value to your life and thus ‘beyond price’. So it is expected that the student will be equally generous and support the teaching and the teachers by making an offering. This year’s program offers a unique opportunity to learn about how generosity supports cultivating joy. \nWhile no offering is too small\, also no offering is too great. The giver benefits by offering as much as they can\, given the individual’s circumstances. Along with compassion\, generosity is considered the root of spiritual progress and\, according to the ancients\, therefore the root of our success in daily life as well. \nDāna and the Year of Joy\nRecognize that in your commitment to the program\, you are also making a commitment to a healthy and conscious practice of dāna. Before applying\, we encourage you to review if you are in a financially sustainable situation. Are you able to support your exploration and dāna throughout the year? We believe that financial health is unique for each person and each situation. It is also very important for a healthy spiritual practice and life. \n\n\n\nWe also invite you to explore more about how you can practice Dāna. This is one of the pillars of Buddhist spiritual philosophy and the process of enlightenment. \nYou will have an opportunity to offer Dāna when you register. You can also give by clicking the Dāna bowl image to the left. Another avenue to practice generosity is via the Dāna bowl available at Clear Sky at the opening of each retreat. This is a powerful way to set your intention for the retreat. As well\, there are ongoing opportunities throughout the year to offer Dāna. We encourage you to reflect how to use Dāna as a core practice throughout the year. How can one cultivate a heart of generosity\, openness and joy? \nProgram Registration Fees (For Course Costs)\nThere is a one-time program fee to cover operating costs during the year. Vajra Level: US$250 / Diamond Level: US$350.\nAt Planet Dharma we believe that finances are one of many creative manifestations of energy exchange. Is your aspiration and other supports for the year-long program and practice of cultivating joy strong? By contrast does the course fee and other financial commitments feel like a challenge? Then please note this in your application and make an offer of alternative forms of exchange. \nRetreat Registration & Fees\nPlease also note that this program’s residential retreats are held at Clear Sky Meditation Centre in BC\, Canada. Registration and payment for lodging & meals for these retreats are made directly to Clear Sky via each retreat’s booking forms. \n\nInvitation for Year of Joy Applications\nFrom Sunday\, 12 November we invite your applications to participate in the Year of Joy\, 2018. We suggest you apply early\, as this highly personalized program has limited places available. Applications will be accepted until December 15\, 2017.\n \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/year-joy-spiritual-awakening-2018/ LOCATION:British Columbia CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/year-of-joy.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20171208 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20171224 DTSTAMP:20180802T042427Z CREATED:20160904T185103Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180802T042427Z UID:10000360-1512691200-1514073599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Retreat: The Six Yogas of Naropa DESCRIPTION:  \nThis meditation retreat on the Six Yogas of Naropa with Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat will be held at Clear Sky Center\, in BC. \nPrerequisite: All participants are required to have completed one million mantras of the Chenrezi foundation practice in order to attend this retreat. \nAbout the Six Yogas of Naropa\nThe Six Yogas of Naropa are one of the central practices of the Tibetan Kargyu lineage\, to which we belong. It is essentially a path to freedom through the development of deep understanding into the way things and formations arise and pass away. \nThese teachings are grounded in the deep understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of Tantra. To do this work\, you must leave behind all partial views and develop a complete “viewing.” \nBy studying the energy channels of the body\, the bindhus (hormones)\, and the overall functioning of the energy systems\, the Diamond Body emerges. The Diamond Body is a radiant energy body that is no longer subject to the blocks and malformations that are the natural result of conditioned patterns. \nThe radiant result is kundalini energy\, which burns up the amassed undergrowth of our unwholesome patterns\, resulting in the natural liberation of energy\, loving kindness and compassion. \nDuring these two weeks\, we will be focusing on the first two Yogas of Naropa: dumo heat yoga and illusory body yoga. The remaining yogas will be topics for retreats at the end of 2018 and 2019. \nThere will also be a Demchog empowerment during this retreat. \nSpaces on this retreat are limited and filling up quickly\, so please register early. \nRegistrations are now open:\n  \n \n  \nBasic arrival and departure details: \n\nArrivals: December 8\, 2017 **\nDepartures: December 23\, 2017\n\n**International students are strongly encouraged to arrive at least one day earlier to acclimatize. \n  \nSign up here to be notified about any retreat updates and Planet Dharma news. