Join Doug and Catherine Sensei on this unique retreat and custom exploration of Australia’s Tropical Far North Queensland. Human history includes many approximate maps of the archetypal journey of spiritual unfoldment, including everything from shamanism and agriculture-based cosmologies, through the likes of Christianity and Buddhism, to modern self-realization methodologies. We explore how, throughout the ages, spiritual traditions have used archetypes to bring the heroines and heroes of our journey to remain deeply embedded in our unconscious, or to make breakthroughs so as to become highly integrated and self-aware.

"The Five Great Elements" Retreat: On Bali, the “island of holy water,” Earth, Wind, Fire, Water and Ether (also known as Akasa or space) are at the core of its myriad spiritual ceremonies. With this backdrop of Hinduism and Bali's ancient animistic roots, Achariya Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat will lead us through a 10-day retreat focusing on Buddhadharma and the “The Five Great Elements.” The elements are seen as the origin for understanding suffering and liberation from suffering connected to the chakras, planets, emotions, senses, and ego. “From the five elements arise the five senses and the five fields of sensory experience, the five negative emotions, the five wisdoms and five extensions of the body; the constituents of every physical, sensual, mental and spiritual phenomenon.”-Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche For those in the Bali area please join us for this journey through emotion & intuition (water), grounding (earth), mobility (air), transformation (fire) and the space in between (ether).

Beginning with a 10-day silent retreat led by Doug and Catherine Sensei in a green and tranquil habitat, meditative walks through local rice fields and swims in the flowing rivers of life will add to the already priceless experience of the teachings. The Dharma trip will end in Ubud with many possibilities along the way for dharmic adventure and fruition with visits to beautiful temples, colorful villages, breathtaking views and the powerful ocean. The best part will be doing this with our gifted teachers and sangha.

3-Day Retreat with Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei From Thursday, 20th of March 2014 (3pm) until Sunday, 23rd of March 2014 (1pm). Self-love is essential to feel compassion for other beings, and for generally thriving in life. Experience and strengthen compassion and self-love under the experienced guidance of Sensei Doug Duncan and Sensei Catherine Pawasarat.  We’ll use these three days to grow and draw on compassion for self and other, learning how to transform stress, anxiety and defensiveness into more compassion and love.  If you are seeking greater unity, healing, compassion and understanding, this short retreat will provide you with tools to get there. Newcomers and experienced meditators welcome. If you are interested in attending, please contact Andrea, she would be very glad to help.

Transforming the Traumas of Everyday Life There will also be Public Talks in Toronto, March 29th & 30th, 2014. What is at the core of the ultimate unsatisfactory nature of our daily modern lives? Three of the things many of us struggle with most are our habits, our anxieties and our addictions. Much of our lives’ activities are spent attempting to either distract or overcome these forces. Even spiritual practice can and is often used this way: to smooth over or suppress these elements that have such a hold on us. What if instead of attempting to defeat or conquer these parts of ourselves, we turned and moved into them? What would a deeper, compassionate examination of habit, anxiety and addiction uncover? During this 10-day retreat, Achariya Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat will guide participants to transform addiction, anxiety and unwholesome habits into passion, exhilaration, and freedom. We will examine our ways of coping with the traumas life brings, and reframe them; finding the leverage points to uncover a more compassionate, loving and joyful way of being. The retreat will feature daily morning talks, daily movement sessions, 3 group meditation sits per day (the last with discussion/Q & A), discussions or debates (on topics to be announced), and opportunities for private interviews with the teachers. For more information, please contact Ruth, details below. To register, please contact the Dharma Centre of Canada: [email protected] Suggested Readings: Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain by David Eagleman The Trauma of Everyday Life […]

Explore the Dharma in Brazil at this combined Dharma Trip and Meditation Retreat with Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat. Dharma Trip Schedule Saturday, April 19 - Monday, April 21: We will spend time exploring Sao Paulo city and the wider environs of Sao Paulo state, including attractions such as museums, walks, Atlantic rain forest, dance, amazing food, caves, beaches and cultural events. Tuesday April 22 - Wednesday April 23: further exploration with the teachers, or free individual exploration time. Thursday April 24 – Daytime exploration. Thursday April 24 - Evening public class - "How to be in a good state" Have you ever studied what conditions are present when you are in a good state? Imagine you could be in a good state 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. And you can. Join Doug Sensei and Catherine Pawasarat to find out more about maintaining a positive wholesome state in every moment. Friday April 25 – Daytime exploration. Friday April 25 - Evening public class - "Modern paths to spiritual awakening" Awakening is the cure for our modern world.  Awakening brings bliss, clarity and joy. Awakening heals the planet and all beings. But how do you awaken? Join Doug Sensei and Catherine Pawasarat describe the modern paths to spiritual awakening, with particular focus on karma yoga, the path of awakening through action. Saturday April 26 – Exploration Saturday April 26  - Public class: "Transforming anger into love" Do you have the strength to stand back, breathe when there is […]

“Kasinas,” “mandalas” and “psychedelia” are all different words referring to tools for the development of the mind. Kasinas comprise part of the ten recollections taught by the Buddha; they are known to develop calm and concentration while also leading to bliss. Using meditative objects — such as the four elements, colors and breathing — together we unlock the power of the here and now, opening the mind to its natural state: clear, radiant, spacious wonder. A traditional Tibetan empowerment (or “Wong Kur”) for White Tara will be offered during this silent retreat. White Tara represents our connection with the transcendental, and is also known for her compassion, serenity, and ability to confer healing and longevity. This silent meditation retreat is beneficial for all levels of practitioner, from the beginning meditation student to advanced practitioners. It includes two daily teachings with Sensei plus an opportunity for personal interviews as well as three daily group sits and time for personal practice. There will be a one hour yoga class each day with our beloved and skillful teacher, Rae Ishe. Villa Sumaya has generously priced this retreat to make it accessible to all practitioners. Please contact Lizzy or visit Villa Sumaya website for more details.

An opportunity for retreat work at Clear Sky Centre: Take advantage of private meditation cabins to learn to better understand your own and thus others' minds and hearts. To use others' realization to further your own, and vice versa, see the group retreats elsewhere in this schedule. Participating in "awakening in action" through living and working in awakening community is another option, as part of the Clear Sky Experience.