If you want the present, you have to open the box. Public Teaching with Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat: April 4 2017, 7pm Join Dharma teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat at the Bewegungslust clinic in Frankfurt, Germany on April 4th 2017. Doug & 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. The 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. Read this blog from Doug & Catherine Sensei:  If you want the present, you have to open the box. Event Registrations Contact Andrea (organiser details below) for full details. View the Facebook Event page. Sign up here to be notified about any retreat updates and Planet Dharma news.  

This talk will be held in Watkins bookstore in London, UK at 6:30 pm on Thursday April 20th, 2017. Through 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. Photo: aka Tman In 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 Tantra 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. In 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. Established 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. Sign up here to be notified about any updates regarding this class and other Planet Dharma news.