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/retreat-six-yogas-naropa/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/6-Yogas-of-Naropa.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170806 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170821 DTSTAMP:20180802T042613Z CREATED:20160825T235948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180802T042613Z UID:10000523-1501977600-1503273599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Summer Retreat: Buddhas in Action DESCRIPTION:© D. Steinbock \nBuddhas in Action Retreat\nAwakening Through Work & Daily Life\nFor those of us with busy lives\, the spiritual life can feel out of reach. We want to relate meaningfully with those around us\, but we often feel unfulfilled. Work just leaves us feeling worn out and slightly empty. And sometimes the space between self and other feels like a gaping hole. \nWe all need to earn a living and deal with day-to-day pressures\, so why not use contemporary spiritual practices at work to feel fulfilled while doing so?  These two parts of our life can support one another in beautiful ways\, leading to great feelings of meaningfulness\, balance\, and connection. \nOur experience shows that blending study\, meditation\, and what we call “awakening through action” profoundly integrates spiritual practice with day-to-day demands. \nTraditionally\, spiritual seekers lived in monasteries or trained with their teacher in the remote mountain caves. Throughout both traditions\, meditation and training were supplemented with practical application. This practical application–also called karma yoga or the path of action–helped students learn to embody ever-growing wisdom and awareness moment-to-moment. The idea was always to share these fruits of spiritual practice in meaningful ways with the broader community\, for everyone’s benefit. \nWe’ve spent the last 20 years adapting this tradition of awakening through action to our modern lives\, at home\, in offices\, at our desks\, in meetings and in the field. This profoundly practical application can help you find greater joy\, fulfillment\, and calm amidst your busy daily life. \nWhy Use Karma Yoga to Wake Up Your Work & Daily Life?\n\nBy learning the principles of karma yoga\, you can apply awareness and wisdom to everything you do. Cultivating this practice allows you to transform your work\, home and city life into a connective field of monastic or yogic practice. Your home becomes your monastery\, your co-workers become your fellow yogis and yoginis. \nThis retreat gives you the building blocks to apply awareness\, compassion\, wisdom\, and strength to each moment. The result is greater fulfillment amid daily life and meaningful connection with others and the world around you. \nPlease note that this retreat and Clear Sky welcome people of all religious backgrounds and beliefs. This retreat is open to all experience levels. \nWhy the Actions of “Service?”\nCalling our actions “service” instills the notion that we do it with and for others. Service helps both ourselves and others gain greater clarity and contentment throughout our daily activities. By putting others first\, we give the ego a chance to relax. The result is increased success\, effectiveness\, and fulfillment in our work. \nThis approach is highly relevant to the Western lifestyle of the 21st century. This course offers you the opportunity to learn from our experience and take it back home and to work with you. \nIn this course\, we’ll draw on traditional meditation and yogic practices and philosophy. We’ll also utilize exercises drawn from Namgyal Rinpoche’s Holistic Clearing practice\, Theory U\, Fifth Discipline\, Five Dysfunctions of a Team and original exercises we’ve created expressly for Karma Yoga and Dharma Training development. \nWhat’s Expected from Me if I Come to This Retreat?\n© D. Steinbock \nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring! \nIt’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. And changes – including positive ones – require movement\, and movement requires engaged energy. \nWe ask you to engage with us around the teachings and activities that will support your learning and unfoldment around awakening in action. \nWhen exploring our growth edges\, it’s natural to feel uncertain and awkward. And it’s very fruitful to transform that 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. \nTo 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 dancing during exercises or group celebration – all great resources for integration and growth. \nLastly\, 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. \nAbout the Teachers\n© C. Pawasarat \nDharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat place great value on using every action as your practice for enlightenment. Combined\, they have been practicing Karma Yoga and meditation for more than 60 years. They both received lay ordination from the Canadian-born Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche\, and have shared teachings of liberation worldwide for decades. \nThis retreat is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in karma yoga learning and practice over a focused two-week period. Doug and Catherine typically teach students one-on-one at various times. It is suitable for their students who are already practicing karma yoga and for beginners alike. \nJoin this retreat for the valuable opportunity to help share these unique teachings in the contemporary world. \nRead more: Doug & Catherine’s Bios. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFurther Reading\n[accordions id=”5915″] \n  \nReady for Buddhas in Action?\nInvest in your growth and unfoldment with master Dharma teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat this summer. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains\, beautiful Clear Sky meditation centre offers the perfect locale for deep learning.  Receive hands-on training in mind\, body and feeling as Doug & Catherine guide you through Karma Yoga and Dharma Training via classes\, assigned exercises and practice in community. You will also discover the powerful holistic clearing technique and other forms of meditation. \nStay for the full two week ‘deeper dive’ to take advantage of the option of private interviews with Doug and/or Catherine in the second week\, to pursue more personalized inquiries if desired. \n*Spaces on this retreat are limited so we recommend registering early to hold a space. Camping is also an option. \n  \n\nWhat else do you need to know?\n\nDāna (Generosity Based Teaching)\n\nDoug & Catherine are teaching this meditation retreat via the ancient tradition of Dāna (generosity)\, an offering from them to the attendees. It is considered of supreme value to your life and thus “beyond price” so it is expected that the student will be equally generous and support the teaching and the teachers by making an offering. \nWhile no offering is too small\, also no offering is too great. The giver benefits by offering as much as they can\, given the individual’s circumstances. Along with compassion\, generosity is considered the root of spiritual progress and\, according to the ancients\, therefore the root of our success in daily life as well. \nFind out more about how you can practice Dāna. We invite you to offer Dāna when you register and via the Dāna bowl available at Clear Sky. \n\nMeditation Retreat Dates\, Arrival & Departure\n\nThis meditation retreat runs as follows: \n– Deeper Dive (Full 14 Day Retreat) – Arrival: 4pm Sunday August 6th\, 2017 / Departure: 1pm Sunday August 20th\, 2017. \n– One Week Option (7 Days) – Arrival: 4pm Sunday August 6th\, 2017 / Departure: 1pm Sunday August 13th\, 2017. \n \nWe recommend arriving a day early and staying a day later\, to help transition between your daily life and a more reflective state. We encourage international students in particular to arrive one day earlier to acclimatize.  Sunday\, 13 Aug. is an integration day\, to reflect on one’s learning and allow it to settle more deeply.  Classes finish at 1pm on Sunday August 20th. \n\nExtra Activities & What to Bring:\n\n\n–For week one: Please bring a swim suit\, beach towel\, work clothes that can get dirty and shoes suitable for hiking. \n-For week two: There will be a Vajrapani empowerment. (Vajrapani symbolizes the body of all buddhas of the ten directions and three times and represents enlightened activity. (The Bodhisattva Manjushri represents mind and Avalokiteshvara that of speech).  Please also bring clothes suitable for going out to a meal together \n\nMeditation Retreat Centre Fees (Lodging & Meals)\n\n\nThis meditation retreat will be held at beautiful Clear Sky Meditation Centre. Fees which include lodging (camping or indoors) & meals are as follows: \n– Full Retreat: Super Early Bird CAD$1\,679 until June 6th / Early Bird CAD$1\,779 until July 6th / Regular price CAD$1\,879. \n– First Week only: Super Early Bird CAD$899 until June 6th / Early Bird CAD$949 until July 6th / Regular price CAD$999 \n\nKarma Yoga\n\nKarma yoga during this retreat may entail supporting the center and participants in the area of nourishment\, environmental services\, operational support of Clear Sky Center. This may entail involvement with meal preparation\, serving or cleanup\, the farm and garden\, our sustainable land management\, helping build on-site meditation platforms\, etc. \n\nRegistration\n\nBook early for this popular meditation retreat as spaces are limited. All registrations can be made via the Clear Sky Registration page\, by clicking the Register Now button below. If you have questions about the retreat\, please visit: https://www.clearskycenter.org/contact/ \n \n\nSign up here to be notified about any updates regarding this retreat and other Planet Dharma news. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/summer-retreat-awakening-through-action/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/buddhas-inaction-2017.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170721 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170729 DTSTAMP:20261004T043646Z CREATED:20170402T183921Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261004T043646Z UID:10000377-1500595200-1501286399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Foundations of Tantra Retreat\, Ontario DESCRIPTION:@ The Dharma Centre of Canada\, Kinmount\, Ontario\nDoug Sensei teaching at the Dharma Centre \nThis week-long retreat at the beautiful and historic Dharma Centre will be an opportunity for you to delve into the Buddhist tantric tradition with Tantra Master Doug Duncan. \nTantra is a weaving of a clear mind and a blissful heart and the image often used to portray the metaphor of these dualities of consciousness is the dance of male/female in union. It is a method for exploring the relationship between our inner mental workings and our outer contact with the everyday world. \nWe will learn how our fears can be harnessed to become a tool for overcoming the anxieties we experience in daily life. The retreat will enable us to develop trust and confidence that conquers fear and establishes freedom to love and explore. \nThe retreat begins with a Green Tara empowerment in Tibetan tradition\, which lays the foundations of the practice. Throughout the week there will be opportunities to develop this practice with guidance through classes\, activities and meditation. \nWhether you are a beginner or a more experienced practitioner\, the week promises to be a deep and transformative one. \nThis meditation retreat is for people who:\n\nAre new to meditation\nAlready meditate\nWant to go deeper into their meditation practice\nWant to find out what tantra is all about\nWant to develop their tantric practice through Green Tara\nWant to empower their lives and change their relationship with fear and love\n\nWhat will be covered in this meditation retreat?\nDuring the week-long retreat you will become more familiar with the four levels of tantra: \nPhoto: aka Tman \nIn Action Tantra\, traditionally the image of a ‘smile’ between male and female is used. A smile is an invitation and a connection. It is relatively low risk and decently far enough away to ensure time to assess if further dialogue is desired or possible. As a karma yoga practice it involves service and generosity in practice. \nRelational Tantra uses the metaphor of ‘holding hands’ as a symbol of closer communication and therefore deeper connection than just a smile. Here dialogue between teacher and student or between one’s actions and one’s psychology is deepened. At this level more honesty is required\, not only between the teacher and student\, but with one’s self as well. \nCompleting Tantra\, requires more vulnerability\, greater trust and deeper courage. The metaphor here would be ‘making out’\, to use colloquial language. Not everything in our ego is nice. The monsters of our shadows and the deeper part of our hurts\, our loneliness and betrayals\, will be unveiled. But\, also the strengthening of our hearts and minds occurs here. \nFinally\, in Union Tantra the illusion of separation between beings evaporates. One comes to realize that only loving kindness and compassion exist in the heart/mind of clarity. We are joyous and equanimous in this level of tantra. And as one might expect from the previous metaphoric images\, union is depicted as the surrender anticipated in sexual union. \nYou will also have the opportunity to attend a Green Tara empowerment and receive guidance in practicing this as a personal meditation. \nHow will this meditation retreat help my life?\nWorking with Doug Sensei on this retreat and exploring the different levels of tantra through the Green Tara empowerment will give you the opportunity to explore how your inner thoughts affect your contact and relationship with the world around you. \nYou will begin to see how fear itself becomes a tool which supports you in your daily life. Once you begin to understand this\, your exploration truly begins and your week at the Dharma Centre is just the start – what you learn and experience there will travel with you long after the retreat. \nSuggested Reading:  Introduction to Tantra: A Vision of Totality\, By Lama Yeshe\, Compiled and Edited by Jonathan Landaw\, Wisdom Publications\, London: 1987. \n\nAbout the Teacher:\n\nDoug Duncan is a Canadian-born Dharma teacher and counsellor who has travelled\, explored and meditated for most of his life. He has studied extensively in the Theravadin\, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions under the principal tutelage of Namgyal Rinpoche\, as well as other teachers. \nHis desire to see the world and understand it more fully began at a young age – as a child he was repeatedly found wandering and had to be returned home by the police! \nHe teaches at and founded Dharma Japan and the Clear Sky Meditation and Study Center in British Columbia and he is a visiting teacher in the UK and many other countries. His teaching draws on contemporary psychology and science. \nHe is the author of Dharma If You Dare. \n  \nWhat others say about Doug and his teaching partner\, Catherine:\n[tmls category=”20″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”large_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#777777″ text_font_size=”14px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#777777″ neme_font_size=”15px” neme_font_weight=”bold” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”rand” order=”DESC” auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \nWhat does is the investment to attend this meditation retreat?\nDāna Practice \nDoug Sensei teaches by the ancient practice of dāna or generosity. Please follow this link to learn more about this profound practice before you register. You can bring your donation when you come to the Dharma Centre – cash and cheques are both accepted. \nCourse and centre costs \nThe full retreat cost (excluding dāna to the teachers) is $760 for Dharma Centre members and $895 for non-members\, which covers course fees\, food and accommodation. (A 50% deposit is required upon registration.) \nThere is a weekend option to attend from Friday night to Sunday afternoon\, including participation in the wongkur\, for $270. \nRegister now as space is limited! \nPayment details:\nYou can register and pay your fees or deposit by visiting the Dharma Centre website here: \n \nOther Course Details:\n\n We ask that people arrive between 4-6pm on Friday\, July 21. There will be a light meal served at 6pm and the retreat will open at 7:30.\n  The retreat will finish at lunchtime on Friday July 28th.\n\nA typical day on your Meditation Retreat*\n\n7.00am: Breakfast\n7:45-8:45am:  Meditation\n9.00-10:30am: Dharma teachings by Doug Sensei\n11.00am: Walk / meditation\n12:30pm: Lunch\n2.00-3:00pm: Group meditation\n3:00-3:30pm: Stretching\n3:30-5:00pm: Dharma teachings by Doug Sensei\n5:30- 6:30pm: Karma Yoga\n7.00pm: Dinner\n8:30-9.30pm: Group meditation\n\n*This is a sample schedule. May be subject to change. \nContact us to find out more:\nEmail –  info@awakenintoronto.org \n  \nSign up here to be notified about any updates regarding this retreat and other Planet Dharma news.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Receive an audio recording of the Green Tara practice 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 Green Tara Guided Meditation (Free Audio)\nAdd your information below to receive the guided meditation of Green Tara and other dharma content from Planet Dharma. This Green Tara sadhana is shared by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. We promise not to spam! \n \n PhoneThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.First Name*Email Address*\n \n Sign-up Location\n Listen Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/foundations-of-tantra-ontario/ LOCATION:Dharma Centre of Canada\, 1886 Galway Road\, Kinmount\, \, ON\, K0M 2A0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Foundations-of-Tantra.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Awaken in Toronto":MAILTO:info@awakenintoronto.org GEO:44.7739537;-78.5296539 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Dharma Centre of Canada 1886 Galway Road Kinmount ON K0M 2A0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1886 Galway Road:geo:-78.5296539,44.7739537 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170519 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170523 DTSTAMP:20180802T042709Z CREATED:20160825T235741Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180802T042709Z UID:10000522-1495152000-1495497599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Becoming a Work of Art: May Long Weekend Retreat at Clear Sky DESCRIPTION:“Better to be a work of art than make a work of art.” – Namgyal Rinpoche \nWould you rather create one work of art or become 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. \nLet your internal works of art flourish during our three-day retreat this May Long Weekend. Led by Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, it is a perfect time to embrace springtime and nurture your inner potential. \nDuring 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. \nThe paramis are qualities that we grow to feel internally grounded and to act from a positive\, wholesome place in our relationships with others. They help us reside in a clear\, calm\, and loving place\, while becoming more curious and absorbed with our inner and outer worlds. With these qualities\, happiness and beautiful works of art shine. \nWho is this course for? \nBecause we are active people with busy lives\, it is common to feel like we can’t take the time to get grounded. This affects how we work\, play\, and relate to each other. As the saying goes\, “when you’re up to your neck in alligators\, it’s hard to remember that your original intention was to drain the swamp.” \nThis short course is designed for those of us who feel challenged around making the time. \nWe’ll explore how to cultivate mindfulness as we go about our daily lives. As our relationships and professional lives blossom\, we’re of greater service to ourselves\, our communities\, and the planet. \nThis retreat is intended to create a work of art that is founded in an abundant and durable happiness … even when there are ‘gators nipping at our heels.\n \nNote: These are universal teachings open to people of any faith\, or with no particular faith. \nCourse Outcomes:\n\nLearn to be more generous with ourselves and others\, materially\, emotionally and mentally.\nDevelop a greater sense of ease around thorny emotional issues.\nCultivate greater patience in the face of life’s ongoing challenges.\nOpen more energy through less resistance rooted in fear and mistrust.\nFind greater calm and focus based on a clearer sense of one’s place in the world.\nDiscover a closer connection to the wisdom inside us that arises from the development of the above outcomes.\n\n\nAbout the Teachers:\n \nWe encourage everyone to find the “teacher within” that we can be. But\, for almost everyone\, we need to apprentice before we can master. Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat apprenticed in the teachings of awakening for decades with their teachers. Between them they have been teaching for more than 30 years. \nTheir explorations and teachings are guided by four principles: spiritual growth\, social connectivity\, economic sustainability and environmental integrity. \nDoug & Catherine teach from various wisdom traditions – including buddhadharma\, Western Mysteries\, modern science\, art and nature – based on broad interests and a non-judgemental approach. We’ve lived and worked overseas for many years\, and a planetary outlook is important to us. So is humour!  Read more: Full Bios. \n[tmls category=”21″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”large_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”16px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#000000″ neme_font_size=”14px” neme_font_weight=”normal” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”date” order=”DESC” number=”1″ auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \n\nThis course is open to all experience levels\n\nWe work with beginners and advanced participants alike\, and mold our teaching to the readiness of each student.\nEach student sets the pace and scope of their own development. We do encourage you to stretch your comfort zone so that it becomes broader\, and so you enjoy maximum benefits of the course.\nThe schedule is very accessible (see below for details).\nOur teachers and staff are friendly and well trained\, and have supported many people in becoming ever-evolving works of art.\n\nWhat’s expected from me if I come to this course?\n\nCome with an open and engaged attitude.\n© C. Pawasarat \nParticipate in the program as fully as you’re able.\nFoster and maintain an atmosphere of trust and acceptance in the group-learning environment.\nRefrain from reading\, using the internet or listening to music during the course (except journaling and assigned reading).\nParticipate in Karma Yoga[1] service at Clear Sky (maximum of two hours daily).\nSupport the teachers and teachings through the practice of dāna.\n\nWhy come to Clear Sky: Experience the difference:\n\nKnow what it is to truly unwind\, surrounded by pristine\, tranquil nature.\nEnjoy fresh air and wholesome food\, with an emphasis on organic and locally sourced.\nExperience the support of a community that exists to help you reconnect.\nBe part of a working and awakening community that practices what it teaches.\nYou’ll both reinvigorate and integrate what you learn into your daily life.\nShare the learning and growth with other participants\, making new friends who are also on a path of spiritual unfoldment.\nConnect to the teachings that have enlivened humanity over centuries (regardless of religion).\n\n\nWhat else do you need to know?\n\nDāna (Generosity Based Teaching)\n\nDoug & Catherine are teaching this meditation retreat via the ancient tradition of Dāna (generosity)\, an offering from them to the attendees. It is considered of supreme value to your life and thus “beyond price” so it is expected that the student will be equally generous and support the teaching and the teachers by making an offering. \nWhile no offering is too small\, also no offering is too great. The giver benefits by offering as much as they can\, given the individual’s circumstances. Along with compassion\, generosity is considered the root of spiritual progress and\, according to the ancients\, therefore the root of our success in daily life as well. \nFind out more about how you can practice Dāna. We invite you to offer Dāna when you register and via the Dāna bowl available at Clear Sky. \n\nMeditation Retreat Centre Fees (Lodging & Meals)\n\n\nThis meditation retreat will be held at beautiful Clear Sky Meditation Centre. Fees which include lodging & meals are as follows: SUPER Early Bird price until April 19: CAD $449.00 / Early Bird Price until May 5: CAD $469  / Regular Price: CAD $529. \n\nCourse Schedule\n\n\n-Friday\, May 19\, 7pm – 9pm \n-Saturday\, May 20\, 7am – 10pm \n-Sunday\, May 21\, 7am – 10pm \n-Monday May 22\, 7am – 1pm \n\nRegistration\n\nBook early for this long weekend meditation retreat. All registrations and inquiries can be made via the Clear Sky Registration page\, by clicking the Register Now button below: \n \n  \n\nNotes: \n[1] Karma Yoga is our practice of awakening in action. It may entail supporting the center and participants in the area of nourishment\, environmental services\, land management or infrastructure. \nSign up here to be notified about any updates regarding this retreat and other Planet Dharma news. \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/may-weekend-becoming-work-of-art/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/becoming-work-of-art-rectangle.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20170421T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20170429T120000 DTSTAMP:20170322T021341Z CREATED:20160825T233920Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170322T021341Z UID:10000521-1492790400-1493467200@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Introduction to Tantra Retreat in the UK DESCRIPTION:UK Meditation Retreat: An Introduction To Tantra\n\nConquering fear\, discovering the freedom to love and explore…\nMeditation Retreat Location: Maitreya House\, Herefordshire\, UK\nThis week-long retreat in rural England will be an opportunity for you to delve into the Buddhist tantric tradition with Tantra Masters Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat. \nTantra is a weaving of a clear mind and a blissful heart and the image often used to portray the metaphor of these dualities of consciousness is the dance of male/female in union. It is a method for exploring the relationship between our inner mental workings and our outer contact with the everyday world. \nWe will learn how our fears can be harnessed to become a tool for overcoming the anxieties we experience in daily life. The retreat will enable us to develop trust and confidence that conquers fear and establishes freedom to love and explore. \nThe retreat begins with a 21 Tara empowerment in Tibetan tradition\, which lays the foundations of the practice. Throughout the week there will be opportunities to develop this practice with guidance through classes\, activities and meditation. \nWhether you are a beginner or a more experienced practitioner\, the week promises to be a deep and transformative one. \nThis meditation retreat is for people who:\n\n  Are new to meditation\n  Already meditate\n  Want to go deeper into their meditation practice\n  Want to find out what tantra is all about\n  Want to develop their tantric practice through the 21 Taras\nWant to empower their lives and change their relationship with fear and love\n\nWhat will be covered in this meditation retreat?\nDuring the week-long retreat you will become more familiar with the four levels of tantra: \nPhoto: aka Tman \nIn Action Tantra\, traditionally the image of a ‘smile’ between male and female is used. A smile is an invitation and a connection. It is relatively low risk and decently far enough away to ensure time to assess if further dialogue is desired or possible. As a karma yoga practice it involves service and generosity in practice. \nRelational Tantra uses the metaphor of ‘holding hands’ as a symbol of closer communication and therefore deeper connection than just a smile. Here dialogue between teacher and student or between one’s actions and one’s psychology is deepened. At this level more honesty is required\, not only between the teacher and student\, but with one’s self as well. \nCompleting Tantra\, requires more vulnerability\, greater trust and deeper courage. The metaphor here would be ‘making out’\, to use colloquial language. Not everything in our ego is nice. The monsters of our shadows and the deeper part of our hurts\, our loneliness and betrayals\, will be unveiled. But\, also the strengthening of our hearts and minds occurs here. \nFinally\, in Union Tantra the illusion of separation between beings evaporates. One comes to realize that only loving kindness and compassion exist in the heart/mind of clarity. We are joyous and equanimous in this level of tantra. And as one might expect from the previous metaphoric images\, union is depicted as the surrender anticipated in sexual union. \nYou will also have the opportunity to attend a 21 Tara empowerment and receive guidance in practicing this as a personal meditation. \nHow will this meditation retreat help my life?\nWorking with Doug and Catherine on this retreat and exploring the different levels of tantra through the 21 Tara empowerment will give you the opportunity to explore how your inner thoughts affect your contact and relationship with the world around you. \nYou will begin to see how fear itself becomes a tool which supports you in your daily life. Once you begin to understand this\, your exploration truly begins and your week at Maitreya House is just the start – what you learn and experience there will travel with you long after the retreat. \nSuggested Reading:  Introduction to Tantra: A Vision of Totality\, By Lama Yeshe\, Compiled and Edited by Jonathan Landaw\, Wisdom Publications\, London: 1987. \n\nAbout Teachers Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat:\n\nDoug Duncan is a Canadian-born Dharma teacher and counsellor who has travelled\, explored and meditated for most of his life. He has studied extensively in the Theravadin\, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist traditions under the principal tutelage of Namgyal Rinpoche\, as well as other teachers. \nHis desire to see the world and understand it more fully began at a young age – as a child he was repeatedly found wandering and had to be returned home by the police! \nHe teaches at and founded Dharma Japan and the Clear Sky Meditation and Study Center in British Columbia and he is a visiting teacher in the UK and many other countries. His teaching draws on contemporary psychology and science. \nHe is the author of Dharma If You Dare. \n  \nCatherine Pawasarat  studied languages\, literature and philosophy at Columbia University. She moved to Japan to explore the traditional arts and worked as a journalist\, interpreter and translator. \nAfter a year studying shamanism in the Brazilian Amazon in 1996\, she returned to Kyoto and began an intensive Dharma apprenticeship with Doug. \nIn 2003 she received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche\, just before his passing. She helped found the centres for awakening in Japan and Canada. \nCatherine’s teaching style is all-embracing and inclusive. She draws on her long-held interest and advocacy in working for social and environmental justice. In particular\, she focuses on sustainability within dharma training and the practice of awakening. \nWhat others say about them:\n[tmls category=”20″ layout=”tmls_slider” style=”style2″ image_size=”large_image” image_radius=”large_radius” text_font_family=”” text_font_color=”#777777″ text_font_size=”14px” name_font_family=”” name_font_color=”#777777″ neme_font_size=”15px” neme_font_weight=”bold” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#777777″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”rand” order=”DESC” auto_play=”true” transitioneffect=”crossfade” pause_on_hover=”false” next_prev_visibility=”tmls_visible” next_prev_radius=”large_radius” next_prev_position=”” next_prev_bgcolor=”#F5F5F5″ next_prev_arrowscolor=”tmls_lightgrayarrows” scroll_duration=”500″ pause_duration=”9000″ ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \n\nWhat does it cost to attend this meditation retreat?\nDāna Practice\nDoug and Catherine teach by the ancient practice of dāna or generosity. Please follow this link to learn more about this profound practice before you register. You can bring your donation when you come to Maitreya House – cash and cheques are both accepted. \nCourse and centre costs\nThe full retreat cost (excluding dāna to the teachers) is £575\, which covers course fees\, food and accommodation. \nWhichever payment option you choose\, register now as places are limited! \nSend us your £100 non-refundable deposit to secure your place today. \nPayment details:\nPlease arrange a bank transfer to the account listed below email us at dharmaeurope@outlook.com so we can confirm receipt of your payment. \n\nName: M&R\nAccount: 68613180\nSort code: 60 22 25\nIban: GB40NWBK60222568613180\nIban bic or swift: NWBKGB2L\nBank Address: 73 The High Street\, Walton on Thames\, Surrey\, KT12 1DW\, UK\n\n  \nAs I head down the winding lanes\, surrounded by hedgerows\, I feel like I am entering a different world. There is a calmness at Maitreya House which I feel as soon as I arrive. I feel supported and at ease. \n–Zoe\, Calm and Clear Retreat\, UK\, April 2016 \n  \nOther Course Details:\n\n  Please arrive by 4pm on Friday 21st April to allow yourself time to settle in\, meet the other retreatants and have an orientation session\n  The retreat will finish at lunchtime on Saturday 29th April\n  Please advise us if you have any food allergies\n  If you are travelling from overseas\, please aim to arrive a few days before the retreat begins to get over jetlag. Do contact us if you need any additional advice on arranging accommodation and travelling to Maitreya House\n\n\nA typical day on your Meditation Retreat*\n\n7.00am: Breakfast\n7:45-8:45am:  Meditation\n9.00-10:30am: Dharma teachings by Doug and Catherine Sensei\n11.00am: Walk / meditation\n12:30pm: Lunch\n2.00-3:00pm: Group meditation\n3:00-3:30pm: Stretching\n3:30-5:00pm: Dharma teachings by Doug and Catherine Sensei\n5:30- 6:30pm: Karma Yoga\n7.00pm: Dinner\n8:30-9.30pm: Group meditation\n\n*This is a sample schedule. May  be subject to change. \n  \nWhat else to know/bring to the meditation retreat\n\nMaitreya House is a beautiful retreat centre located in a remote part of Herefordshire\, near the English-Welsh border. It comprises a converted cottage and several wooden cabins on a four-acre site overlooking wonderful views to the Golden Valley and Hay Bluff\, an unspoilt rural setting. \nAccess to shops during the retreat will be limited\, so please do make sure you bring any toiletries and medicines that you may need during your stay. \nIn addition\, please bring: \n\n  Sheets\, pillow cases\, duvet covers and a towel\n  Watch or clock\n  Waterproofs\, wellies or walking boots for outdoor activities\n  Slippers or thick socks to wear inside (no shoes allowed)\n  Pen and paper\n  Torch and batteries\n\nPhone and internet access at Maitreya House are limited\, making for an optimal meditation retreat. Tie up all your business before you arrive so that you’ll get maximum benefit from this precious retreat. \nClick for directions and travel information. \nFor more information\, please visit the Maitreya House Retreat Centre webpage. \n  \nContact us to find out more:\nEmail –  dharmaeurope@outlook.com \nTelephone – \n\nZoe            (00 44) 7861 247 357\nJonathan    (00 44) 7891 621 865\n\n  \nThis was my first real retreat. I did not know what being on silent retreat for a week would be like. It turned out that I found peace in the silence. Being in the presence of others with no requirement to engage. The shape of the days interspersed with Doug’s teachings fed my mind and gave focus\, brought questions and deep personal space\, but not alone. \n– Brigid\, Calm and Clear Retreat\, UK\, 2016 \n  \nSign up here to be notified about any updates regarding this retreat and other Planet Dharma news. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/tantra-meditation-retreat-uk-2017/ LOCATION:Maitreya House\, Lower Maes-coed\, Hereford\, England\, HR2 0HP\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Wales-gardens-peek-2011.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dharma Europe":MAILTO:dharmaeurope@outlook.com GEO:51.9720215;-2.9511638 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Maitreya House Lower Maes-coed Hereford England HR2 0HP United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Lower Maes-coed:geo:-2.9511638,51.9720215 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR