BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Planet Dharma - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Planet Dharma X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.planetdharma.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Planet Dharma REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Edmonton BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART: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 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:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Berlin BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20160327T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20161030T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20170326T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20171029T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20180325T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20181028T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Tokyo BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0900 TZOFFSETTO:+0900 TZNAME:JST DTSTART:20160101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170917T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170917T160000 DTSTAMP:20260915T053004Z CREATED:20170131T164849Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T053004Z UID:10000536-1505660400-1505664000@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Struggling to maintain a meditation practice amongst work\, family\, and day-to-day demands? If you’re looking to ground or expand your practice\, then we invite you to step into our office. \nThis virtual office space is an opportunity to connect with the teachers and community by participating in a communal Q&A session. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday September 17th\, 2017. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, September 15th\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \nClick here to Register:\n\n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite\n\nSave the Office Hours Dates:\nPut all the 2017 Office Hours dates in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-sept-17-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/thumbnail-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170904 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170926 DTSTAMP:20240512T225519Z CREATED:20160904T184044Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240512T225519Z UID:10000359-1504483200-1506383999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Healing the Splits Within: Right Effort (Webinar Series 3) DESCRIPTION:What is the key to truly healing ourselves? It is combining our aspiration to do so with actual sustained effort. Join us for the third four part webinar series of 2017.  Each of the three webinar series held throughout the year  draws on an aspect of the three parts of the Eightfold Ennobling Path. This methodology of spiritual awakening is divided into three sections: panna\, sila and samadhi\, corresponding to mind\, speech and body. \nThis first webinar series\, The Mystical Life: Right View in February\, 2017 focuses on mind & view (panna). This second series\, Career & Creativity: Right Livelihood\, relates action\, speech & sila. This third series of webinar teachings\, Healing the Splits Within: Right Effort\, focuses on effort\, part of body & samadhi. \nAnother orientation for the webinar topics would be like this: the nature of the mystical life (view)\, career as a path to awakening (speech) and healing the body of liberation (samadhi). Each of these sections will comprise of four consecutive Monday night teachings (12 in total)\, each ending with a weekend “at home” retreat to seal the teachings with actual practice and experience. \nHealing the Splits Within: Right Effort – \nWebinar Series Description:\n \nThere are easier and harder ways to get things done. Typically war and violence don’t resolve anything; similarly anger\, greed or confusion don’t yield happiness. \nHow can we heal the madness of society and people around us? First we must heal ourselves. The key to healing is applying effort efficiently and steadily to our attention. Attention and action that are wholesome – whole\, integrated\, holy – is in everyone’s best interest. What is “wholesome?” Whatever leads to our spiritual awakening\, our unfolding and development as an integrated\, whole\, holy human being. \nHow do we know whether we’re making a “complete effort?” Non-clinging is essential. In spite of what we might wish\, everything is impermanent. A large part of our struggle is trying to make the impermanent permanent. Through the effort of recognizing and behaving with the realization of non-clinging\, we eliminate the constipation of trying to cling to people or things or mindstates. Health is the natural result. \nWhat do we apply our effort to? It seems our efforts are mostly driven by our desires or personal preferences. If our desires are based on exploitation (what’s in it for me)\, we’re subject to the three conceits: I am better than\, worse than or equal to someone or something else. This comprises a search for safety and security in the material world\, where it can’t be found … and instead leads to anxiety and exploitation. Right effort is living by what you already have\, then extending the awareness and learning from that. \nRight effort means having the best vision. The “best vision” is that which brings greater degrees of freedom. We invite you to join us for this series of webinars\, to explore how you may find greater degrees of freedom in your life. \nCourse Dates: \nThe webinars are streamed live on Mondays\, Sept 4\, 11\, 18\, 25\, at 7:30pm Mountain Time. We encourage you to prioritize attending live\, in order to get the maximum benefit from the energy of the teachings\, and to be able to ask questions as they arise. \nIf this isn’t possible\, the classes may be watched as a recording for one week after the live class. The webinars are available online for one week after each session\, and directions will be given upon registration. \nFlash Retreat: On the weekend of Sept 30 and Oct 1\, 2017\, participants will meditate at home using a unique meditation (details to be announced) designed specifically for modern beings living in today’s world. We encourage you to book and plan for this time in your schedules in advance. \nHomework: Some homework will be given in each session that we can apply as we go through our day. \nOffice Hours: For Year of Victory program participants there are regular Saturday ‘Office Hours’ at 3pm MST to ask questions or ask for further clarification. For non year long participants there are our regularly scheduled ‘Office Hours’ that typically are every second Sunday at 3pm MST. \nOnline Forum for Connected Learning: We encourage attendees to participate in Juice\, our online forum designed to develop connections with other practitioners\, support one another\, and otherwise keep our practice juicy. On Juice we can share our experiences as we do the homework and reflect on the teachings\, and learn from one another’s experiences and perspectives. When we share what works for us\, our spiritual progress can really augment one another’s. \nNote that you must register before the start of the first webinar in order to watch all webinars in the series. \n \nDana and Fees\nDana\nIn accordance with the tradition of spiritual teachings everywhere\, the teachings are given by dāna so that finances will not be an impediment to receiving teachings. Dāna practice is a profound and very high teaching\, and we encourage you to educate yourself about it here (Dāna Guidelines & Practice)\, keep your dāna practice vibrant\, and do whatever you can to support the work we do. \nDāna is s non-transactional form of support\, and thus it’s most beneficial for the giver to give regularly and as generously as possible. With reflection\, we start to redefine what concepts like “support\,” “generosity\,” “giving\,” etc. truly mean. Traditionally dāna is given at the beginning of teachings\, in order to set our intention of participating with our utmost sincerity and diligence. \nFees\nThere is a basic course fee to defray the costs of providing these programs online that include the technology and infrastructure. If the course fee presents a challenge to you\, connect with us to explore alternative forms of energy exchange. \n  \nAbout Teachers Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat:\nCombined\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat have been practicing the teachings of 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. \nDoug and Catherine founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre in BC\, where they are based\, ten years ago. Having lived overseas for many years and traveled extensively\, they also draw on intercultural and trans-cultural experience to broaden the range and depth of their understandings of spiritual awakening & liberation that they share with others. \nTheir engaged compassion\, sense of humor and combined wisdom will enrich your life with exploration & discovery. Read their full bios: Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat. \n \nSign up here to be notified about any updates regarding this retreat and other Planet Dharma news. \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/right-effort-healing-webinar3/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Right-Effort-Banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170903T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170903T160000 DTSTAMP:20260926T070147Z CREATED:20170131T165109Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T070147Z UID:10000538-1504450800-1504454400@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Have a question on your mind? Our office is open! \nOffice Hours is a virtual question and answer period with the teachers. This communal exchange benefits your practice through exposure to the questions you may not think to ask. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday September 3rd\, 2017. \nNo need to bring a question\, but if you do\, please prepare it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, September 3rd\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \nClick here to Register:\n\n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite\n\nSave the Office Hours Dates:\nPut all the 2017 Office Hours dates in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-sept-3-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Offivehours-VB4-2017-crop.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170820T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170820T160000 DTSTAMP:20260925T061330Z CREATED:20170121T004441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T061330Z UID:10000531-1503241200-1503244800@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Looking to anchor your practice during your busy day-to-day life? \nConsistent communication with the teachers both grounds and strengthens your practice. Join us for Office Hours\, where participants are welcome to ask questions or listen along to the teachings.   \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday August 20th\, 2017. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, August 18th\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \nClick here to Register:\n\n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite\n\nSave the Office Hours Dates:\nPut all the 2017 Office Hours dates in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-aug-20-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Office-Hours_1-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170806T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170806T160000 DTSTAMP:20260919T051647Z CREATED:20170121T004659Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260919T051647Z UID:10000532-1502031600-1502035200@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Attention all fearless warriors of transcendence. Wondering how to arm yourselves as you plunge to the depths of consciousness? \nJoin our teachers in the next Office Hours session to find out how. Office Hours is an opportunity to strengthen your practice by receiving guidance on the questions stirring deep within your being. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday August 6th\, 2017. \nParticipants are welcome to ask questions or just listen along to this virtual Q&A session. Please bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, August 4th\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \nClick here to Register:\n\n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite\n\nSave the Office Hours Dates:\nPut all the 2017 Office Hours dates in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-aug-6-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/thumbnail.jpg 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 \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:20170719 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170721 DTSTAMP:20180802T042632Z CREATED:20170606T161011Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180802T042632Z UID:10000378-1500422400-1500595199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Public Teachings in Toronto DESCRIPTION:Conscious Livelihood: Inspired Living from the Inside Out\nJuly 19th at the Centre for Social Innovation – Spadina\nDoug Sensei teaching at CSI in November 2015 \nContemporary society and the consumer marketplace offer mostly an empty substitute for a life well lived. \nConscious (or Complete) Livelihood means learning to live in accordance with deeper truths. When we uncover these truths for ourselves through meditation\, mindfulness and applied awareness in our day-to-day lives we find that real satisfaction was always within our grasp. \nConscious Livelihood directs our aspiration to a radiant\, blissful state of being. By seeking the best state of being\, and the best supporting conditions to do so\, we uncover for ourselves a new\, more holistic and inherently satisfying vision that invigorates our life with purpose and meaning. \nFrom this state we naturally explore and develop sustainable lives that serve the planet and create the world we truly want to live in. \nWeaving the Truth: Relative and Ultimate Realities\nJuly 20th\, 2017 at the Village Healing Centre\nDoug Sensei with students at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto \nMeditation masters have compared the events of our body/mind to a rainbow\, a mirage\, a dream\, a dewdrop in the sun and the like. These events – thoughts\, feelings and sensations – seem so real because they are habitual and repetitive. Moreover\, we cling to the ones we like and run from the ones we don’t. We have been habituated to see these events as real\, when really they represent relative reality. Meditation lets us see and experience them for what they are: “the play of the mind.” \nCome to this talk and learn how to experience and dwell in absolute reality\, with its spaciousness of mind and accompanying joy and bliss. Learn how to do this while still working\, relating and playing in the relative world where our daily lives are mostly lived. \n\n  \n  \nFor more information on these teachings\, visit www.awakenintoronto.org or email info@awakenintoronto.org. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/public-teachings-toronto/ LOCATION:Centre for Social Innovation – Spadina\, 215 Spadina Ave \, Toronto\, on\, Canada CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Public-Talks-in-Toronto-2017.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Awaken in Toronto":MAILTO:info@awakenintoronto.org GEO:43.6507347;-79.3966189 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Centre for Social Innovation – Spadina 215 Spadina Ave Toronto on Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=215 Spadina Ave:geo:-79.3966189,43.6507347 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170715 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170717 DTSTAMP:20180802T042644Z CREATED:20170217T190324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180802T042644Z UID:10000376-1500076800-1500249599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Calgary Teachings: Conscious Community DESCRIPTION:Join Dharma Teacher Doug Duncan in Calgary\, July 15-16 for a weekend of teachings on how connect and engage meaningfully in community\, so we can create the world we truly want to live in. \nYou\, Me\, We: Tools for collaborative teamwork\, meaningful connection and achieving your personal vision.\n\n\nSaturday July 15th : 10am-12pm\nSunday July 16th: 10am-12pm\n\nIts easier with others\, and more fun! Without community we would be isolated\, lonely and without support.  Doug Sensei will share with you his experiences and tools for growing a Conscious Community.  They show us how within a conscious community we can truly manifest our personal and collective potentials\, for a more compassionate world. \nThese classes will be held at the Institute of Human Potential in Inglewood\, Calgary. \nFor full details & registration\, Please visit Dharma Hub Calgary: Conscious Community. \nConscious Community is the third part of a three part series in Calgary\, 2017: \n\nConscious Livelihood: Inspired living from the inside out\nConscious Love: Tools to love fully and fearlessly (May 12-14)\nConscious Community: You Me We (July 15-16)\n\n  \nSign up to the PlanetDharma email list to stay informed. \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/calgary-teachings-conscious-community/ LOCATION:Human Potential 360\, Calgary\, 1231 9 Ave SE\, Inglewood\, Calgary\, AB\, T2G 0S9\, Canada CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/You-Me-We-poster.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dharma Hub Calgary":MAILTO:conscioustransformationcalgary@gmail.com GEO:51.0412899;-114.0348147 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Human Potential 360 Calgary 1231 9 Ave SE Inglewood Calgary AB T2G 0S9 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1231 9 Ave SE\, Inglewood:geo:-114.0348147,51.0412899 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170709T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170709T160000 DTSTAMP:20260922T054902Z CREATED:20170121T004108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T054902Z UID:10000530-1499612400-1499616000@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Struggling to maintain a meditation practice amongst work\, family\, and day-to-day demands? If you’re looking to ground or expand your practice\, then we invite you to step into our office. \nThis virtual office space is an opportunity to connect with the teachers and community by participating in a communal Q&A session. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday July 9th\, 2017. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, July 7th\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \nClick here to Register:\n\n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite\n\nSave the Office Hours Dates:\nPut all the 2017 Office Hours dates in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-jul-9-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Offivehours-VB4-2017-crop.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170625 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170626 DTSTAMP:20260925T061116Z CREATED:20170121T002844Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T061116Z UID:10000529-1498348800-1498435199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Attention all fearless warriors of transcendence. Wondering how to arm yourselves as you plunge to the depths of consciousness? \nJoin our teachers in the next Office Hours session to find out how. Office Hours is an opportunity to strengthen your practice by receiving guidance on the questions stirring deep within your being. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday June 25th\, 2017. \nParticipants are welcome to ask questions or just listen along to this virtual Q&A session. Please bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, June 23rd\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \nClick here to Register: \n \nSave the Office Hours Dates:\nPut all the 2017 Office Hours dates in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-jun-25-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Office-Hours_1-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170611T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170611T160000 DTSTAMP:20260914T053748Z CREATED:20170121T002636Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T053748Z UID:10000368-1497193200-1497196800@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Looking to anchor your practice during your busy day-to-day life? \nConsistent communication with the teachers both grounds and strengthens your practice. Join us for Office Hours\, where participants are welcome to ask questions or listen along to the teachings. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday June 11th\, 2017. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, June 9th\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \nClick here to Register:\n \nSave the Office Hours Dates:\nPut all the 2017 Office Hours dates in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-jun-11-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170605 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170627 DTSTAMP:20240512T225645Z CREATED:20160904T183446Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240512T225645Z UID:10000528-1496620800-1498521599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Awakening Through Career & Creativity: Right Livelihood (Webinar Series Two) DESCRIPTION:Do you want to combine spiritual awakening with a fulfilling career and a life filled with creativity?\nJoin us for the second four part webinar series of 2017. \nEach of the three webinar series held throughout the year  draws on an aspect of the three parts of the Eightfold Ennobling Path. This methodology of spiritual awakening is divided into three sections: panna\, sila and samadhi\, corresponding to mind\, speech and body. \nThis first webinar series\, The Mystical Life: Right View in February\, 2017 focuses on mind & view (panna). This second series relates to livelihood\, part of speech & sila. The third series of webinar teachings\, Healing the Splits Within: Right Effort\, is offered September and will focus on effort\, part of body & samadhi. \nAnother orientation for the webinar topics would be like this: the nature of the mystical life (view)\, career as a path to awakening (speech) and healing the body of liberation (samadhi). Each of these sections will comprise of four consecutive Monday night teachings (12 in total)\, each ending with a weekend “at home” retreat to seal the teachings with actual practice and experience. \nAwakening Through Career & Creativity: Right Livelihood – \nWebinar Series Description:\n\nRight Livelihood is about finding the way to live in truth\, according to the laws of nature. By seeking the best state and the best supporting conditions for that\, we are able to transcend and live beyond much of the second-rate goods that consumerist society offers us. \nHow do we get the most beautiful for the least effort\, the least amount of energy expenditure? The most beautiful phenomenon in life is the spiritually awakened being. The transcendental state is the most wonderful one available to us\, to anyone. It is not a fad – it is timeless\, and it doesn’t become outdated. Fashions do go out of date\, so if we’re trying to be fashionable we’re probably not getting the best for the least effort. \nAs mentioned\, the Sanskrit word samma is often translated as “right\,” though a better translation would be “total” or “complete.” Meanwhile\, livelihood comes from ajiva\, which means “life.” Thus a total or complete life refers to something much bigger and more beautiful than just the job or career you have.  This webinar series invites you to find and live and work in that beauty. \nCourse Dates:\nThe webinars are streamed live on Mondays\, June 5\, 12\, 19\, 26\, at 7:30pm Mountain time. We encourage you to prioritize attending live\, in order to get the maximum benefit from the energy of the teachings\, and to be able to ask questions as they arise. \nIf this isn’t possible\, the classes may be watched as a recording for one week after the live class. The webinars are available online for one week after each session\, and directions will be given upon registration. \nFlash Retreat: On the weekend of July 1-2nd\, 2017\, participants will meditate at home using the Body of Truth\, a unique meditation designed specifically for modern beings living in today’s world. We encourage you to book and plan for this time in your schedules in advance. \nHomework: Some homework will be given in each session that we can apply as we go through our day. \nOffice Hours: For Year of Victory program participants there are regular Saturday ‘Office Hours’ at 3pm MST to ask questions or ask for further clarification. For non year long participants there are our regularly scheduled ‘Office Hours’ that typically are every 2nd Sunday at 3pm MST. \nOnline Forum for Connected Learning: We encourage attendees to participate in Juice\, our online forum designed to develop connections with other practitioners\, support one another\, and otherwise keep our practice juicy. On Juice we can share our experiences as we do the homework and reflect on the teachings\, and learn from one another’s experiences and perspectives. When we share what works for us\, our spiritual progress can really augment one another’s. \nNote that you must register before the start of the first webinar in order to watch all webinars in the series.  Once you have registered for the whole series\, there is also registration required for each individual webinar. \n \nDana and Fees:\nDana\nIn accordance with the tradition of spiritual teachings everywhere\, the teachings are given by dāna so that finances will not be an impediment to receiving teachings. Dāna practice is a profound and very high teaching\, and we encourage you to educate yourself about it here (Dāna guidelines & practice)\, keep your dāna practice vibrant\, and do whatever you can to support the work we do. \nDāna is s non-transactional form of support\, and thus it’s most beneficial for the giver to give regularly and as generously as possible. With reflection\, we start to redefine what concepts like “support\,” “generosity\,” “giving\,” etc. truly mean. Traditionally dāna is given at the beginning of teachings\, in order to set our intention of participating with our utmost sincerity and diligence. \nFees\nThere is a basic course fee to defray the costs of providing these programs online that include the technology and infrastructure. If the course fee presents a challenge to you\, connect with us to explore alternative forms of energy exchange.  \nAbout Teachers Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat:\nCombined\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat have been practicing the teachings of 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. \nDoug and Catherine founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre in BC\, where they are based\, twelve years ago. Having lived overseas for many years and traveled extensively\, they also draw on intercultural and trans-cultural experience to broaden the range and depth of their understandings of spiritual awakening & liberation that they share with others. \nTheir engaged compassion\, sense of humor and combined wisdom will enrich your life with exploration & discovery. Read their full bios: Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/right-livelihood-career-creativity-webinar2/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Right-Livelihood-Banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170528T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20170528T160000 DTSTAMP:20260926T070227Z CREATED:20170121T002459Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T070227Z UID:10000367-1495983600-1495987200@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Have a question for the teachers? Take advantage of these office hours twice a month to get your question answered. Join in and benefit from the learning of others. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday May 28th\, 2017. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, May 26th\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \nClick here to Register.\n\n \nSave the Office Hours Dates:\nPut all the 2017 Office Hours dates in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-may-28-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/thumbnail-2.jpg 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;VALUE=DATE:20170512 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170515 DTSTAMP:20180802T042713Z CREATED:20170217T185543Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180802T042713Z UID:10000375-1494547200-1494806399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Calgary Teachings: Conscious Love DESCRIPTION:Join Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat in Calgary\, May 12-14 for a weekend of teachings on how to love fully\, fearlessly and with compassion. \nConscious Love: Tools for Growth Filled Relationships\n\nRelationships are essential to living a meaningful and rewarding life\, and yet also the source of some of our greatest difficulties. Why is it that we are often most emotionally triggered by those we are closest to?  What can we do to increase growth and connection in our relationships? \nJoin us for a weekend of teachings with Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat as we explore conscious love. Whether interacting with your partner\, friends or family\, you will learn tools for loving fully\, fearlessly and with compassion in your heart. \nCourse Outcomes:\n\nDiscover how to practice mindfulness and compassion in the midst of interpersonal conflict and emotional challenges\nLearn how to deepen awareness of yourself and your tendencies through the relationships in your life\nGain tools for more honest and constructive communication\nLearn how to leverage the relationships in your life for the greatest growth of all involved\n\nSchedule\n\n\nFriday May 12th:  7pm-8:30pm\nSaturday May 13th : 10am-12pm\nSunday May 14th: 10am-12pm\n\nLocation\nThese classes are held at the Institute of Human Potential in Inglewood\, Calgary. \nFor full details & registration\, Please visit Dharma Hub Calgary: Conscious Love. \nThree Part Series in Calgary\, 2017\nConscious Love is the second part of a three part series in Calgary\, 2017: \n\nConscious Livelihood: Inspired living from the inside out\nConscious Love: Tools to love fully and fearlessly (May 12-14)\nConscious Community: Collaborate & connect with others (July 15-16)\n\n  \nSign up to the PlanetDharma email list to stay informed. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/calgary-conscious-love-2017/ LOCATION:Human Potential 360\, Calgary\, 1231 9 Ave SE\, Inglewood\, Calgary\, AB\, T2G 0S9\, Canada CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/conscious-love-web.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dharma Hub Calgary":MAILTO:conscioustransformationcalgary@gmail.com GEO:51.0412899;-114.0348147 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Human Potential 360 Calgary 1231 9 Ave SE Inglewood Calgary AB T2G 0S9 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1231 9 Ave SE\, Inglewood:geo:-114.0348147,51.0412899 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20170420T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20170420T183000 DTSTAMP:20170415T002819Z CREATED:20160825T233738Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170415T002819Z UID:10000520-1492713000-1492713000@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Living Tantra - The Dance of Transformation DESCRIPTION:This talk will be held in Watkins bookstore in London\, UK at 6:30 pm on Thursday April 20th\, 2017. \nThrough their living\, vibrant teachings Doug and Catherine bring to life understandings from the ancient way of Tantra. Although often seen as esoteric and mystical\, Tantra involves a practical engagement with all of our senses\, in the life we are living. \nPhoto: aka Tman \nIn attempting to allay our fears and control the world around us\, we have our ways of manipulating\, managing or disengaging from situations in order to cope.  These are often unconscious ways (our shadow)\, by which we keep relationships and the external world at arm’s length in order to protect our vulnerable heart \nTantra is a method where\, rather than denying our wants and needs\, we explore our relationship to them. In the process\, we navigate a path through our struggles and difficulties\, our traumas and traumata. \nIn this talk\, which precedes the UK Retreat at Maitreya House\, these two meditation masters and lineage holders will show us how this dance of transformation leads us into a clearer\, more compassionate\, more empowered and loving state. \nEstablished in 1893\, Watkins is the UK’s oldest esoteric bookshop\, specializing in mind body spirit. In the heart of London\, it invites teachers to share their wisdom. \nSign up here to be notified about any updates regarding this class and other Planet Dharma news. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/public-teachings-in-london-uk/ LOCATION:Watkins Books\, 19-21 Cecil Court\, London\, WC2N 4EZ\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/green-tara-aka-Tman.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dharma Europe":MAILTO:dharmaeurope@outlook.com GEO:51.5106373;-0.1277544 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Watkins Books 19-21 Cecil Court London WC2N 4EZ United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=19-21 Cecil Court:geo:-0.1277544,51.5106373 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170416 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170417 DTSTAMP:20260922T054648Z CREATED:20170121T002308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T054648Z UID:10000366-1492300800-1492387199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Have a question for the teachers? Take advantage of these office hours twice a month to get your question answered. Join in and benefit from the learning of others. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast from Germany\, 8am Mountain Standard Time\, on Sunday April 16th\, 2017. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, April 14th\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \nClick here to Register:\n\n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite\n\nSave the Office Hours Dates:\nPut all the 2017 Office Hours dates in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-apr-16-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Offivehours-VB4-2017-crop.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170415 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170416 DTSTAMP:20170308T184737Z CREATED:20160825T231636Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170308T184737Z UID:10000358-1492214400-1492300799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Clear Sky's Annual General Meeting DESCRIPTION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Foundation’s annual general meeting will be held virtually this year\, on April 15th 2017.  It starts at 8am MST. \nPlease ensure your membership is up to date with Clear Sky Center\, and visit the Clear Sky Retreat Centre website for further details about the AGM. \n \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/clear-skys-annual-general-meeting/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/SenseiCataAGM2015-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170406 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170414 DTSTAMP:20170310T002454Z CREATED:20160825T233555Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170310T002454Z UID:10000519-1491436800-1492127999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Germany Retreat: Womb\, Karma & Transcendence DESCRIPTION:Join Doug & Catherine Sensei and the Dharma Europe community for a retreat just outside of Frankfurt\, Germany (Seidenbuch (Odw.)).  The theme for this retreat will be Womb\, Karma and Transcendence.  This retreat builds upon the ground breaking work of Namgyal Rinpoche. \nTo know transcendence\, to gain freedom from our karmic patterns\, one needs to know the programming of the womb. This retreat offers you the precious opportunity to reacquaint yourself with your womb experience\, gain freedom from conditioning received in the womb\, and clear lifetimes of karma. \n  \nWhy do a Retreat on the Womb Experience?\nOur particular tradition travels two main paths of liberation: meditation\, and Karma Yoga\, a.k.a. Awakening Through Action. In terms of this action\, our birth and its resultant karma are very active in our daily lives\, though we’re likely to be unaware of their influences. \nIn the process of re-contacting our womb experiences\, we gain insight into how they shape all the actions\, feelings and thoughts we live out every day. Clearing our womb events is tantamount to clearing our lives of the unconscious and self-limiting strictures we place upon ourselves and others. \nThis course is more active (vs. meditative)\, which places it more in the Karma Yoga line. In a sense we can say that all Dharma Training is about becoming more aware of these patterns\, and thereby clearing the womb experience. \n[tmls category=”19″ 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=”date” 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 the womb experience have to do with Buddhism or Awakening?\nPhoto: U. Liverpool \nOur mother’s womb is the source point for our body and individuality. As the ego emerges around two years of age and we step into our sense of self\, these all-powerful womb impressions get submerged by our experience of life in the world. \nNevertheless\, the karmic patterns that emerge throughout the rest of our life are rooted in the experiences of the womb. \nUpon awakening\, the Buddha said\, “I have found you\, oh builder: cast down is the ridgepole\, you shall build no more. No longer is this subject to becoming”. \n“The builder” is the combination of the five senses and the ego that is born from their data input\, interpreted in conjunction with the mind. How we meet the world\, via the interpretations of our mind\, gets imprinted through our womb and birth experiences. \nWhat did the Buddha mean about building? And no longer being “subject to becoming?” He was declaring in essence\, that he had “cleared” the previously unconscious patterning of the womb. \nWe call this transcendence. \nThe Buddha may have done it\, but how can we do this?\nAccording to the teachings of Namgyal Rinpoche\, the womb journey consists of four stages. Based on his ground-breaking work\, we’ve continued to develop meditations and exercises to explore each of these stages. \nThe various meditations and exercises – which range from artwork to dynamic embodiment – are undertaken individually\, in small groups\, and larger groups. Through these processes\, we observe and re-experience our womb events\, learning to understand how the building of the ego and our conditioning was shaped at that time. \nAs we become more conscious of this building\, we gain release from unconscious becoming. More importantly\, we are freed from the effects of the karmic patterns. \nThis is the transcendence that is our birthright. \nOK\, but how does my womb experience affect me now?\nPhoto: Dan Harrelson \nClearing our womb experience through meditation and exercises allows it to become what it was meant to be: the basis for well-being\, natural growth and exploration. With a focus on liberation\, teachings in this course address patterns formed in the womb and how these underlie our approach and response to all aspects of our lives. \nAll aspects? Effects from womb patterns include our overall physical and mental health\, our sexuality\, and our views and beliefs\, on everything from philosophy to what kind of place the world is\, to what my life is like\, to the foods we eat. \nWe are built\, shaped and formed by many factors. These factors play out in our current lives\, and the karmic wheel continues to turn. Is it torture or a joy ride? Karma decides\, and karma is built on views\, and views were shaped by our womb experience. \nWe have the power to shape these to lead more joyful\, creative and fulfilling lives\, and to be of greater benefit to others. \nFurther reading\nRead more about why retreat work to gain insight into the womb/ birth experience & karma is some of the Most Important Work You’ll Ever Do. \n  \n\nAbout Teachers Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat:\n\nCombined\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat have been practicing the teachings of 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. \nDoug and Catherine founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre in BC\, where they are based\, ten years ago. Having lived overseas for many years and traveled extensively\, they also draw on intercultural and trans-cultural experience to broaden the range and depth of their understandings of liberation that they share with others. \nTheir engaged compassion\, sense of humor and combined wisdom will enrich your life with exploration & discovery. Click for their full bios: Womb\, Karma & Transcendence Retreat Teachers. \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\n  \nRetreat Details\nPlease contact the organizer (Andrea) listed below if you are interested in attending. \nDāna (Generosity Based Teaching)\nDoug & Catherine are teaching this 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 the retreat. \nCourse fees & accommodation\nThe regular course fee is € 333.33.  If you want to sign up for this extraordinary womb-experience\, you are asked for a down payment of € 111\,11 to secure your place.  This course fee covers travel expenses\, room and lodging for Sensei and Catherine. Dãna to the teachers is not included in this course fee. \nThe prices within the Seminarhotel range depending on your preference of room from € 61\,00 – € 86\,00 per night and full board. This will be paid separately\, directly to the Seminarhotel. You can check the hotel and make your reservation for your choice of room directly through www.seminarhotel-seidenbuch.de. Please be aware that the reservation for the course and the payment for the course-fee is through Andrea: andreaomtare@me.com. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/germany-retreat-womb-karma-transcendence-2017/ CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/WKT-Retreat-Banner-mailings-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Andrea ":MAILTO:andreaomtare@me.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Berlin:20170404T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Berlin:20170404T203000 DTSTAMP:20170313T202012Z CREATED:20170212T210811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170313T202012Z UID:10000374-1491332400-1491337800@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:If you want the present\, you have to open the box - Frankfurt\, Germany DESCRIPTION:If you want the present\, you have to open the box.\nPublic Teaching with Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat:\nApril 4 2017\, 7pm\nJoin Dharma teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat at the Bewegungslust clinic in Frankfurt\, Germany on April 4th 2017. \nDoug & Catherine Sensei will share some teachings based loosely on the Buddha’s fire sermon. In this discourse\, the Buddha compares the process of spiritual ‘Awakening’ to liberating people struggling uncomfortably in a burning house while preoccupied with their toys (we’re not making this up!). In an attempt to lure these endangered souls out of the fire and into safety\, he first offered them freedom from fire. Apparently the toys were more engrossing\, so the Buddha used ‘skillful methods’ to save them: he offered them even more wonderful toys outside with him\, free from the fire and associated danger. \nThe present – the here-and-now – is a wonderful toy. But we have to get out of the burning house to untie the ribbon\, tear off the pretty paper\, and open the box! Doug & Catherine will share how we can do this\, and enjoy doing it\, during our busy modern lives. Nothing less than spiritual awakening is the inevitable result. \nRead this blog from Doug & Catherine Sensei:  If you want the present\, you have to open the box. \nEvent Registrations\nContact Andrea (organiser details below) for full details. View the Facebook Event page. \n\nSign up here to be notified about any retreat updates and Planet Dharma news. \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/want-present-open-box-frankfurt-germany/ LOCATION:Bewegungslust\, Praxis für Physiotherapie und Körperbewusstsein\, Fehlheimer Str. 8\, 64625\, Bensheim\, Hesse\, Germany CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/8250688924_a4f97b5255_o.png ORGANIZER;CN="Andrea ":MAILTO:andreaomtare@me.com GEO:49.6828;8.6195 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bewegungslust Praxis für Physiotherapie und Körperbewusstsein Fehlheimer Str. 8 64625 Bensheim Hesse Germany;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Praxis für Physiotherapie und Körperbewusstsein\, Fehlheimer Str. 8\, 64625:geo:8.6195,49.6828 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170321 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170401 DTSTAMP:20260817T054449Z CREATED:20160825T230039Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T054449Z UID:10000357-1490054400-1491004799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Japan Meditation Retreat on Huayan (Flower Garland Sutra) DESCRIPTION:Meditation Retreat: Huayan – Flower Garland School of Buddhism\nMarch 21-31st 2017\, Zofukuji Temple\, Hyogo\, Japan.\n“If I had a view I could have a flaw\, but emptied of all views\, I am flawless.”  –Nagarjuna \nThrough India\, Tibet\, China and then Japan\, Mahayana Buddhist teachings made their voyage. Along this dharmic journey various sutras and schools came into existence based on the Buddha Shakyamuni’s teachings. \nIn China\, during the Tang Dynasty\, the Huayan or Flower Garland School of Buddhism came into fruition\, which later paved the way for Zen. Known as Kegon in Japan and Hwaeom in Korea\, this teaching is based on the longest sutra in the Buddhist cannon\, the Avatamsaka sutra\, or “Flower Garland” sutra. Said to be Buddha Shakyamuni`s teaching after he became fully enlightened\, the Avatamsaka sutra details the universal Buddhahood of all reality and interconnectedness of all dharmas. \nJoin us in a 10-day retreat with masters Achariya Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei as we explore this profound sutra at Zofukuji Temple in Hyogo\, Japan\, March 21-31st 2017. \nCourse Outcomes\nWhat will be covered in this meditation retreat?\nThis retreat will explore the deep mysteries of Huayan teachings and the Flower Garland sutra. This 10-day retreat will be filled with many sutra treasures that also apply the number 10. To name a few\, there are books on the ten bodies of the Buddha\, the ten stages of a bodhisattva\, the ten acceptances\, the ten concentrations\, the ten practices\, the ten abodes\, the ten treasures\, the ten dedications and to add many other teachings like\, the four dharmadhatu\, Sudhana`s quest\,  holographic metaphors like Indra`s net\, the hall of mirrors and the golden lion there is no need to wonder why this sutra is also called “the king of sutras.” There are infinite possibilities of exploration and learning with this sutra! \nWhat will this meditation retreat learning do for me?\nImage: © Brendan Ries \nIn the Flower Garland Sutra\, book 39\, “Entry into the Realm of Reality” it tells the story of Sudhana and his search for truth. Sudhana shows a parallel among all spiritual seekers\, it is a hero’s journey and in essence\, it must be done alone. Along the way he learns from fifty-three teachers from all walks of life\, including Manjushri\, that help guide him during his journey toward spiritual awakening.  During the retreat the teachers will help us navigate and understand these teachings so that we can apply them to our own spiritual path and spiritual learning. \nOne main aspect of these teachings is that the search for enlightenment in itself is an indication that enlightenment is already actively present within us.  If we come to understand this more fully\, we can start to embrace the reality that everything we come into contact with or experience in life is an opportunity for learning and growth\, an opportunity to become a happier\, more joyful\, bright\, caring and aware being.  In this retreat we will be guided by the teachers\, and given teachings and practices to develop this mindfulness and awareness to greater personal depths. \nSo what difference does being more aware make?\nAs humans we live in four worlds. We live in an environmental matrix of earth\, water\, air and fire\, upon which all life depends. We live in a social world of interdependence that requires clear communication and compassionate engagement for a balanced and harmonious life\, including our interactions with many other species. We live in an economic world that allocates resources and assigns values. Lastly\, we live in an unseen and unnamed spiritual world. \nTo claim our birthright as human beings\, we need to be skilled in all four worlds\, particularly the last one. This last world of spiritual awakening raises our eyes from the merely mundane\, so we can perceive mysterious and sublime phenomena and qualities. These nourish our souls\, inspire us to gracefully navigate the challenges of the other three worlds\, and generally make life worth living. \nHow will this meditation retreat help my life? \nIn Huayan practice\, the tranquility meditation is used to enable us to deepen our awareness and understanding of the true nature of reality\, which helps us develop inner calm and confidence.  The teachings given offer us a map and a system for greater awareness\, spiritual awakening and unfolding.  This more all-embracing and widely-encompassing awareness can then be applied and integrated into our lives in the world. The integration allows us to take what we learn on the meditation cushion in the retreat back into our day-to-day lives. This enhances and embellishes our sense of accomplishment and confidence in all that we do: our relationships\, our work and how we offer our gifts to the world. Supported by this powerful inner work\, we’re empowered to make a difference in the world during these critical transitional times. More and more we become positive role models of transformation who can wield the tools that support others to join us. \n  \n\nAbout Teachers Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat:\nCombined\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat 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 spiritual awakening from their Western Canada-based retreat center\, Clear Sky\, and worldwide for decades. \nThey’re well versed in Theravadin\, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhist philosophy and practices\, as well as contemporary psychology\, consciousness studies and art. They are pioneering awakening through action (Karma Yoga) and generosity practices in the West\, and feel proud to base their teachings and meditation retreat center on these radical and profound practices.  They lead several meditation retreats per year. \nDoug & Catherine’s teaching style emphasizes integration\, of right-brain and left brain\, art and science\, East and West\, and the broad spectrum of human experience. They are devoted to integrating the shadow and keeping a keen sense of humor. \n\n\n\n\nThe first time I met Catherine and Sensei at Clear Sky Centre for a one week silent meditation retreat\, at the end I burst into tears. I found home. Dharma Trips around the world with those two cutting edge masters have also allowed me to see the world from a whole new prespective.\nMaya Lewandowsky\nDirector / LaCaravan Dance Theatre\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nDāna (Generosity Based Teaching)\nDoug & Catherine are teaching this 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 the retreat. \n \n\nWhat else do you need to know?\n\nMeditation Retreat Centre Fees (Lodging & Meals)\n\nThis retreat will be held at Zofukuji Temple\, Hyogo\, Japan. The following retreat fee includes lodging and meals.  Please note that Dana for the retreat is extra.  Retreat Cost: 100 000 JPY \n\nMeditation Retreat Dates\, Arrival & Departure\n\nThis retreat runs from March 21st- 31st\, 2017. \nParticipants must arrive on March 21st by 10 am.  The retreat will finish on March 31st at 3 pm. \n\nRegistration\n\nThere are limited spaces available\, so please register at your earliest convenience.  If there are still spaces available\, final registration will close March 4th. Contact:  Nicole Porter: nicoleporter3@gmail.com. \n\n\nWhat does a typical meditation retreat day look like?\n\nTentative Schedule (Subject to Change) \n\n6:30 am: Wake up\n6:45 -7:15: Meditation – setting the tone for the day\n7:15 – 8:15: Breakfast\n8:15 – 9:30: Dharma talk and description of the exercises to be done\n9:30 -11:30 Group Lead Meditation practice\n11:30 – 12:15 Meditation practice\n12:30-1:30: Lunch\n1:30 – 2:30: Integration (individual time)\n2:30 – 4:30: Meditation practice\n4:30 – 6:00 Optional Moving Meditation Practice or personal meditation practice\n6:00 – 7:15: Dinner\n7:15 – 8:30: Dharma Talk and Group Practice\n8:30 – 9:00: Meditation Practice\n9:30 – 10:00: Meditation to raise a question based on the day’s events\n\nSign up to the PlanetDharma email list to stay informed. \nAnd see more at our Facebook event \nImage: © Brendan Ries URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/japan-meditation-retreat-huayan-flower-garland/ LOCATION:Zofukuji Temple\, Miki City\, Hyogo\, Japan CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/BuddhaKoyasanSymbol-ries.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Nicole Porter":MAILTO:nicoleporter3@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20170318T170000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20170318T183000 DTSTAMP:20170226T231809Z CREATED:20170212T182625Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170226T231809Z UID:10000373-1489856400-1489861800@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Meditation and Awakening: What They Mean for Your Life - Ashiya\, Japan DESCRIPTION:Meditation and Awakening: What They Mean for Your Life\n\nAshiya temple \nAshiya\, Japan – 5 pm Saturday March 18th 2017. \nWhich type of personality are you—a greed type\, hate type\, or confused type?  How do you learn to recognize your particular poison\, the root cause of life struggles? Someone who points out those tendencies\, helps you to let go of “negative loops”\, and wakes you up is a teacher.  We welcome two highly skilled Buddhist teachers to Japan; meeting them and hearing their words will start you on your way toward emotional freedom and well-being. \nSign up here to be notified about any retreat updates and Planet Dharma news. \n  \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/meditation-awakening-mean-life-ashiya-japan/ LOCATION:Ashiya\, Ashiya\, Japan CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Ashiya2017-PublicTalk-Hondo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20170317T193000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20170317T210000 DTSTAMP:20170226T231900Z CREATED:20170212T180839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170226T231900Z UID:10000372-1489779000-1489784400@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:When you stumble make it part of the dance of life - Kyoto\, Japan DESCRIPTION:Join meditation masters Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat at the Impact HUB in Kyoto Japan for their talk “When you stumble make it part of the dance of life” on March 17th at  7.30 pm. \nReignite your passion\, and learn how to be present in each moment of life’s dance no matter what music is playing. \nFind out more at our Facebook event \nSign up here to be notified about any retreat updates and Planet Dharma news. \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/stumble-make-part-dance-life-kyoto-japan/ LOCATION:Kyoto Impact HUB\, 97 Kainokamicho\, Kamigyo Ward\, Kyoto\, Kyoto Prefecture\, 602-8061\, Japan CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/DH_Flyer2017March17CirclesFINAL.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Nicole Porter":MAILTO:nicoleporter3@gmail.com GEO:35.024871;135.753393 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Kyoto Impact HUB 97 Kainokamicho Kamigyo Ward Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture 602-8061 Japan;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=97 Kainokamicho\, Kamigyo Ward:geo:135.753393,35.024871 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170311 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170313 DTSTAMP:20221215T085458Z CREATED:20170130T162254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20221215T085458Z UID:10000534-1489190400-1489363199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Calgary Teachings: Conscious Livelihood DESCRIPTION:Join Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat in Calgary\, March 11-12 for a weekend of teachings on how to live one’s life in a state of inspiration\, deep satisfaction and well-being. \nConscious Livelihood:  Inspired Living from the Inside Out\n\n\nSaturday March 11: 10am-12pm\nSunday March 12: 2pm-4pm\n\nContemporary society and the consumer marketplace offer mostly an empty substitute for a life well lived. \nConscious (or Complete) Livelihood means learning to live in accordance with deeper truths. When we uncover these truths for ourselves through meditation\, mindfulness and applied awareness in our day-to-day lives we find that real satisfaction was always within our grasp. \nConscious Livelihood directs our aspiration to a radiant\, blissful state of being. By seeking the best state of being\, and the best supporting conditions to do so\, we uncover for ourselves a new\, more holistic and inherently satisfying vision that invigorates our life with purpose and meaning. \nFrom this state we naturally explore and develop sustainable lives that serve the planet and create the world we truly want to live in. \n  \nFor full details & registration\, Please visit Dharma Hub Calgary: Conscious Livelihood. \n— \nConscious Livelihood is the first part of a three part series in Calgary\, 2017. \n\nConscious Livelihood: Inspired living from the inside out\nConscious Love: Tools to love fully and fearlessly (May 12-14)\nConscious Community: Collaborate & connect with others (July 15-16)\n\n  \nSign up to the PlanetDharma email list to stay informed. \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/calgary-conscious-livelihood-2017/ LOCATION:Human Potential 360\, Calgary\, 1231 9 Ave SE\, Inglewood\, Calgary\, AB\, T2G 0S9\, Canada CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/springseriesLamas-nocost-smallweb.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dharma Hub Calgary":MAILTO:conscioustransformationcalgary@gmail.com GEO:51.0412899;-114.0348147 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Human Potential 360 Calgary 1231 9 Ave SE Inglewood Calgary AB T2G 0S9 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1231 9 Ave SE\, Inglewood:geo:-114.0348147,51.0412899 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170305 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170306 DTSTAMP:20260914T053852Z CREATED:20161217T002302Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T053852Z UID:10000365-1488672000-1488758399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Have a question for the teachers? Take advantage of these office hours twice a month to get your question answered. Join in and benefit from the learning of others. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday February 5th\, 2017. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, March 3rd\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \n  \n \nSave the Dates:\nPut all the Office Hours scheduled for 2017 in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-mar-5-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Office-Hours_1-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170219 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170220 DTSTAMP:20260928T052301Z CREATED:20161217T002003Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260928T052301Z UID:10000364-1487462400-1487548799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Have a question for the teachers? Take advantage of these office hours twice a month to get your question answered. Join in and benefit from the learning of others. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday February 5th\, 2017. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: \nCan’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, February 17th\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \n  \n \nSave the Dates:\nPut all the Office Hours scheduled for 2017 in your google calendar automatically – see below: \n \nInstructions: \n\nOpen your google calendar.\nRight click the button above and copy the address.\nGo to your “Other Calendars” in google calendar\, click the drop down\, click “copy URL” and paste the URL into the space provided.\nThese Office Hours events will now be added into your calendar. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-feb-19-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170213 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170307 DTSTAMP:20240512T225355Z CREATED:20160904T182851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240512T225355Z UID:10000527-1486944000-1488844799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:The Mystical Life: Right View (Webinar Series One) DESCRIPTION:Are you ready to experience the mystical life?\nJoin us for the first four-part webinar series of 2017. \nEach of the three webinar series held throughout the year  draws on an aspect of the three parts of the Eightfold Ennobling Path. The Eightfold Path–a methodology for complete spiritual awakening–is divided into three sections: panna\, sila and samadhi. These may be translated as wisdom\, calm coolness\, and meditative absorption\, and correspond to mind\, speech and body. \nThe Mystical Life\, the first webinar series in February\, 2017\, focuses on mind & view\, leading to wisdom (panna). The second series\, Career & Creativity: Right Livelihood\, takes place in June and relates to livelihood\, part of speech & sila. The third series of webinar teachings\, Healing the Splits Within: Right Effort\, is offered September and will focus on effort\, part of body & samadhi. \nTraditionally each of the Eightfold Paths has been translated with the word “right:” Right view\, right livelihood\, right effort. However\, the Sanskrit word samma actually translates better as “complete” or “total\,” rather than having the nuance of right or wrong. \nAnother orientation for the webinar topics would be like this: we undertake to immerse ourselves in the nature of the mystical life (complete view)\, to pursue career as a path to awakening (complete livelihood) and experience integrated healing through the body of liberation (complete effort). \nEach of these sections will comprise of four consecutive Monday night teachings (12 in total)\, each ending with a weekend “at home” retreat to seal the teachings with actual practice and experience. \nThe Mystical Life: Right View – \nWebinar Series Description:\nPhoto: Daniela Hartman \nThe mystical life is the crown of human life and the heritage of all beings. \nFrom the top of the mountain we can see all the potential ways to climb up it. We can’t do that as we are climbing nor before we start. The easiest pathway up is often the smartest\, and therefore the most “beautiful.” By “beautiful” we mean in the sense of a finely trained athlete looking graceful and at ease as they perform extremely difficult maneuvers. Challenging things become easier\, more enjoyable\, and have a quality of artistry to them when our view is complete. \nNo one chooses the mystical life path for us\, not what many traditions call “God” or some kind of supreme being. We are all called to it. The “choosing” pertains to the moment-to-moment decisions we make about how to use our life force. Do we have the complete view? If not\, how can we develop it? \nOnce obstacles are removed\, the mystical life is self-revealing: the vision\, the clear view–or “right view” of the Eightfold Ennobling Path–is not about something concrete. Visions are about the known and dreams are about what is hidden. But the mystical life remains a beautiful mystery\, swelling in the unknown. It beckons to us all as our birthright as human beings. \nWe live between two walls of darkness: birth and death. The mystical life is about unknowing: that is\, entering into the divine mystery and living there. In that sense it is completion\, a complete view. \n\nWebinar Details:\nCourse Dates: \nThe webinars are streamed live on Mondays\, Feb. 13\, 20\, 27 and Mar. 6\, at 7:30pm Mountain Time. We encourage you to prioritize attending live\, in order to get the maximum benefit from the energy of the teachings\, and to be able to ask questions as they arise. \nIf this isn’t possible\, the classes may  be watched as a recording for one week after the live class. The webinars are available online for one week after each session\, and directions will be given upon registration. \nFlash Retreat: On the weekend of March 11 & 12\, 2017\,  participants will meditate at home using the Holistic Clearing Meditation\, a unique meditation designed specifically for modern beings living in today’s world. We encourage you to book and plan for this time in your schedules in advance. \nHomework: Some homework will be given in each session that we can apply as we go through our day. \nOffice Hours: For Year of Victory program participants there are regular Saturday ‘Office Hours’ at 3pm MST to ask questions or ask for further clarification. For non year long participants there are our regularly scheduled ‘Office Hours’ that typically are every 2nd Sunday at 3pm MST. \nOnline Forum for Connected Learning: We encourage attendees to participate in Juice\, our online forum designed to develop connections with other practitioners\, support one another\, and otherwise keep our practice juicy. On Juice we can share our experiences as we do the homework and reflect on the teachings\, and learn from one another’s experiences and perspectives. When we share what works for us\, our spiritual progress can really augment one another’s. \nCourse Texts or Reading: These webinars draw heavily on the years of training and practice of our teachers but interested parties may explore online for background information as a resource. \nNote that you must register before the start of the first webinar in order to watch all webinars in the series. \n \n\nDana and Fees\nDana\nIn accordance with the tradition of spiritual teachings everywhere\, the teachings are given by dāna so that finances will not be an impediment to receiving teachings. Dāna practice is a profound and very high teaching\, and we encourage you to educate yourself about it here (https://www.planetdharma.com/dana-guidelines-and-practices/)\, keep your dāna practice vibrant\, and do whatever you can to support the work we do. \nDāna is s non-transactional form of support\, and thus it’s most beneficial for the giver to give regularly and as generously as possible. With reflection\, we start to redefine what concepts like “support\,” “generosity\,” “giving\,” etc. truly mean. Traditionally dāna is given at the beginning of teachings\, in order to set our intention of participating with our utmost sincerity and diligence. \nFees\nThere is a basic course fee to defray the costs of providing these programs online that include the technology and infrastructure. If the course fee presents a challenge to you\, connect with us to explore alternative forms of energy exchange. \n\nAbout Teachers Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat:\nCombined\, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat have been practicing the teachings of 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. \nDoug and Catherine founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre in BC\, where they are based\, ten years ago. Having lived overseas for many years and traveled extensively\, they also draw on intercultural and trans-cultural experience to broaden the range and depth of their understandings of spiritual awakening & liberation that they share with others. \nTheir engaged compassion\, sense of humor and combined wisdom will enrich your life with exploration & discovery. Read their full bios: Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat \n  \n\n \n  \nSign up here to be notified about any updates regarding this retreat and other Planet Dharma news. \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/right-view-mystical-life-webinar1/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Right-View-Banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20170205 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20170206 DTSTAMP:20260928T052409Z CREATED:20161217T001429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260928T052409Z UID:10000363-1486252800-1486339199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Office Hours: Online Q&A with the Teachers DESCRIPTION:Have a question for the teachers? Take advantage of these office hours twice a month to get your question answered. Join in and benefit from the learning of others. \nThis Office Hours will be held via live broadcast at 3pm Mountain Time on Sunday February 5th\, 2017. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nRecording available for one week: Can’t make the live session? No problem\, a recording of the Office Hours will be available for one week after the event. Please note that you will still need to follow the usual registration procedure by the Friday prior to the live event in order to receive the link to access the recording. You can also submit your question(s) when you register. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \nPlease note\, pre-registration by Friday\, February 3rd\, 9pm (Mountain Time) is required to attend. \nDāna\nThe teachings and guidance are given freely according to the practice of dāna. By practicing with a healthy spirit of generosity\, we deepen our own practice and support teachers to make these healing teachings and tools available to all. There will be an opportunity to practice Dāna when you register below. Please Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices. \n  \nClick here to Register.  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-teachers-feb-5-2017/ CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/thumbnail-2.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR