BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Planet Dharma - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.planetdharma.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Planet Dharma REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Edmonton BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20140309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20141102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20150308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20151101T080000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20150329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20151025T010000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20140101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Toronto BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20140309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20141102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20150308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20151101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20160313T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20161106T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160627 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160719 DTSTAMP:20230130T051322Z CREATED:20160113T185710Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230130T051322Z UID:10000342-1466985600-1468886399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:The Four Levels of Tantra: Webinar Series DESCRIPTION:Join Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat for this third of four enlightening webinar series on fundamental teachings of buddhadharma and awakening throughout 2016.  This series is on the Four Levels of Tantra and will be streamed in four classes over four weeks.  These webinars are open to all.  For participants of the 2016 Year of Awakening program\, these webinars are also part of of the program’s curriculum. \nWhat is Tantra?\nPhoto: Wonderlane \nTantra is a weaving of a clear mind and a blissful heart. The image used to portray the metaphor of these dualities of consciousness is the dance of male/female in union. In this four week online seminar (once a week) we explore the four stages of the tantric path. They are action tantra\, relational tantra\, completing tantra and union tantra. \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nWhat are the Four Levels of Tantra?\n\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 involve service and generosity in practice.\nRelational Tantra uses the metaphor of ‘holding hands’ as a symbol of closer communication and therefore deeper connection that 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.\n\nHow is Tantra Practiced as a Path?\nIn these four webinars we will study how these four levels of tantra apply to the various stages of the path. \nThe tantric traditions of vajrayana Buddhism (mostly originating in the Himalayas) use ‘deities’\, or archetypal energies of enlightenment as an important meditation practice.  The root for deity is ‘dev’ in Sanskrit and means ‘to shine’\, thus shining energy as opposed to a god-like entity. \nThere are two aspects to the meditative path. One path is insight and the other path is bliss. Tantra is the path of bliss\, and that is seen in the imaging/ deities used to portray it. In Karma Yoga we develop both the insight and bliss paths in our daily lives and in our work supporting the organizations to which we belong. \nSuggested Reading:  \nIntroduction to Tantra: A Vision of Totality\, By Lama Yeshe\, Compiled and Edited by Jonathan Landaw\, Wisdom Publications\, London: 1987. \n  \n\nWebinar Details:\n\nSchedule: Watch the webinars live on Mondays 7:30pm\, Mountain Standard Time (MST) – June 27\, July 4\, 11\, and 18 (see below for details).\n\n\nThe teachings are also recorded\, and available for one week after the live session. These classes are open and recordings are also available to all registrants.\n\n\nClick on the “Register Now” buttons below to attend the webinars. By registering for the first webinar\, you will also receive registration links for the subsequent three webinars.\n\n\nPlease note that Office Hours (Saturdays 3-4pm MST) noted below are for the Year of Awakening program participants only.\nIf you’re not a Year of Awakening program participant\, we encourage you to join us for PlanetDharma’s regular semi-monthly Office Hours\, with questions about the classes and/or your daily practice. It’s also an opportunity to connect with the teachers\, the community of practice (sangha)\, and the awakening mindstream. The Office Hours are truly a precious opportunity to solidify and deepen our understanding and practice.\n\n\nDāna\nThese webinars are offered by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat on the basis of dāna\, or generosity practice. There will be an opportunity for you to give dāna when you register\, below. Learn more about dāna. \n  \n  \nRegister Now for the Series\n \nClick here to join the PlanetDharma email list and stay informed via your email inbox. \n  \nThe other segments being taught by Doug & Catherine in 2016 are: \n\nFebruary/March:  Theravadin Suttas\nApril/May: Mahayana sutras.\nOctober: Western Mysteries: Womb\, Karma & Transcendence. \n\n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/the-four-levels-of-tantra-webinar-series/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/4-Levels-of-Tantra-Banner-Website.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160626T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160626T160000 DTSTAMP:20180419T220324Z CREATED:20160304T220318Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180419T220324Z UID:10000352-1466953200-1466956800@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. \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 24th 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\n \nPowered by Eventbrite URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/line-qa-with-the-teachers-june26/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Office-Hour-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160612T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160612T160000 DTSTAMP:20180419T220324Z CREATED:20160304T220435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180419T220324Z UID:10000353-1465743600-1465747200@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. \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 10th 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\n \nPowered by Eventbrite URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-with-the-teachers-june12/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Office-Hour-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160603 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160607 DTSTAMP:20170224T004025Z CREATED:20160126T044814Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170224T004025Z UID:10000347-1464912000-1465257599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Weekend Retreat: Assets Beyond Measure DESCRIPTION:Want to have an even better life in six easy steps? Sages like the Buddha have taught us how to do it\, and it’s been proven over 2500+ years of testing. \nOkay\, it’s not possible to do it in “six easy steps\,” because the work in each step takes time and effort. But nevertheless there are just six steps! These six steps are called “Assets Beyond Measure” or “paramis” in Sanskrit. \nThese are qualities we grow to feel better in ourselves and to act from this positive\, wholesome place in one’s relations with others. \nBut … isn’t happiness enough? Why would anyone want to go beyond happiness? \nThe short answer is that happiness is a result\, not a cause. In other words\, if I am in a clear\, loving place\, investigating and curious\, while being calm and absorbed\, then happiness is the most likely result. \nWhat’s more\, happiness is incredibly fickle: that is\, it is impermanent and subject to disappearing. “Beyond happiness” means to look behind the feeling and find its source. The sources of happiness are these very Assets Beyond Measure! \nIntroducing a weekend retreat: \n How to Go Beyond Happiness: Gaining Assets Beyond Measure\nPhoto © Catherine Pawasarat \nThis is a short course to help busy people learn how to get rooted in these timeless and universal principles\, amidst all the challenges of modern life. \nSounds simple\, right? It is simple. Except that\, because we are active people with busy lives\, we feel like we can’t take the time to get grounded with these foundational assets. \nThis affects how we work\, play and relate to each other. As the saying goes\, “It’s hard to remember when you’re up to your neck in alligators that your original intention was to drain the swamp!” \nThis is a short course specifically designed for those of us who feel challenged around making the time.  We’ll be sharing how to cultivate mindfulness in conjunction with the Assets Beyond Measure while we go about our daily lives. \nThis means that we learn ways to embed them in whatever time we have available. Then our work and relationships blossom\, and we’re of greater service to ourselves\, our communities and the planet. \nThis creates more\, and durable\, happiness … even when there are ‘gators nipping at our heels. \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\nWho we are:\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 have apprenticed in the teachings of awakening for decades with their teachers\, and have been teaching for almost as long. \nOur explorations and teachings are guided by four principles: spiritual growth\, social connectivity\, economic sustainability and environmental integrity. \nWe teach from various wisdom traditions – including 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! \nIn 2004 we opened our retreat center\, Clear Sky\, located in the Canadian Rockies just north of the Montana/Idaho border\, easily accessible by car or plane.Clear Sky is a non-profit\, charitable organization supported by open programs\, membership\, and other generous supporters and partners. \nWe knew many people desired a permanent physical location with a multi-faceted\, non-denominational\, approach to awakening. In essence\, Clear Sky exists as a nurturing space and crucible to help people become more “awake.” \nWe offer world-class awareness and mindfulness training. We specialise in revealing and integrating the shadow\, something that is easy to sidestep in spiritual practice. We offer direct relationships with teachers and trainers that address every aspect of our being. The goal: to awaken in this lifetime. \n  \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  \nHow We Work:\n \nLife is impermanent and unpredictable – everything is always in flux. Developing these Assets Beyond Measure requires that we “go beyond.” So we respond to the people present and our emerging learning by deliberately changing and moving the exercises around. \nThis keeps the program fresh\, somewhat spontaneous and therefore a bit unpredictable. Like life. Our goal is to make “winning” these assets sustainable throughout the ups and downs of our day-to-day. \nTo this end\, we’ll be teaching about the Assets in class\, describing them in context and discussing them in group. Outside of classes\, we’ll practice and develop the Assets in various contexts\, including during our karma yoga activities (which most closely simulates how they might be used in daily life) and also through assigned exercises. \nIn case more details are helpful\, here’s one example: \nThe first of the six Assets Beyond Measure is generosity. We’ll begin by reflecting on why generosity qualifies as an Asset Beyond Measure. \nWe’ll practice giving\, receiving\, and not giving\, not receiving\, during this course as experiments that allow us to perceive the varying effects\, results and feelings. Here are some of the reflections that may arise: \n\nHow do we feel when we give?\nWhen we don’t?\nDo you feel stronger or weaker?\nDoes it make a difference if you give to someone you like\, compared to someone you don’t?\nIs “giving” just about material things\, or can we emotionally and mentally generous?\nMight giving sometimes be enabling or co-dependent\, such as in a “purchase” of love?\nDoes generosity’s near companion\, compassion\, inform of us when acceptance (a kind of generosity) may be unwholesome and when it isn’t?\nIs listening always generous?\nAre passivity or aggressiveness sometimes generous and sometimes not?\n\nWe’ll engage is scenarios that enact and demonstrate these various perceptions\, for each of the six Assets Beyond Measure we’ll develop in this course. Better still\, it will be fun. \nHow do I know I’ll feel comfortable?\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 to reach “beyond happiness” for something more lasting.\n\nWhat’s expected from me if I come to this course?\n\nCome with an open and engaged attitude.\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\nSample Daily Schedule:\n\n6:30 Wake up\n6:45 – 7:15 Meditation\n7:15 – 8:15 Breakfast\n8:15 – 9:45 Talk on the theme of Assets Beyond Happiness\n10:00 – 11:30 Exercises[2] from the talk (on developing these assets alone and in groups)\n11:30 – 12:30 Integration time: walk or reflection\n12:30 – 1:30 Lunch\n1:30 – 2:00 Rest\n2:00 – 3:30[3] Karma Yoga: an opportunity to practice the Asset currently under discussion in an active working situation\, so that you may be sure of being able to replicate what you’ve learned in your life back home.\n3:30 – 5:30 Exercises: combining what we’ve learned from the class\, exercises and karma yoga activity\, we adjust and deepen our exploration of the Asset.\n5:30 – 6:00 Integration time: walk or reflection\n6:00 – 7:15 Supper and clean up\n7:15 – 8:30 Group meditation\, ending with Q & A about the day and discussion of any points or difficulties encountered\n8:30 – 9:30 Integration time: walk\, reflection or journaling.\n9:30 – 10:00 Integrative / creative meditation\n10:00 – Bedtime\n\nWhy Come To Clear Sky: Experience the difference:\n© C. Pawasarat \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\nFrom Us to You:\nWe look forward to meeting you and sharing some of the jewels of humanity’s search for meaning. In this age of superheroes as an archetype\, this course will bring you into closer contact with the true superhero motif within yourself. That superhero is awake\, compassionate and loving because s(he) lives immersed in the Assets Beyond Measure you’ve developed. From this perspective\, there are no battles to be fought: the enemy – hurt\, anxiety\, loneliness\, etc. – have already been defeated. \nWe offer this course as a potentially grand step forward in your ongoing growth and learning – see you here. \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.\n[2] See the section on How We Work on this page.\n[3] The time of day will vary depending on the form of service. \nCourse Schedule: \n\nFriday\, June 3rd\, 7pm – 9pm\nSaturday\, June 4th\, 7am – 10pm\nSunday\, June 5th\, 7am – 10pm\nMonday June 6th\, 7am – 1pm URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/weekendretreat-assets-beyond-measure/ 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/2016/01/AssestsBeyond.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160522T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160522T160000 DTSTAMP:20180419T220324Z CREATED:20160110T005218Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180419T220324Z UID:10000341-1463929200-1463932800@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. \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 20th 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 \nPowered by Eventbrite URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-with-the-teachers-may22/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Office-Hour-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160508T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160508T160000 DTSTAMP:20180419T220324Z CREATED:20160108T192322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180419T220324Z UID:10000340-1462719600-1462723200@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. \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.d. \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 6th 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\n \nPowered by Eventbrite URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-with-the-teachers-may8/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Office-Hour-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160425 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160524 DTSTAMP:20230214T193100Z CREATED:20160106T003925Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230214T193100Z UID:10000508-1461542400-1464047999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Mahayana Sutras: Webinar Series DESCRIPTION:Join Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat for this second of four enlightening webinar series on fundamental teachings of buddhadharma and awakening throughout 2016.  This series is on the Mahayana Sutras and is streamed in four classes over four weeks.  These webinars are open to all.  For participants of the 2016 Year of Awakening program\, these webinars are also part of of the program’s curriculum. \n© Catherine Pawasarat \nIn the second quarter of 2016 (25 Apr – 22 May) we will examine some Mahayana sutras\, teachings that\, it’s said\, were received as termas centuries after the Buddha’s death. \nMahayana teachings build on the Theravadin “teachings of the elders\,” from a foundation of an individual’s awakening experience towards using that awakening to benefit all beings. Generally speaking Mahayana sutras are considerably longer and more complex than Hinyana suttas. Over these four webinars we’ll study two major\, classic sutras\, in order to get a feeling for  this later development of Buddhist philosophy and its salient features. Please see the details on specific sutras in the schedule below. \n© Catherine Pawasarat \nSome sources say that Mahayana sutras are teachings by the Buddha that were too advanced to be understood contemporaneously. Consequently they were hidden during his lifetime and revealed centuries later as termas. \nMahayana Buddhism exists primarily in China\, Korea and Japan. Since Doug Duncan lived in Japan for more than 10 years\, and Catherine for more than 20\, our teachings have been deeply influenced by Japanese culture\, and by extension\, Japan’s Mahayana Buddhism. \nLater in the year we’ll study the four levels of Vajrayana tantra and spiritual teachings from Western traditions. \nWe are pleased to share these teachings with all who are interested\, particularly in the context of this methodical approach to the different Buddhist vehicles and Western teachings that comprise our Path. \nPlease note that one of the benefits of the Year of Awakening program is priority for webinar participation. \n\nWebinar Details:\n\nSchedule: Mondays 7:30pm\, Mountain Standard Time (MST) – Apr 25\, May 2\, 9\, and 16 (see below for details).  Pre-reading begins Apr 18. There will be reading between each subsequent class.\n\n\nThe webinar teachings are recorded\, and available for one week after the live session. These classes are open and recordings are also available to all registrants.\n\n\nClick on the “Register Now” buttons below to attend the webinars. By registering for the first webinar\, you will also receive registration links for the subsequent three webinars.\n\n\nHomework for anyone attending teachings: read the sutta before the class\, and look up any terminology unfamiliar to you.\n\n\nPlease note that Office Hours (Saturdays 3-4pm MST) noted below are for the Year of Awakening program participants only.\n\n\nIf you’re not a Year of Awakening program participant\, we encourage you to join us for PlanetDharma’s regular semi-monthly Office Hours\, with questions about the suttas and/or your daily practice. It’s also an opportunity to connect with the teachers\, the community of practice (sangha)\, and the awakening mindstream. The Office Hours are truly a precious opportunity to solidify and deepen our understanding and practice.\n\n\nDāna\nThese webinars are offered by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat on the basis of dāna\, or generosity practice.  There will be an opportunity for you to give dāna when you register\, below. Learn more about dāna. \n  \n  \nTranslation Details:\nIn these four webinars we will study the Diamond Sūtra\, and the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra. \nFor the Diamond Sutra\, we highly recommend Namgyal Rinpoche’s book Suchness – The Diamond State Of Realization available from Bodhi Publishing.  The same translation of the Sutra is also available in the book The Diamond Sutra and The Sutra of Hui-Neng\, translated by A.F. Price and Wong Mou-lam\, published by Shambhala Classics. Both books contain the version of the Diamond Sutra that Doug Sensei studied with Namgyal Rinpoche\, and is available as a Kindle e-book\, paperback or hardcover. \nFor the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sūtra we recommend either or both these books: The Holy Teaching of Vimlakirti by Robert Thurman and/or the Vimlakirti Sutra by Burton Watson. \nPlease procure your copies well in advance\, as shipping may take some time. \nOther versions are available\, and please note that the translations vary widely. \n  \n\nSchedule: April 25 – May 16\n\nMon.\, Apr. 25: Mahayana Sutras Part One: The Diamond Sutra\n\nThis is the first webinar in this series on the Mahayana sutras\, mystical texts that were revealed in the Common Era. Join Doug and Catherine Sensei for a study of the Diamond Sutra\, a small book\, and also the very essence or core of the Maha-Prajnaparamita (Greater Perfection of Wisdom) of which it’s a part. The latter’s many volumes form the largest part of the scriptural canon of the Mahayana school of Buddhism. \nThe Diamond Sutra is written in the form of a dialogue about the bodhisattva path and enlightenment between the Buddha to Subhuti\, one of his senior students. It heavily influenced Chinese Chan and Japanese Zen schools of Buddhism. \nIts theme is the diamond state of realization. The diamond or thunderbolt cuts through delusional states of mind to reveal wisdom and ultimate truth. The sutra sheds light on major themes such as non-attachment\, non-self and emptiness. \n“Whosoever can receive and retain this teaching\, study it\, recite it and spread it abroad will be clearly perceived and recognized by the Tathagata and will achieve a perfection of merit beyond measurement \nImage: Vimalakirti\, by Hakuin Ekaku\, ink on paper\, 127 x 69.3 cm. Minneapolis Museum of Art \nor calculation – a perfection of merit unlimited and inconceivable.” – The Buddha (The Diamond Sutra\, Section XV\, The Incomparable Value of This Teaching)\nHow is that for motivation? \nStreamed live at 7:30pm MST. Pre-registration for each webinar is required\, please use the “Register Now” button below: \nPre-Reading assignment: Mon.\, Apr. 17 – Sun.\, Apr. 24: Read the first half of The Diamond Sutra. There will be reading between each subsequent class. \n[Office Hours for Year of Awakening Participants will take place on Sat.\, Apr. 30. This is a time for questions on the Diamond Sutra and related teachings.] \nMon\, May 2: Mahayana Sutras Part Two: The Diamond Sutra\n \nWe continue our study of the illusory nature of self\, the pursuit of non-attachment and emptiness as ultimate reality with the Diamond Sutra. \nStreamed live at 7:30pm MST. Pre-registration for each webinar is required\, please use the button below: \n[Office Hours for Year of Awakening Participants will take place on Sat.\, May 7\, and for other participants on Sun.\, May 8. This is a time for questions the Diamond Sutra and related teachings.] \n \nMon\, May 9: Mahayana Sutras Part Three: Vimlakirti-Nirdesa Sutra\n\nNext we’ll study the Vimalakirti-Nirdesa sutra. Dating to the 1st century AD\, the Vimalakirti Sutra presented radical notions that must have rocked the Buddhist world\, such as the possibility of awakening for all beings\, including the non-elite and women. It was written in the vernacular (vs. academic) language\, and so directed towards the average person\, another startling concept for the time. With the wealthy layman Vimalakirti\, miraculous feats illustrated profound Buddhist teachings\, all directed towards teaching about the ultimate nature of emptiness. \nStreamed live at 7:30pm MST. Pre-registration for each webinar is required\, please use the “Register Now” button below: \n[Office Hours for Year of Awakening Participants will take place on Sat.\, May 13\, This is a time for questions on the relevant sutra and related teachings.] \nMon\, May 16: Mahayana Sutras Part Four: Vimlakirti-Nirdesa\nWhat qualities and teachings in the the Vimalakirti-Nirdesa sutra put it in a different category from the Theravadin suttas? Why did Vimalakirti value the bodhisattva path above that of arahatship? What’s non-duality and why do we care? We continue our learning\, streamed live at 7:30pm MST. Pre-registration for each webinar is required.\n[Office Hours for Year of Awakening Participants will take place on Sat.\, May 21\, and for other participants on Sun.\, May 22\, both at 3-4pm Mountain Time. (click for time zone converter) This is a time for questions on the relevant sutra and related teachings.] \n  \n\n__________________________________________________________________________________ \nThe other segments being taught by Doug & Catherine in 2016 are: \n\nFebruary/March:  Theravadin Suttas\nJune/July: Teachings on tantra\nOctober: Western Mysteries: Womb\, Karma & Transcendence.\n\nClick here to join the PlanetDharma email list and stay informed via your email inbox. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/mahayana-series/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Mahayana-Sutta-Banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160424T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160424T160000 DTSTAMP:20181005T054609Z CREATED:20160108T005215Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181005T054609Z UID:10000339-1461510000-1461513600@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. \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 22nd 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. \nPlease Read: Offering Dāna: Some Guidelines and Practices \n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-online-qa-with-the-teachers-april24/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Office-Hour-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160413T070000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160413T203000 DTSTAMP:20170216T045253Z CREATED:20160405T033932Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170216T045253Z UID:10000355-1460530800-1460579400@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Calgary Teaching: If You Want the Present\, You Have to Open the Box DESCRIPTION:If you want the present\, you have to open the box.\nPublic Teaching by Achariya Doug Duncan:\n April 14 2016\, 7pm-8:30pm\n\nDoug Duncan – a Canadian-born teacher with an eclectic approach and eccentric sense of humour – 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 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. \nAbout The Teacher\nAchariya Doug Duncan has been teaching the Buddhist path to awakening for over three decades. In 2005\, Duncan founded Clear Sky Meditation Center in Cranbrook\, BC. He continues to travel around the world leading retreats and classes with his partner and co-teacher Catherine Pawasarat. \nKnown for his direct and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces the full spectrum of the various traditions he employs in order to mentor beings to a more awakened state. His great sense of humour\, caring attitude and sometimes very direct involvement makes him an effective catalyst for opening the shadow\, for very practical application of the teachings\, for humorous and gentle relief when tensions mount and through a diverse range of explorations expands the teachings to include all aspects of life. More about Doug Duncan Sensei. \nDāna\nThis teaching is offered by Sensei as a form of Dāna (traditional generosity giving) and likewise\, attendees are asked to reciprocate generously to the teacher. There will be a Dāna bowl available at the foyer of the Dharma Hub for you to give your offering.  More information: Dāna Guidelines and Practice.  \nAdministration Fee: The Dharma Hub will be charging a $10 administration fee for the class\, which does not go to the teacher. \nDetails:\nTime: The class will start at 7pm\, please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start on time. \nLocation: Dharma Hub Calgary is located at 2232 Bowness Rd\, NW in West Hillhurst (near Kensington\, not in Bowness). \nFor registration & to pay the administration fee online\, visit the Dharma Hub website for full details. \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/calgary-public-teachings-want-the-present-open-the-box/ 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/2016/04/sensei-present-calgary.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:20160411T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160411T190000 DTSTAMP:20170216T045253Z CREATED:20160319T172622Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170216T045253Z UID:10000354-1460397600-1460401200@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:London Public Teaching by Achariya Doug Duncan DESCRIPTION:If You Want the Present\, You Have to Open the Box.\nLondon Public Teaching by Achariya Doug Duncan:\n April 11 2016\, Watkins Books\, 6pm – 7pm\n\nDoug Duncan – a Canadian-born teacher with an eclectic approach and eccentric sense of humour – 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 will share how we can do this\, and enjoy doing it\, during our busy modern lives. Nothing less that spiritual awakening is the inevitable result. \nDoug’s talk will be at 6pm at Watkins Books\, 19-21 Cecil Court\, London WC2N 4EZ …\nGetting there by tube: Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines): take a Charing Cross Road exit and turn in the direction of Trafalgar Square. After a short walk you will find Cecil Court on your left and the shop half way down this famous pedestrian alley. \nAlso check out Doug Duncan Sensei’s full UK retreat here. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/london-public-teaching-by-achariya-doug-duncan/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/sensei-want-the-present-london.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20160401 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160409 DTSTAMP:20170224T004042Z CREATED:20160131T002234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170224T004042Z UID:10000509-1459468800-1460159999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Calm and Clear\, UK Retreat with Doug Duncan Sensei DESCRIPTION:Calm and Clear Retreat at Maitreya House in the UK \nInviting Insight\, Bliss & Wisdom into our lives Fri. April 1 – Fri. April 8 \nWould you like to feel more calm and clear? How do you imagine it would affect your quality of life? Calm and Clear is a kind of meditation method\, and it applies to the day-to-day. Although it’s a text and practice rooted in Vajrayana Buddhism\, the applications can apply just as well in the office\, at home\, in recreation and even in our personal and professional relationships. Imagine bringing a sense of calmness and clarity to all of those places! \nThis has been called “analytical meditation” because it focuses on insight\, our mind’s incredible ability to understand. Its partner\, sammatha\, is also known as bliss meditation; it’s considered the great healer\, because when bliss is present\, it supersedes all mental and physical anguish. \nThese are not empty promises: as we all know\, bliss can be interrupted and difficult to regain. Therefore\, we need to understand the nature of what interrupts the bliss\, which means developing more insight. We also learn the supporting conditions of mind that can re-establish the bliss\, and reveal a kind of bliss we didn’t recognize before. \nWhat kind of bliss is that? You may be asking. This is the bliss of a calm\, clear\, awake luminosity of consciousness\, which generates both bliss and insight. Combined\, we call them wisdom:  Wisdom is generated when bliss conjoins with clarity and focuses on a question or investigation of some kind. \nThis retreat/advance takes place over one week on the Welsh borders (Fri.4pm\, April 1 – Fri 4pm\, April 8) at historic Maitreya House\, set in a beautiful and homey pastoral environment surrounded by hedgerows and working small-scale farms.\nThe daily schedule is approachable for both beginner and advanced practitioners. \nFor further information contact:\ndharmaeurope@outlook.com\nJonathan 07891 621865 or Zoe 07861 247357\nVenue: Maitreya House\, Lower Maescoed\, Hereford HR2 0HP\n(Nearest stations Abergavenney and Hereford) \nAlso check out Doug Duncan Sensei’s London public talk on April 11th click here for details. \nRetreat organization fees: \n\n£500 early bird rate (Full payment required by Feb. 15th) or £600 for payments received after Feb 15th. This includes course fees\, food and accommodation; Dāna for the teacher is extra.\n£100 non-refundable deposit required to secure a place.\n\nRetreatants can also join Doug on a trip to Winchester (8th-11th April – details on application). \nTranslation available into German (and into French if requested in advance) \nDāna\nPlease click for more about offering Dāna. \nRegister Now\nIf you are interested in attending\, please contact the organizers as soon as possible.  Email: dharmaeurope@outlook.com URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/calm-and-clear-retreat-with-doug-duncan-sensei/ 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/calm-clear-uk-retreat-2016-sensei.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=America/Edmonton:20160320T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160320T160000 DTSTAMP:20181005T054650Z CREATED:20160103T191912Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181005T054650Z UID:10000507-1458486000-1458489600@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. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nIf you are unable to attend live\, you can register to receive access to the recording for up to one week after the office hour finishes. In this case\, if you have a question you will need to submit it beforehand. \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 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. \n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-march-20/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Office-Hour-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160306T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160306T160000 DTSTAMP:20181005T054727Z CREATED:20160103T191140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181005T054727Z UID:10000506-1457276400-1457280000@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. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nIf you are unable to attend live\, you can register to receive access to the recording for up to one week after the office hour finishes. In this case\, if you have a question you will need to submit it beforehand. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \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\nRegistrations Close: Friday\, March 4th\, 9pm (Mountain Time)\n\n\n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-march-6/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Office-Hour-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160222T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160222T210000 DTSTAMP:20180830T162644Z CREATED:20151125T011715Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180830T162644Z UID:10000502-1456169400-1456174800@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:The Theravadin Suttas: Webinar Series DESCRIPTION:Join Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat throughout 2016 for four enlightening webinar series on fundamental teachings of buddhadharma and awakening.  These webinars are open to all. \nIn the first quarter of 2016 (Feb 22 – March 26\, 2016) we will examine some classic Theravada suttas\, teachings by the Buddha that have been recited and passed down orally by traditional Buddhist practitioners since the Buddha’s lifetime. These are taken from the Majjhima Nikaya or Middle-Length Sayings\, also known as the Middle-Length Discourses\, teachings given by the Buddha. Subsequent webinars in 2016 include the Mahayana sutras in April/May\, teachings on tantra in June/July\, and on Western mysteries in October. For participants of the 2016 Year of Awakening program\, these webinars are also part of of the program’s curriculum.\n \n© Daniella Hartmann (flickr) \nTheravada (a.k.a. Hinayana) teachings are considered the teachings of the elders. Our purpose is to familiarize ourselves with a sampling of these fundamental discourses\, to learn about the unique offerings of the Theravadin tradition. \nMore to the point\, we’ll get a better sense of how these teachings have shaped our lineage’s diverse path. Our Canadian-born teacher\, Namgyal Rinpoche\, first trained as a Theravadan monk\, ordained Ananda Bodhi. He was trained for seven years by the Burmese insight master U Thila Wunta Sayadaw at his monastery in Yangon. Through this line our lineage can be traced from student to teacher\, back to the Buddha. \nLater in the year we’ll study Mahayana sutras\, Vajrayana tantras\, and spiritual teachings from Western traditions. Please see the Year of Awakening program webpage for an overview and schedule. \nWe are pleased to share these teachings with all who are interested\, particularly in the context of this methodical approach to the different Buddhist vehicles and Western teachings that comprise our Path. \nPlease note that one of the benefits of the Year of Awakening program is priority for webinar participation. \n\nWebinar Details:\n\nThis online course consists of four webinars\, presenting the suttas as a single body of work.\n\n\nSchedule: Mondays 7:30pm\, Mountain Standard Time (MST)- Feb 29\, March 7\, 14 and 21 (see below for details).  Pre-reading begins Feb 22. There will be reading between each subsequent class.\n\n\nThe webinar teachings are recorded\, and available for one week after the live session. These classes are open and recordings are also available to all registrants for the one week after the live webinar.\n\n\nAdvance registration is required: Click on the “Register Now” button below to sign up.\n\n\nThe US$50 course fee covers all four webinars\, and payment is due upon registration. Dāna practice is separate (please see details in the following section on dāna). Registration closes on February 29th at 7pm MT.\n\n\nHomework for anyone attending teachings: read the sutta before the class\, and look up any terminology unfamiliar to you.\n\n\nPlease note that Office Hours on Saturdays 3-4pm MT\, as noted below are for the Year of Awakening program participants only.\n\n\nIf you’re not a Year of Awakening program participant\, we encourage you to join us for Planet Dharma’s regular semi-monthly Office Hours on Sundays 3-4pm MT\, with questions about the suttas and/or your daily practice. It’s also an opportunity to connect with the teachers\, the community of practice (sangha)\, and the awakening mindstream. The Office Hours are truly a precious opportunity to solidify and deepen our understanding and practice of awakening in daily life.\n\n\nDāna\nThese webinars are offered by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat on the basis of dāna\, or generosity practice.  Our ability to live a life full of generosity in all its myriad manifestations is a profound practice\, and central to our spiritual unfoldment. There will be an opportunity for you to give dāna when you register\, below. Learn more about dāna. \n\nTranslation Details:\nWe’ll be using the translation by I.B. Horner\, published by the Pali Text Society\, only available in hardcover editions (not available in an e-version nor as paperback). \nPlease procure your copy well in advance\, as shipping may take some time. \n\nA collection of all three volumes can be purchased via Amazon.\nSuttas 1\, 2 & 4 are in Volume 1\, available via Amazon in North America\, or from the Pali Text Society in the UK.\nSutta #137 is in Volume 3\, also available from Amazon in North America and at the same link from the Pali Text Society in the UK.\n\nOther versions are available\, and please note that the translations vary widely.  Please see a sample of the Horner translation below for comparison if you’re considering a different translation\, so you can understand how different they may be and make an informed decision. \n\nSchedule: Feb 29-Mar 21\n\nMon.\, Feb. 29: Theravada Suttas Part One: Synopsis of Fundamentals\n\nThis is the first webinar in this series on the Theravada suttas\, 2500 year old jewels of wisdom attributed to the historical Buddha.  Join Doug and Catherine Sensei for a study of the first sutta in the key Theravada Buddhist text\, the Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Sayings).  This specific sutta #1\, is called the Discourse on the Synopsis of Fundamentals.   It focuses on how you can recognize appearances and phenomena as they really are.  Streamed live at 7:30pm MST.  Pre-registration is required. Please use the button below to sign up: \nPre-Reading assignment: Mon.\, Feb. 22 – Sun.\, Feb. 28: Read assigned sutta this week: #1\, Discourse on the Synopsis of Fundamentals. There will be reading between each subsequent class. \nOffice Hours for Year of Awakening Participants will take place on Sat.\, Mar. 5\, and for other participants on Sun.\, Mar 6\, both at 3-4pm Mountain Time (click for time zone converter).  This is a time for questions on sutta #1 and related teachings. \n \nMon\, Mar. 7: Theravada Suttas Part Two: On All the Cankers\n\nWondering how to wisely attend to the obstructions to freedom in your life?  Join Doug and Catherine Sensei for a study of the second sutta in the key Theravada Buddhist text\, the Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Sayings).  This specific sutta #2\, is called the Discourse on All The Cankers.  Streamed live at 7:30pm MST. \nOffice Hours for Year of Awakening Participants will take place on Sat.\, Mar. 12\, and for other participants on Sun.\, Mar 20\, both at 3-4pm Mountain Time (click for time zone converter).  This is a time for questions on sutta #2 and related teachings. \n\nMon\, Mar. 14: Theravada Suttas Part Three: On Fear and Dread\n\nHow might one deal with fear and negative thinking?  Join Doug and Catherine Sensei for a study of the fourth sutta in the key Theravada Buddhist text\, the Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Sayings).  This specific sutta #4\, is called the Discourse on Fear and Dread.  Streamed live at 7:30pm MST. \nOffice Hours for Year of Awakening Participants will take place on Sat.\, Mar. 19\, and for other participants on Sun.\, Mar 20\, both at 3-4pm Mountain Time (click for time zone converter). This is a time for questions on sutta #4 and related teachings. \n  \nMon\, Mar. 21: Theravada Suttas Part Four: The Six Sense Fields\n\nExplore the miracle of the six senses and discern between the struggles or freedom we associated with them. Join Doug and Catherine Sensei for a study of sutta #137 in the key Theravada Buddhist text\, the Majjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Sayings).  This specific sutta #137\, is called the Discourse on the Analysis of the Sixfold (Sense-)Field.  Streamed live at 7:30pm MST. \nOffice Hours for Year of Awakening Participants will take place on Sat.\, Mar. 26\, and other participants are invited to join the next scheduled Office Hours on Sun.\, April 24th at 3-4pm Mountain Time (click for time zone converter).  This is a time for questions on sutta #137 and related teachings. \n \n\n \nSample Excerpt from I.B. Horner Translation\nMajjhima Nikaya (Middle-Length Sayings) sutta #1\, Discourse on the Synopsis of Fundamentals. \n \n  \n__________________________________________________________________________________ \nPlan ahead for the next sequence of webinars in April and May\, on Mahayana sutras. After that we’ll progress to teachings on tantra in June/July\, and on Western mysteries in October.\n \nClick here to join the PlanetDharma email list and stay informed via your email inbox. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/weekly-webinars-online-teachings-on-theravada-suttas/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/thailand-453393_1280-by-suc-pixabay.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160221T030000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160221T160000 DTSTAMP:20181005T054738Z CREATED:20160103T190949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181005T054738Z UID:10000505-1456023600-1456070400@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. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nIf you are unable to attend live\, you can register to receive access to the recording for up to one week after the office hour finishes. In this case\, if you have a question you will need to submit it beforehand. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \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\nRegistration Opens: check back soon.\n\nRegistrations Close: Friday\, February 19th\, 9pm (Mountain Time)\n\n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-feb-21/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Office-Hour-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160218T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160218T203000 DTSTAMP:20170216T045253Z CREATED:20160117T190519Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170216T045253Z UID:10000346-1455822000-1455827400@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:The Cha Cha Cha of Awakening: Stepping Back\, Stepping Forward DESCRIPTION:How would you define your current spiritual dance?  How are you moving forward and when do you step back from the edge of growth and awareness? \nJoin Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat for The Cha Cha Cha of Awakening: Stepping back\, Stepping forward.  Doug and Catherine will be teaching at the Dharma Hub in Calgary.  While they recently taught in Calgary separately\, on this night there will be the opportunity to hear them speak together\, to experience their wisdom\, insight and humor in the co-teaching form.\n \nAbout the Teachers\nAchariya Doug Duncan has been teaching the Buddhist path to awakening for over three decades.  Known for his direct and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces the full spectrum of the various traditions he employs in order to mentor beings to a more awakened state. His great sense of humour\, caring attitude and sometimes very direct involvement makes him an effective catalyst for opening the shadow\, for very practical application of the teachings\, for humorous and gentle relief when tensions mount and through a diverse range of explorations expands the teachings to include all aspects of life. \nCatherine Pawasarat began her spiritual practices in earnest in her early 20s\, when she struggled to make sense of personal suffering and international environmental and social justice challenges.  She has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. Since the early 2000s Catherine has provided dharma training and taught the path of awakening to hundreds of students\, together with Doug and on her own. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living (a.k.a. sustainability) and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies and PlanetDharma\, and a lineage holder for these teachings. \nFees: Dāna\nThis teaching is offered by Sensei as a form of Dāna (traditional generosity giving) and likewise\, attendees are asked to reciprocate generously to the teacher. There will be a Dāna bowl available at the foyer of the Dharma Hub for you to give your offering. More information: Dāna Guidelines and Practice. \nFurther Details:\nTime: The class will start at 7pm\, please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start on time. \nLocation: Dharma Hub Calgary is located at 2232 Bowness Rd\, NW in West Hillhurst (near Kensington\, not in Bowness). \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/the-cha-cha-cha-of-awakening-stepping-back-stepping-forward/ 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/2016/01/Cha-cha-cha-awakening-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=America/Edmonton:20160128T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160128T203000 DTSTAMP:20170216T045253Z CREATED:20160116T061346Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170216T045253Z UID:10000345-1454007600-1454013000@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Calgary Teaching: No Hope\, No Fear\, Free. DESCRIPTION:Join Doug Duncan Sensei in Calgary for a special talk on Thursday night at the Dharma Hub.  Inspired by the philosopher/writer Nikos Kazantzakis\, “No Hope\, No Fear\, Free” is a phrase Doug will share about in this lively and inspiring Dharma teaching. \nDoug Sensei will be sharing practical tools on this night and teaching us how to transcend hope and fear so that we can dwell in the eternal freedom of “Now”. \nAbout the Teacher\nAchariya Doug Duncan has been teaching the Buddhist path to awakening for over three decades. In 2005\, Duncan founded Clear Sky Meditation Center in Cranbrook\, BC. He continues to travel around the world leading retreats and classes with his partner and co-teacher Catherine Pawasarat. \nKnown for his direct and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces the full spectrum of the various traditions he employs in order to mentor beings to a more awakened state. His great sense of humour\, caring attitude and sometimes very direct involvement makes him an effective catalyst for opening the shadow\, for very practical application of the teachings\, for humorous and gentle relief when tensions mount and through a diverse range of explorations expands the teachings to include all aspects of life. \nFees: Dāna\nThis teaching is offered by Sensei as a form of Dāna (traditional generosity giving) and likewise\, attendees are asked to reciprocate generously to the teacher. There will be a Dāna bowl available at the foyer of the Dharma Hub for you to give your offering.  More information: Dāna Guidelines and Practice. \nFurther Details:\nTime: The class will start at 7pm\, please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start on time. \nLocation: Dharma Hub Calgary is located at 2232 Bowness Rd\, NW in West Hillhurst (near Kensington\, not in Bowness). URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/calgary-teaching-no-hope-no-fear-free/ 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/2016/01/No-hope-no-fear-free-calgary.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:20160117T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160117T160000 DTSTAMP:20181005T054752Z CREATED:20160103T190331Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181005T054752Z UID:10000504-1453042800-1453046400@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. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nIf you are unable to attend live\, you can register to receive access to the recording for up to one week after the office hour finishes. In this case\, if you have a question you will need to submit it beforehand. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \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*Registrations Close: Friday\, January 15th\, 9pm (Mountain Time)\n\n\n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours-jan-17/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Office-Hour-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160103T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20160103T160000 DTSTAMP:20181005T054805Z CREATED:20160101T205512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20181005T054805Z UID:10000503-1451833200-1451836800@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. \nPlease bring your question to the session or submit it beforehand. \nIf you are unable to attend live\, you can register to receive access to the recording for up to one week after the office hour finishes. In this case\, if you have a question you will need to submit it beforehand. \nDetails on how to submit your question will be sent to you along with the connection or recording details when you register. \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\nRegistration Opens: Sunday\, December 27th\, 2015\nRegistrations Close: Friday\, January 1st\, 9pm (Mountain Time)\n\n\n\n \nPowered by Eventbrite URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/office-hours/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Office Hours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Office-Hour-Thumbnail.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20160101T080000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20160101T175900 DTSTAMP:20260708T055222Z CREATED:20150901T031434Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T055222Z UID:10000335-1451635200-1451671140@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:2016: A Year of Awakening DESCRIPTION:Announcing our first year-long program\, A Year of Awakening\, starting in January\, 2016.\nDo you feel your spiritual practice and your daily life don’t play well together? Are you swamped with so many options for spiritual teachings and practices that you don’t know what to choose? \nWe’ve designed this program for experienced practitioners who’d like to access more joy and freedom through a supported\, regular spiritual practice. We created this program to help you leverage your practice to triumph over the ups and downs of daily life. \nNote: Program starts January 1\, 2016. Registration is now closed.  \n*If you were unable to register or are new to these teachings\, you’re invited to weekly streaming teachings that take place throughout the year. See “What’s It Going to Take?” below for details.  \nWho Will Benefit From A Year of Awakening … and Why\nWe know that many of you have a regular spiritual practice and a strong aspiration. You probably also have a busy and complicated life\, that makes it challenging to balance these involvements. \nAs a committed spiritual practitioner\, we appreciate that you aspire to meditate and attend teachings and retreats regularly. You’re also committed to your career and your community\, and perhaps a personal relationship. The competition between these worthy commitments and decisions about where to allocate your time and money and energy can be a source of vexation and even stress. \nWhen trying to integrate dharma and our daily lives\, most people invest a lot of themselves into serious practice\, attend teachings and retreats\, and find ways to apply dharma in their life and work. They practice and undertake Karma Yoga together with their sangha. They might even try to be satisfied with the status quo in other parts of their lives\, such as work or family\, which may feel not entirely under our control. \nWe can undertake many years of practice and still fall into unawakened habitual patterns in our daily lives (also known as primitive views\, conflicting emotions\, and a conditioned pull to “just get by”). By staying in touch with the teachers and teachings year-round\, you get access to the ongoing clarity and truthfulness of the awakening mind\, and build habits to keep awakening front and center on a daily basis. \nAs dharma teachers and practitioners\, we aspire to exemplify what awakening looks like when we live it full time. In a sense\, this is the Big Picture of what life is about. \nWe aspire to offer a source and role models of loving kindness\, clarity and truthfulness\, and to demonstrate awakening in action. \nThen we can be a better resource\, offering more loving kindness\, more compassion and more wisdom to our sangha\, family\, friends and colleagues. \nAnd let’s talk about the benefits for you of this year-long course. \nThe more time spent with awakening beings\, the more we are awakening: this is what we call “the tuning fork principle.” This program is designed to tune up a community of practitioners\, so that you can in turn help tune other members of our sangha. We’re going to make beautiful music together. \nA year of consistent effort and application of dharma teachings and practice is sure to yield profound transformation: deeper realization\, greater bliss\, and fuller integration with our daily lives. Increased and ongoing focus on dharma is what inevitably leads us to fuller awakening. That’s something to be excited about. \nYou’ll enjoy stronger\, more “dharmic” relationships with the community of practitioners. This will provide you with support throughout the year and beyond. There’s good reason that Sangha – the community of practitioners – is one of the Triple Gems. \nWe’ll teach throughout the year on our emerging pillars of Dharma Training\, Karma Yoga and Dāna\, so you’ll be among the best informed regarding these teachings and practices\, so revolutionary for the West. \nAs always we’ll be integrating traditional Buddhist philosophy with modern findings in psychology\, science\, and organizational development. This will empower you to share dharma with your friends and colleagues\, in an accessible way that’s relevant to them as well as you. \nLastly\, the program has been carefully crafted with the typically full modern life in mind. The homework is chosen as a trim tab to get the maximum amount of leverage in your life and work and relationships\, with a minimum amount of time and energy. This is designed to be a highly sustainable spiritual practice. \n  \nThis Year-Long Program Offers Participants:\n\nAn in-person retreat to start the year: This serves to ground us\, provides regular and consistent contact with teachers (once more\, the “tuning fork principle”)\, provide powerful teachings and a supportive environment for solid practice. The theme is the Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification)\, a profound 5th-century treatise of Theravadin doctrine by the monk Buddhaghosa\, describing how to cultivate purification of body\, emotions and mind. This sets the awakening tone for the rest of 2016.\n\n\nThe opportunity and support to develop a robust personal dāna practice. As dāna holds pride of place as the first parami\, and since its perfection results in the inevitable perfection of the other five parami\, a focus on strong and consistent dāna will provide an unshakable foundation for the rest of your spiritual practice. It will also ensure the success and sustainability of this program and the viability of future programs like it.\n\n\nQuarterly streamed classes: Benefit from regular contact with the teachers and other committed practitioners through the vehicle of fundamental teachings. Throughout the year streamed classes will be on select Majjhima Nikaya sutras\, Mahayana sutras\, the four levels of Tantra\, and Namgyal Rinpoche’s seminal work on Womb\, Karma and Transcendence. This diverse yet methodical approach to a range of classic to contemporary Buddhist philosophy offer a solid understanding of the teachings and practices embraced by our lineage. We encourage participants to attend live\, and in appreciation of time zone challenges we’ll also make the recordings available for the following week; by viewing within the week you can stay on schedule and be in sync with the teachers and community of practitioners\, the year-long sangha. Weekly office hours provide time for questions that arise during the week. See the calendar below for details.\n\n\nA light amount of home study – primarily reading of relevant texts – will help keep the thread of consistent dharma practice and reflection on dharmic tenets and principles going throughout your week. The readings are chosen to build a solid\, well-rounded foundation of knowledge of the spiritual practices undertaken in this lineage. To respect participants’ other commitments\, reading assignments will be modest.\n\n\nAt-home “flash” retreats. To support a deeper and more solid meditation practice throughout the year\, there will be three three-day retreats for you to do at home\, with virtual support from the teachers. These target the focused integration of deep practice with daily life. These will take place on long weekends (as observed by Canada and the US and some other countries – please check your own calendar): Fri – Sun\, Mar 25-27; Sat – Mon\, May 21-23; and Sat – Mon\, Sept 3-5. All dates and times given are in the Mountain time zone\, in which Clear Sky is located. See the attached calendar.\n\n\nTriple Gem Lifeline: To provide some powerful\, personalized support to your practice and ongoing spiritual unfolding\, this program offers regular\, intimate personal dialogue with the teachers and other committed practitioners\, through regular online classes and office hours. These will include teachings about how to apply dharma to daily life\, relevant to alleviating suffering\, others’ and one’s own. The modest cohort size was chosen to allow for personalized attention and also maximize personal connections between teachers and participants.\n\n\nA unique\, interactive\, Namgyal-style retreat to end the year. On the topic of Namgyal Rinpoche’s Womb\, Karma & Transcendence\, the year-end retreat offers the opportunity to do personalized work on the womb experience. This work is original to the Namgyal lineage stream and to our knowledge is a unique contribution to Buddhist philosophy and practice. People who’ve undertaken this work call it “life-changing.”\n\n  \nWhy Are Sensei & Cata Offering This Particular Program?\nOver the past several years we’ve seen that practitioners benefit from ongoing support to keep our dharma training vibrant\, and our practice alive and practically relevant in our day-to-day lives. We’ve also seen the need for support to keep local sanghas dynamic and growing. \nTo this end we crafted this year-long course with minimal homework and maximum support for your spiritual practice. The majority of it is online so that you can do it in the comfort of your own environment\, saving time and money and travel. The year-round schedule means that you don’t need to spend time and energy deciding what you are going to study and when – we do that for you. It’s also spread out over the year so that you can have support for your practice year-round\, while not demanding too much of your time at once. At the same time\, the course provides context for an ongoing spiritual involvement that makes it a central pillar of your life. \nWe see this year-long program as a transition to a more developed curriculum\, with clearer steps and stages and milestones. \nThe streaming classes in particular are designed to dovetail with activities you undertake with your local sangha. They can be viewed together as a weekly sangha class\, or your sangha gatherings may be used for group discussion regarding the streaming topics. Or\, depending on your personal and sangha spiritual goals and resources available\, the streamings may be an addition to your sangha gatherings. \n \nWhat We’re Covering When\n \n  \n\n \n*Check your local date and time.\n \nWhat’s It Going To Take? \n \n  \n\nHere’s the low-down on what you’ll need for the year-long program: \n\nIn-person attendance for a two-week retreat at Clear Sky\, Cranbrook\, BC\, Canada\, Jan. 1-17\, 2016\, on the Visuddhimagga\, and\nIn-person attendance for two-week retreat at Clear Sky\, Dec. 16-31\, 2016\, based on the exercises in Womb\, Karma & Transcendence\, by Namgyal Rinpoche.\n\n\nOngoing reading;\nOngoing engagement\, including:\nRegular access to high-speed internet access\n\n\nConsistent attendance of weekly streaming classes on Mondays (between 60 and 90 minutes each)\, or weekly viewing of the recording.\n\n-Feb 29  – Mar 21 Teachings on assigned Majjhima Nikaya suttas \n-Apr 25 – May 16 Teachings on assigned Mahayana sutras \n-Aug 8 – Aug 29 Teachings on the four levels of Tantra \n-Nov 7 – Nov 28 Teachings on The Womb\, Karma and Transcendence \n\nStreaming classes will be offered via an online webinar software like Fuze\, Google Hangouts or the equivalent. Connection details will be provided well in advance\, and we’ll make it as easy as possible for you. And please connect 10-15 minutes early to ensure your own minimal technical distress.\n\n\nWeekly online office hour on Saturdays to engage in questions and answers on the reading and teachings;\n-Mar 5 – Mar 26  Majjhima Nikaya suttas-Apr 30 – May 21 Mahayana sutras-Aug 13 – Sept 3 The four levels of Tantra-Nov 12 – Dec 3 The Womb\, Karma and Transcendence\nWeekly postings / discussions on an online platform such as Juice or an equivalent;\n\n\nThree-day\, at-home retreats:\n-Mar 25-27\, on the Brahma Viharas;-May 21-23\, on the Common Foundations (Four Thoughts That Turn The Mind);-Sept 3-5\, on on Chenrezig & Compassion.\nA one-time program fee of US$475 to cover program operating costs for the year. (This fee increases to $500 for payments made after Nov. 5th.) Please note that Clear Sky retreat costs are separate and not included. Click here to make this payment.\n\n\nA healthy year-round dāna practice.\n\n\nOngoing commitment to your own and others’ spiritual unfoldment\, including (aspiring) awakening in this lifetime.\nRegular personal meditation practice;\nAn open heart and open mind.\n\n \nAbout Your Teachers\nDoug Duncan is a Canadian-born Dharma teacher and counselor who has traveled\, studied and meditated for most of his life. He has taught and founded centers for awakening in Japan and Canada as well as being a visiting teacher in many other countries. Known for his direct and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces the full spectrum of the various traditions he employs – in particular the different Buddhist vehicles\, psychology\, neuroscience\, Western mysteries – in order to mentor beings to a more awakened state. His great sense of humour\, caring attitude and sometimes very direct involvement makes him an effective catalyst for opening the shadow\, for very practical application of the teachings\, for humorous and gentle relief when tensions mount and through a diverse range of explorations expands the teachings to include all aspects of life. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nCatherine Pawasarat has developed awakening for the alleviation of suffering for all beings by training daily with awakening master Doug Duncan Sensei since 1997.  She lived in Kyoto\, Japan for twenty years\, studying the traditional Japanese arts and working as an advocacy journalist\, interpreter/translator and editor specializing in sustainability. She spent a year studying shamanism in the Brasilian Amazon before beginning her intensive dharma apprenticeship with Doug Duncan Sensei in 1997. With Doug Sensei and other students\, Catherine helped found Dharma Japan and the Clear Sky Retreat Centre in Canada. In particular Catherine focuses on dharma training and how sustainability figures in the practices of awakening and vice versa. Her diverse and multi-disciplinary talents enable her to serve the Clear Sky board as their Chief Visionary Officer. \n  \n  \n  \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/year-long-program/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/YofA-Banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20151218 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20160117 DTSTAMP:20260606T055137Z CREATED:20150702T030702Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260606T055137Z UID:10000333-1450396800-1452988799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:One Month Residential Retreat: Mahamudra and Visuddhimagga DESCRIPTION:Photo © Greg Molkentein \nJoin Dharma Teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat for their popular winter retreat at Clear Sky Centre in Eastern BC. This year’s retreat will be four weeks in duration\, and will cover Mahamudra and the Visuddhimagga (Path of Purification). \nWe highly recommend you attend the entire one month retreat. There will also be the option to attend 2 weeks if one month is not possible. This retreat fills up fast\, in which case preference will be given to those retreatants attending for the full month. \nRetreat Details\n-Mahamudra: Dec 19 – Jan 1\, 2015\n-The Path of Purification: Jan 2 – Jan 16\, 2016\n-Mahakala Wongkur: Jan 2\, 4pm. \nMahamudra\n(Fri.\, Dec. 18\, 2015 – Fri.\, Jan. 1\, 2016) \nHave you noticed that life is in constant motion? In fact\, the whole universe is one continuous movement of everlasting change. \n“Maha” means “great\,” while “mudra” means “seal” or “mark\,” as well as “movement.” Mahamudra practice is watching the moving mind or consciousness in all its aspects – including sensation\, feeling and thoughts – going through its changes. \nAnd it’s important to note that the still mind also exists\, as the consciousness that watches these changes; Mahamudra practice observes that as well. \nWhat are the difference and similarities between the moving and still mind? How do they relate? How can the mind said to be moving and still at the same time? \nCome join us for our Mahamudra retreat to explore the mind in motion and the mind at rest. \nIs there a mind that can observe both the stillness and the movement? If so\, what is it like in all its manifestations? How and why does it change? Stay at rest? \nWe may feel that we have good days and bad days\, “up” moods when we’re happy and dark moods when the world or other people aren’t doing what we’d like. On completing this retreat and returning to our daily lives\, we will be much less ruffled and disturbed and buffeted by the events of our daily life. We’ll have discovered that what we are going through are simply weather changes – the weather of the mind. \n Course Outcomes\nPhoto © C. Conroy-Low \n• Learn how to develop and grow our understanding of Mahamudra.\n• Learn to contact and understand the nature of the mind that is unaffected by troubling thoughts and emotions.\n• Develop a greater sense of calm and focus.\n• Increase the amount of bliss available to us.\n• Recognize\, identify and build on the strengths and positives already in our lives.\n• Access more energy and focus to accomplish our aims and meet our aspirations.\n• Enjoy a greater sense of freedom\, spontaneous joy and clarity in our daily life. \nExpectations and Inspirations\nTo succeed with this practice\, participants will:\n•   Show up early for classes and participate in all scheduled teachings\, group meditations and other activities scheduled during the course.\n•   Foster and maintain an atmosphere of trust and acceptance in the community of practice that has gathered for this course.\n•   To stay focused on the retreat outcomes\, refrain from reading materials not related to this course\, while using note-taking and journal writing as a means of recording reflections.\n•   Engage mindfully in daily scheduled Karma Yoga (“Path of Service”) practices at Clear Sky\, as part of one’s spiritual practices during retreat. \nOptional reading: \nThe Mahamudra: Eliminating the Darkness of Ignorance.* \nBy the Ninth Karmapa. \nIf you’d like to read this book to support your retreat experience\, we recommend you bring it to the course and read it during the course. \n*The above book hyperlink is to an older edition of the book that Doug and Catherine Sensei are using.  Feel free to buy the newer edition\, however page references will be different. \nDāna\nThis retreat is offered by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat on the basis of dāna\, or generosity practice. Learn more about dāna. \nVissudhimagga: The Path of Purification\n(Fri.\, 1 Jan – Sun.\, 17 Jan 2016) \nBuilding on the Mahamudra retreat\, the Visuddhimagga or Path of Purification empowers us to maintain our newfound insights when the mind gets more involved with all the different moving parts – including sensations\, feelings\, states of mind and other people – that we encounter in our daily lives. We’ll begin the retreat with an energizing Mahakala wong kur and sadhana practice. \nThe fifth-century Visuddhimagga is a foundational text examining Buddhist meditation techniques and doctrine\, designed to lead to enlightenment. \nAnd in order to get there from here\, we train ourselves to secure the mind/body continuum in wholesome states while we are living and working in the world. To this end\, we first need to develop this ability in our contemplative practice. \nThis is one of the primary functions of meditation: the world and our day-to-day lives simply move too quickly to be able to establish wholesome states there initially. Meditative or contemplative training forms the basis or platform\, from which we launch our wholesome states into our daily lives. \nThe spiritual path has three phases: purification\, illumination and beatification. After the purification has been undertaken\, illumination and beatification naturally follow. In this sense\, the major work of the spiritual path is purification. The illumination of enlightenment and the supreme happiness or blessed state (called “beatification” in centuries gone by) are the inevitable harvest of the rich psychic composting and seeding undertaken with purification. \n© D. Steinbock \nThis retreat (we prefer to call it an ‘advance’) provides tools and methodology to help us maintain a clear mind and an open heart out there in the busy\, complicated and often confusing world. \nRetreatants are cordially invited to a soiree after the retreat end\, at Sensei and Cata’s on Sunday\, 17 January. We recommend it as a way for retreatants to transition back into daily life and socialization\, and as a testing ground for maintaining our wholesome retreat states in active situations. We also recommend it for having a good time. \nCourse Outcomes\n• Learn the Buddhist philosophical basis for “ethical behavior.”\n• Learn how to integrate ethics\, meditation and knowledge for improved quality of life and creative productivity.\n• Experience a range of meditation techniques to broaden our experience and understanding of the Path of Purification.\n• Discover the difference between knowledge and information\, and what transforms these into wisdom.\n• Complete a body of purification practices.\n• Personally experience the connection between purification and illumination\, which inevitably leads to a beautiful state of wellbeing. \nExpectations and Inspirations\nTo succeed with this practice\, participants will:\n•   Show up early for classes and participate in all scheduled teachings\, group meditations and other activities scheduled during the course.\n•   Foster and maintain an atmosphere of trust and acceptance in the community of practice that has gathered for this course.\n•To stay focused on the retreat outcomes\, refrain from reading materials not related to this course\, while using note-taking and journal writing as a means of recording reflections.\n• Engage mindfully in daily scheduled Karma Yoga (“Path of Service”) practices at Clear Sky\, as part of one’s spiritual practices during retreat. \nOptional reading:\nThe Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga.\nBy Bhadantacariya Buddhaghosa\, translated by Bhikkhu Ñanamoli. \nIf you’d like to read this book to support your retreat experience\, we recommend you bring it to the course and read it during the course. \nHardcopy:  The Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga \nFree downloads: The Path of Purification: Visuddhimagga \nDāna\nThis retreat is offered by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat on the basis of dāna\, or generosity practice. Learn more about dāna. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/one-month-residential-meditation-retreat-at-clear-sky-centre/ 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/2014/09/winter-2009-mahamudra-retreat380x253.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20151123T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20151123T193000 DTSTAMP:20260304T034024Z CREATED:20151118T222508Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T034024Z UID:10000501-1448303400-1448307000@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Karma Yoga: The Path for the Western Mind in Calgary DESCRIPTION:Join Doug Duncan Sensei in Calgary for a special talk on Monday night at the Dharma Hub.  Doug calls Karma Yoga\, “The Path for the Western Mind”. \nThe typical westerner is so fully in and of the world that while silent retreat work is therapeutic and important\, the chances of spending enough time silently watching the mind is unlikely to lead to a major breakthrough on its own. \nRather than try to rely fully on the 10% of our time we are “away” from the world\, why not try to also fully leverage the 90% of our time we spend engaged in activity? Karma Yoga embraces this activity and transforms it into the ultimate mindfulness activity: by shifting our relationship with our work\, we unlock its ability to produce insight and to clear unwholesome karma. \nAbout the Teacher\n    \nAchariya Doug Duncan has been teaching the Buddhist path to awakening for over three decades. In 2005\, Duncan founded Clear Sky Meditation Center in Cranbrook\, BC. He continues to travel around the world leading retreats and classes with his partner and co-teacher Catherine Pawasarat. \nKnown for his direct and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces the full spectrum of the various traditions he employs in order to mentor beings to a more awakened state. His great sense of humour\, caring attitude and sometimes very direct involvement makes him an effective catalyst for opening the shadow\, for very practical application of the teachings\, for humorous and gentle relief when tensions mount and through a diverse range of explorations expands the teachings to include all aspects of life. More about Doug Duncan Sensei. \n Fees: Dāna\nThis teaching is offered by Sensei as a form of Dāna (traditional generosity giving) and likewise\, attendees are asked to reciprocate generously to the teacher. There will be a Dāna bowl available at the foyer of the Dharma Hub for you to give your offering. What is Dāna? \nTime: The class will start at 6:30pm\, please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start on time. \nLocation: Dharma Hub Calgary is located at 2232 Bowness Rd\, NW in West Hillhurst (near Kensington\, not in Bowness). URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/karma-yoga-the-path-for-the-western-mind-in-calgary/ 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/2015/10/Toronto-KY-PathforWestern-Mind.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:20151120 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20151123 DTSTAMP:20260820T051739Z CREATED:20151031T231813Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T051739Z UID:10000499-1447977600-1448236799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Hero's Journey Retreat: Kinmount\, Ontario DESCRIPTION:For most of us\, the ego is locked in a life-and-death struggle with the shadow. We’re continually pulled back and forth between the excitement of exploration on the one hand\, and the fear of abandonment and rejection on the other. \nWhat is the ‘Hero’s Journey’?\nThe Hero’s Journey is the courageous path the hero/ine undertakes to assimilate ego and shadow\, tapping into inner\, previously unknown gifts to triumph over lifelong challenges. The results blossom as the harmonious union of light and dark that characterizes a truly healthy\, integrated human being. Exquisitely humbled by the process\, we offer all that we have learned to benefit all beings in our lives. \n \nKinmount Weekend Retreat Details\nThis retreat will help you gain greater self-confidence and a deeper appreciation of everyday life by embarking on the Hero’s Journey. \nThe weekend will include teachings\, exercises and guided meditations to shepherd us through the fearless\, meditative and experiential path of the Hero’s Journey. \nLocation: Dharma Centre of Canada\, Kinmount\, ON\nTime: Fri 20th (evening) – Sun 22nd\, November 2015\nCost: $400 (for food and accommodation)\, plus dana for the teacher \nThe Dharma Centre of Canada can be reached at: info@dharmacentre.org \n \nThe Teacher\nAchariya Doug Duncan Sensei is a Canadian-born Dharma teacher. Known for his compassionate insight\, remarkable sense of humor\, and life-changing advice\, Doug Sensei leads retreats and courses designed to guide individuals to attain their fullest potential as human beings. He has been teaching at centres around the world for more than 20 years and is the founding teacher of Dharma Japan and the Clear Sky Meditation & Study Center in BC. His principal teacher was Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche and he has received teachings from numerous Tibetan masters\, including HH the XVIth Karmapa\, Kalu Rinpoche\, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Doug Sensei draws from diverse sources including Sufi\, Taoist\, Jungian and Western Mystery traditions. \n—– \nMore about the Hero’s Journey:6 Benefits of the Hero’s Journey by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat \nOn Integrating Eastern & Western Awakening Traditions\, The Hero’s Journey\, and Dharma-Astrology\, an Banyen Books interview with Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/heros-journey-retreat-kinmount-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/2015/10/HerosJourneyKinmount.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;TZID=America/Toronto:20151118T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20151118T210000 DTSTAMP:20170224T004240Z CREATED:20151031T175610Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170224T004240Z UID:10000338-1447873200-1447880400@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Karma Yoga\, The Path for the Western Mind: Toronto DESCRIPTION:Hands up if you want to awaken in this lifetime and fully realize your potential as a human being\, transcend suffering and attachment and help make the world a more compassionate place? \nKeep your hands up if you are able to do a 3-month retreat once a year where you can live in silence and engage in formal meditation for 20 hours a day. For those who still have their hands up: happy meditating! \nFor the rest of us\, there is another path to unfoldment and awakening: The Path of Karma Yoga. This path requires much less time on the cushion and gives us the ability to leverage the busy-ness of our modern lives into a tool for transformation. \nDoug Duncan\, meditation master and dharma teacher\, awakened through the path of meditation\, but also received extensive training in the path of service (aka Karma Yoga). He and his partner\, Catherine Pawasarat\, currently teach extensively through this path. They have developed one of the world’s pre-eminent KY training facilities at their retreat centre\, Clear Sky\, in the BC Rocky Mountains. \nWhat is Karma Yoga?\nDoug calls Karma Yoga\, “The Path for the Western Mind”. The typical westerner is so fully in and of the world that while silent retreat work is therapeutic and important\, the chances of spending enough time silently watching the mind is unlikely to lead to a major breakthrough on its own. Rather than try to rely fully on the 10% of our time we are “away” from the world\, why not try to also fully leverage the 90% of our time we spend engaged in activity? \nKarma Yoga embraces this activity and transforms it into the ultimate mindfulness activity: by shifting our relationship with our work\, we unlock its ability to produce insight and to clear unwholesome karma. \nToronto Event Details\nJoin Doug Sensei at the Centre for Social Innovation for an illuminating talk on how Karma Yoga can transform the actions of your daily life into transformative experiences that unlock greater and greater degrees of freedom. \nLocation: The Centre for Social Innovation\, 215 Spadina Ave.\, 4th Floor\nTime: 18th of November\, 2015 at 7-9pm\nCost: $20 at the door ($15 in advance)\, plus dāna for the teacher \n \n  \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/karma-yoga-the-path-for-the-western-mind-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/2015/10/Toronto-KY-PathforWestern-Mind.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:20151112 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20151116 DTSTAMP:20170224T004346Z CREATED:20151106T164526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170224T004346Z UID:10000500-1447286400-1447631999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Teachings in Sao Paolo\, Brazil DESCRIPTION:From Thursday November 12th to Sunday November 15th Doug Duncan Sensei will be teaching in Sao Paulo. Details of classes and locations below – visit our Facebook page or contact duncancryle@yahoo.ca for more information. To register simply use this link: Registration Form \nThursday November 12 7.30pm Impact HUB\, Villa Madelena\, Sao Paulo\nDharma and Social Change\, how to work with intolerance in self and others \nCome join Doug Sensei speak about getting in touch with your own struggle with intolerance\, anger\, rigidity and criticism. And transform these strong emotions or poisons to really be of service to other people. Learn how to transform rage to empathy\, strength\, loving kindness and compassion. Learn to make a true difference. \nFor more information visit: Impact HUB Facebook Page \nFriday November 13 7.30pm at Rua Fradique Coutinho\, Sao Paulo\nThe Path of Dharma: learning to ride the dragon to freedom. \nDoug Sensei will talk about the experience of walking the path of dharma to liberation and freedom. Learn how to understand yourself better\, how to deal with your frustrations & doubts\, the ups and downs that appear as you walk this incredible path to a life of non-clinging awareness. \nFor more information visit: Rua Fradique Coutinho Facebook Page\nTo register: Registration Form \nSaturday November 14 10am – 4pm at Casa Maitri\, Sao Paulo\nThe Hero’s Journey \nFor most of us\, the ego is locked in a life-and-death struggle with the shadow. We’re continually pulled back and forth between the excitement of exploration on one hand\, and the fear of abandonment and rejection on the other. The Hero/ine undertakes the courageous journey to assimilate ego and shadow\, tapping into inner\, previously unknown gifts to triumph over lifelong challenges in the guise of opponents. The results blossom as the harmonious union of light and dark that characterizes a truly healthy\, integrated human being. Exquisitely humbled by the process\, we offer all that we have learned to benefit all beings in our lives. This program features teachings\, exercises and guided meditations to shepherd us through the fearless\, meditative and experiential path of the hero’s journey. \nFor more information visit: Casa Maitri Facebook Page\nTo register: Registration Form \nSunday November 15\, 10am – 1pm at Casa Maitri\, Sao Paulo\nWongkur and practice of Maitreya\, a ceremony on loving kindness \nIn the Tibetan tradition of Buddha Dharma\, ceremonies and visualizations are used as a form of meditation\, to contact and work with archetypal principles such as compassion\, purification\, bliss/concentration\, transformation\, and son on.  Join us to enjoy and explore the blessing-level wongkur of Maitreya\, who represents lovingkindness and the evolution of society and humanity towards love. \nFor more information visit: Casa Maitri Facebook Page\nTo register: Registration Form URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/teachings-in-sao-paolo-brazil/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/SaoPauloTeachingsJPEG.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20151106 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20151109 DTSTAMP:20230214T193238Z CREATED:20151021T153704Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230214T193238Z UID:10000337-1446768000-1447027199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Zen and Daily Life in Calgary\, Alberta DESCRIPTION:Urban Retreat: Saturday & Sunday Nov 7-8\, 9am-4pm\nThis two day retreat is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in Zen practice and insight with Doug Duncan Sensei and the Dharma Hub community. Your awareness\, calm and insight will deepen greatly from two days of focused practice\, transforming your experience of daily life. Each enriching day will start at 9am and finish between 3:30-4pm. We recommend also attending the public talk on Friday night to establish the philosophical foundation for the retreat. All experience levels are welcome. \nAbout the Teacher\nAchariya Doug Duncan has been teaching the Buddhist path to awakening for over three decades. In 2005\, Duncan founded Clear Sky Meditation Center in Cranbrook\, BC. He continues to travel around the world leading retreats and classes with his partner and co-teacher Catherine Pawasarat. \nKnown for his direct and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces the full spectrum of the various traditions he employs in order to mentor beings to a more awakened state. His great sense of humour\, caring attitude and sometimes very direct involvement makes him an effective catalyst for opening the shadow\, for very practical application of the teachings\, for humorous and gentle relief when tensions mount and through a diverse range of explorations expands the teachings to include all aspects of life. \n  \nPublic Talk: Friday 7pm\, November 6\nTo kick off the retreat\, join Doug Duncan Sensei on Friday night for an engaging class on the fundamentals of Zen. Zen was traditionally a sitting practice in the East\, but in the West it is particularly suited as an active teaching. He will share his insights on how we can use Zen to meet life’s challenges\, in an engaged way. \nFees:\nDāna to the teacher (traditional generosity giving) plus Organization fees to Dharma Hub Calgary (Friday night: $20 | Fri\, Sat & Sun: $135 advance or $150 at the door). What is Dāna? \nRegister Now\nFriday night public talk: No registration needed\, Dāna to the teacher and registration fee ($20) at the door. \nWeekend Retreat: (includes Friday night). Register here: Dharma Hub Calgary Zen Retreat. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/zen-and-daily-life-calgary-alberta/ 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/2015/10/FB-Event-banner-retrreatb.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ruth Levin":MAILTO:contact@dharmahub.ca 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:20151025 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20151031 DTSTAMP:20260820T052611Z CREATED:20150104T024528Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T052611Z UID:10000492-1445731200-1446249599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Hero's Journey\, Inner Alchemy at Hollyhock DESCRIPTION:For most of us\, the ego is locked in a life-and-death struggle with the shadow. We’re continually pulled back and forth between the excitement of exploration on one hand\, and the fear of abandonment and rejection on the other. The Hero/ine undertakes the courageous journey to assimilate ego and shadow\, tapping into inner\, previously unknown gifts to triumph over lifelong challenges in the guise of opponents. The results blossom as the harmonious union of light and dark that characterizes a truly healthy\, integrated human being. Exquisitely humbled by the process\, we offer all that we have learned to benefit all beings in our lives. This program features teachings\, exercises and guided meditations to shepherd us through the fearless\, meditative and experiential path of the hero’s journey. \nVideo: Hero’s Journey Retreat\n \nFor further insight and inspiration\, read Doug and Catherine’s recent article on Transforming Demons to Allies and Six Benefits of the Hero’s Journey. \nWhat others say about our retreats\n[tmls category=”32″ layout=”tmls_list” 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=”15px” neme_font_weight=”normal” position_font_family=”” position_font_color=”#000000″ position_font_size=”12px” order_by=”date” order=”DESC” border_style=”tmls_border tmls_dashed_border” border_color=”#DDDDDD” ratingstars=”enabled” ratingstarssize=”16px” ratingstarscolor=”#F47E00″ ] \nDāna\nThis program on the hero’s journey is offered on the basis of dāna\, or generosity practice. Learn more about dāna. \nLocation & Registration\n\nThis program is presented at beautiful Hollyhock retreat center on Cortes Island in BC.  Please visit the Hero’s Journey course page for registration\, accommodation and meal fees at Hollyhock. There is a generous discount currently available for meals & accomodation.   Scholarships are also available: apply at Hollyhock’s Scholarship Program. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/heros-journey-inner-alchemy-at-hollyhock/ LOCATION:Hollyhock\, Manson's Landing\, Cortes Island\, BC\, V0P 1K0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/heros-journey-flying.jpg GEO:50.0592633;-124.9628721 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hollyhock Manson's Landing Cortes Island BC V0P 1K0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Manson's Landing:geo:-124.9628721,50.0592633 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20151023T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20151023T200000 DTSTAMP:20170224T004346Z CREATED:20150702T033851Z LAST-MODIFIED:20170224T004346Z UID:10000334-1445625000-1445630400@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Dharma & Astrology: Presentation at Banyen Books DESCRIPTION:Join dynamic Dharma teachers Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat for an engaging and empowering talk on Dharmic Astrology. Fresh off the success of their innovative online course\, A Year of Dharmic Astrology\, Doug and Catherine will share their insights and learnings gleaned from decades of study in how the system of astrology can be used to maximize personal growth and unfoldment. \nAstro Dharma takes the position that a better understanding of the patterning that has influenced us through our natal chart is a powerful key to unlocking greater degrees of freedom. Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat offer a truly empowering lens with which to explore these aspects of ourselves. \nFor more about Doug and Catherine\, click for this recent interview with Banyen Books: “On Integrating Eastern and Western Awakening Traditions\, The Hero’s Journey and Dharma-Astrology”. You can also read more about astrology and Dharma in their blog post “Use AstroDharma to Increase Joy and Integrate the Shadow.” \nFor more Information about this presentation at Banyen Books:\n \nhttps://www.banyen.com/events/astro-dharma URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/dharma-astrology-presentation-at-banyen-books/ LOCATION:Banyen Books & Sound\, 3608 West 4th Ave\, Vancouver\, BC\, Canada CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/banyen-dharma-astrology-pics.jpg GEO:49.2684734;-123.1839515 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Banyen Books & Sound 3608 West 4th Ave Vancouver BC Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3608 West 4th Ave:geo:-123.1839515,49.2684734 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20150829 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20151004 DTSTAMP:20260907T061508Z CREATED:20150122T073121Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260907T061508Z UID:10000329-1440806400-1443916799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Online Course: The Paramis DESCRIPTION:The Perfections of Virtue\nGather online with teachers of awakening Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat for these 60-minute webinars\, one day a week for six weeks. We’ll strengthen our practice of the paramis\, often translated as “The Perfections of Virtue.” Earnest and ongoing cultivation of the qualities of the six paramis leads to our speedy awakening for the benefit of all beings.  Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat will be teaching this course online\, on Saturday afternoons (3-4 pm Mountain Time\, August 29th\, September 5th\, 12th\, 19th\, 26th\, October 3rd).  Sessions will be 60 minutes long. \n* NOTE: webinars must be attended live; no recordings will be available. Registration numbers are limited to 25 people; please confirm that you’re able to attend live before you register for this course.*  Determine your local time here. \nCost: This course is being offered on the basis of the progressive and precious practice of\ndāna (generosity)\, the first parami. Traditional teachings hold that\, while we practice all the paramis simultaneously\, they are perfected in order. \nCourse description\nThe Paramis are one of the most fundamental teachings on the path to awakening. These teachings are found in the Prajñapāramitā Sūtra\, the Lotus Sutra\, and other classic texts. They are consummately relevant to every practitioner\, for they are accessible to people of all spiritual backgrounds and may be practiced under a wide variety of conditions: in relationship\, while meditating\, while working\, etc.  Deceptively simple\, with ongoing application\, our understanding and practice of the Paramis matures and deepens to unimaginable profundity and richness. \nYour transport across the stormy waters\nPicture your suffering\, struggles and illnesses as a swollen\, fast-flowing river between you and the other shore\, where you’d like to be. How will you manage to traverse your suffering without being swept away by it? “Para” translates as “over” (as in “parapsychology”) and “mi” translates as “shore:” the paramis provide us with a raft of virtuous qualities that provide protection from the stormy waters of illusion and negativity\, and carry us to the other shore – a metaphor for awakening\, the state beyond suffering. The paramis are our lifeline on the path of spiritual unfoldment.\nBy embracing and developing the qualities described by the Paramis we empower ourselves to experience the mind of awakening\, also known as “Buddha wisdom.” This is what the Buddha called “no longer subject to suffering.” \nEnlist the help of guides who have been there and back\nIt’s always a good idea to seek assistance from someone who has made the journey before you. Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat have been teaching\, training\, studying and practicing the universal experience of awakening for 40 years between them. Let them be your guides in this exploration of the paramis. \n  \n  \nNeed to hear more?\nThen consider an alternate translation of the paramis that shows the potential of this exploration: “Para” may also be translated as “beyond\,” and “mi” is the root for “metta” or “loving-kindness.” Join us online for four gatherings\, to journey beyond loving-kindness. \nCourse Outcomes:\nAs a result of completing this course\, students will: \n\n\n\nreceive six hours of live online teachings related to a deeper and more comprehensive practice of the Paramis.\nreceive practical weekly exercises to facilitate deeper insights into the role of the Paramis in their life.\nhave the opportunity to ask questions during the webinars.\nhave the opportunity to grow their sangha and take greater advantage of this third of the Triple Gem by sharing their learning with other course participants in an online forum.\nAn understanding of the two variants on paramis\, the six-parami system and ten-parami system\ngain practical tools for use in everyday life related to the understanding and practice of:\n\n\n\n·   Dāna (generosity)\n·   Śīla  (coolness\, or ethics)\n·   Kṣānti  (patience)\n·   Vīrya (energy)\n·   Dhyāna (concentration)\n·   Prajñā (wisdom). \nStudent Expectations:\nAttend each weekly webinar.
 Arrive ten minutes early and use the time to do a breathing or grounding practice\, to prepare for new learning. 
Complete one assignment given during class each week.
 Report on your homework each week and participate in group discussion on Juice.\nThe weekly assignment\, reporting and group discussion are designed to be completed within one hour.\n * Registering for this course and failing to attend may affect future registrations.\n\n \nDāna\n \n \nLike all their teachings\, this course is an offering of generosity from the teachers to you and all beings. In order to generate merit and strengthen their capacity to alleviate ever more suffering\, we are always encouraged to cultivate our own robust practice of dāna (generosity)\, throughout this course and throughout our lifetimes. Traditional Buddhist teachings hold that\, when we perfect the practice of the first parami of dāna\, all of the other parami will naturally follow\, and also be perfected; in this sense dāna is the most important parami to practice. . Traditionally we offer dāna at the beginning of a course\, to commit to our intention to practice earnestly so that we may awaken speedily\, for the benefit of all beings. One of the wonderful mysteries of dana is that the giving never ceases\, and we become more skilled and discerning and joyful with our giving. \nTo give an offering of dāna: Click on the Alms Bowl.  There will also be an opportunity to give dāna when you register. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/online-course-the-paramis/ LOCATION:ON CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/WoodLilyInCata_crop-withcredit.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20150807 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20150823 DTSTAMP:20260806T064555Z CREATED:20150122T070541Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T064555Z UID:10000497-1438905600-1440287999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Retreat on the Tarot DESCRIPTION:Image credit:N0cturbulous \nWhile Buddhism\, Sufism\, shamanism and other traditions offer us outstanding tools for our spiritual unfoldment\, they also require learning about foreign philosophy\, culture\, and sometimes even language. The tarot’s archetypes are something that all Westerners have grown up with since infancy (even if we didn’t realize it)\, and thus they are more easily accessible. The Tarot archetypes – such as the Fool\, the Empress\, and the Chariot – allow Westerners to do depth work and find greater meaning in our lives\, relatively easily. \nThe Tarot claims unique status as part of the Western Mystery tradition. It offers a powerful and concise path of liberation that draws on our own life experiences as Westerners and our native intelligence to help unfold the deeper wisdom and understandings of our mystical life.\nIn this two week-long retreat\, participants learn to use the 22 cards of the major arcana of the Tarot deck as a resource for reflection\, visualization and self-discovery. \nEach card embodies the characteristics of an archetype\, aspects of which exist within each of us\, and each card contains symbolism through which transformation can occur. In this retreat\, daily teachings focus on the knowledge base of the tarot tradition\, which leads us into deeper meditation on the archetypes and energies therein. Through these teachings and meditations\, we discover what aspects are stronger and weaker in our being\, ultimately teaching us how to integrate them more fully into our daily lives. Exercises incorporate art\, music and movement to help us contact the patterns of our being through sensing\, feeling and insight. \nLearning outcomes\nBy completing this course participants will: \n•   Receive daily teachings based on Tarot archetypes.\n•   Become familiar with the 22 Tarot cards of the major arcana and their main characteristics.\n•   Practice using meditation techniques using the Tarot cards for self-discovery.\n•   Reveal and relate deeper patterns from within our being to the major archetypes.\n•   Explore techniques in loosening patterns of thought and action.\n•   Enjoy the benefits of a week-long meditative practice of about 5-8 hours a day\n•   Enjoy the surrounding wilderness at Clear Sky Center.\nExpectations and inspirations\nTo awaken most speedily\, participants will: \n•   Arrive early and participate in all scheduled teachings\, group meditations and other activities scheduled during the course.\n•   Foster and maintain an atmosphere of trust and acceptance in the community of practice that has gathered for this course.\n•   Refrain from reading\, but use journal writing as a means of recording reflections.\n•   Make constructive use of additional time during the week for contemplation and spiritual unfoldment.\n•   Participate mindfully in daily scheduled Karma Yoga (“Path of Service”) practices at Clear Sky.\n \nDāna\nThis retreat is offered by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat on the basis of dāna\, or generosity practice. Learn more about dāna. \nLocation & Registration\nJoin us for this mythical journey at Clear Sky Center in eastern BC\, Canada\, amidst supportive and nurturing 310 acres of natural beauty.  Visit the registration page for fees charged by the center for food and accommodation. \n  \n  URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/retreat-on-the-tarot/ 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/2015/01/TheWorld-n0cturbulous.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 END:VCALENDAR