BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Planet Dharma - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Planet Dharma X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.planetdharma.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Planet Dharma REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Edmonton BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20210314T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20211107T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20220313T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20221106T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20230312T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20231105T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20240310T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20241103T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20250309T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:MST DTSTART:20251102T080000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:MDT DTSTART:20260308T090000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T080000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20210101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Tokyo BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0900 TZOFFSETTO:+0900 TZNAME:JST DTSTART:20220101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221216 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230101 DTSTAMP:20260525T120845Z CREATED:20190920T032322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260525T120845Z UID:10000587-1671148800-1672531199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Sixteen Buddha Body Practice (Meditation Retreat) DESCRIPTION:Sixteen Buddha Body Practice\n Meditation Retreat| December 16 - 31\, 2022\n This retreat is for people who are tired of functioning in the world and want to experience something else. \nUsing self arising symbology as deepening layers of penetration to open greater and greater mind space doors to journey the far reaches of inner space. This practice is a door to past and future lifetimes.  Registration for this retreat closes December 1st 2022. \nNine Vajrayana Empowerments will also be given during this retreat – see below for details.\n OverviewDetails\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sixteen Buddha Body Practice\nAre you tired of the routine of daily life? Journey to new lands of the mind. Using self arising symbology as deepening layers of penetration to open greater and greater mind space doors to journey the far reaches of ‘inner space’. This practice is a door to past and future lifetimes. \nPrerequisites/Preparation: Completion of one million Chenrezi mantras is required preparation. For those who have completed that previously\, please also complete 100\,000 Vajrasattva mantras.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Sixteen Buddha Body Practice\nMeditation Retreat plus Nine Empowerments\nDecember 16 – 31\, 2022 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage of the Sixteen Buddha Body Practice\n \n \n \n \n \n This meditation practice is originally from Tibet\, though it was taught to our Teacher\, Namgyal Rinpoche\, in Thailand\, by a Theravadin monk. The northern schools of Thai Buddhism share much with the Tibetan tradition\, being linked through students of Milarepa. \nAs far as information is available\, there is only one temple – Wat Pak Nam- in Thailand that taught this system\, and that was some years ago.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Undertake the Sixteen Buddha Body Practice?\n \n \n \n \n \n This retreat is for people who are tired of functioning in the world and want to experience something else. \nUsing self arising symbology as deepening layers of penetration to open greater and greater mind space doors to journey the far reaches of inner space. This practice is a door to past and future lifetimes.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me if I Come to This Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n \nPre-requisites/Preparation: Completion of one million Chenrezi mantras. For those who have completed that previously\, please complete 100\,000 Vajrasattva mantras.\nA strong foundation of parami and a willingness to see other dimensions\, drug free.\nDue to the intensive nature of this practice\, we require participants to not currently be taking prescription medication or recreational drugs.\nThe more extensive meditation experience you’ve had the better. This is not a beginner’s practice (we suggest the Breathing Retreat for newer practitioners).\nYou are responsible for your own wellbeing.\nTo maximize your depth of practice\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\n\nThe Location – Clear Sky Center \n\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, the centre is home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world.\nSample Daily Schedule\nHow to get there\, what to bring and other FAQ about Clear Sky\nOur teachings and Clear Sky operate based on the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. As generosity is the basis upon which all spiritual practice flourishes\, we recommend that you learn more about this profound practice before you register.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Plus Nine Vajrayana Empowerments (Wongkurs)\n \n \n \n \n \n On the morning of December 25th we will finish the 16 Buddha Body practice. After this\, until the end of the retreat there will be nine vajrayana empowerments given by Qapel and Sensei. \n\nDecember 25th\, pm: Kalachakra\nDecember 26th\, am: Hevajra\, 16-armed\nDecember 26th\, pm: Mahamaya\nDecember 27th\, am: Vajrakilaya\nDecember 27th\, pm: Mahakala\, 4-armed\nDecember 29th\, am: White Manjushri\nDecember 29th\, pm: White Mahakala\nDecember 30th\, am: Great White Umbrella Mother\nDecember 30th\, pm: Namgyalma\n\nFull Details: Nine Vajrayana Empowerments\n \n \n \n \n \n What is Wongkur? (Vajrayana Empowerments)\nInitiations\, empowerments\, or wongkur (Tib. དབང་\, wang) are considered the spring from which all blessings flow. More literally\, these are ritual celebrations in which a specific teaching is transmitted from Teacher to student that enables the student to practice a new form of “Arising Yoga” or “Deity Practice”. \nFor more information about wongkur\, we recommend reading ‘What is Wongkur’\, which includes ‘A Western Psychological Orientation to Deity Yoga’ by the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche and ‘A Traditional Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist View’ by His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin. It is extensive article\, published by Wesley Knapp. Visit and support his archival work at the Sakya Namgyal Archive. \n \n \n Download PDF - What is Wongkur\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTRATION \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. Achariya Doug Duncan received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. Catherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My teenage son actually read it. First spiritual book he’s ever touched. That alone is a miracle. \nDavid L.Parent & Dharma PractitionerFinally\, a spiritual teaching that doesn’t require me to pretend I’m not fascinated by aliens and cosmic consciousness. \nRachel T.Sci-Fi AuthorThe Victory Protocols aren’t just in the book—they start working on you as you read. I found myself spontaneously applying them to my life before I even finished. \nJames K.Former Buddhist MonkI thought I was reading a fun adventure story. Turns out I was getting the spiritual education I’d been seeking for decades. Sneaky brilliant. \nSarah M.Meditation TeacherCatherine Sensei’s intuitive wisdom on how you can use your astrology chart to grow the wholesome and let go of the unwholesome is skillful\, compassionate and loving. She is the real deal. She has worked and trained closely as an apprentice to Qapel Doug Duncan. As a result\, she has learned to help beings to let go of what is not working and embrace more sustainable behaviours using the combination of astrology and dharma. \nKaren McallisterThe Mindful Money Coach \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nFees and Dāna\nThis course is run based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna.  There are also fees for meals and accommodation at Clear Sky Retreat Center\, where the retreat is held.  Please see registration page via button below for details. \nArrival / departure: Arrival time is December 15th if coming internationally / long-haul flight\, or December 16 by 4pm if traveling regionally. Check out is possible from Sunday Dec 31 at the earliest\, however you are invited to stay for new year’s day celebrations at the center. \nIn order to give enough time to rest from travel before the retreat starts\, we recommend that domestic travellers arrive one day early\, and long distance international travellers arrive two days early. \nAfter the retreat we also suggest staying for at least another day for integration\, or joining us for a few days to celebrate the New Year. \nBooking a flight? Airport pickups can be booked when you register for the retreat. On the rare chance that this retreat is cancelled\, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.  \nRegistration for this retreat closes December 1st 2022.\n \n REGISTRATION \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration for the Empowerments Only\nIt will be possible for students to attend only the empowerments. \nFull Details & Registration here: Nine Vajrayana Empowerments URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/sixteen-buddha-body-retreat-2022/ 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/2019/09/16-buddha-body-practice-meditation.jpg GEO:49.615543;-115.6300709 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre 3567 Cockell Rd Bull River British Columbia V0B1N0 Canada;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3567 Cockell Rd:geo:-115.6300709,49.615543 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221225 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221231 DTSTAMP:20260602T114749Z CREATED:20221106T213813Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T114749Z UID:10000624-1671926400-1672444799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Nine Vajrayana Empowerments DESCRIPTION:Nine Vajrayana Empowerments\n Dec 25-30th\, 2022 \n In Vajrayana Buddhism\, initiations\, empowerments or wongkur (Tib. དབང་\, wang) are considered the spring from which all blessings flow. Join us for a tantric deep dive into nine precious and rare vajrayana empowerments. These wongkur are scheduled at the end of the Sixteen Buddha Body Practice retreat at Clear Sky Centre\, and can be attended separate to that retreat. \n OverviewRegister\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tantric Deep Dive\nNine Vajrayana Empowerments\nNine precious vajrayana empowerments will be bestowed by Qapel and Sensei at the end of the 16 Buddha Body Retreat. Qapel anticipates that this will be the last time he gives initiation into many of these deities\, this lifetime. \nThese empowerments give you an energetic blessing\, and access to practice mantra and visualisation of different transcendental archetypes from the Himalayan schools of Buddhism. \nFollowing the empowerments\, we invite you to stay a few days longer to usher in the new year with us. \nThese empowerments will be given in-person only\, and held at Clear Sky\, a 21st-century model for innovative awakening\, situated in the beautiful B.C. Rocky Mountains. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tantric Deep Dive\nNine Empowerments\nDecember 25-30\, 2022 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What are Vajrayana Empowerments (aka Wongkur)?\n \n \n \n \n \n Namgyal Rinpoche\, our lineage root guru\, put it best: \nIn the depth of the psyche lie all possibilities in a state of unrealized potential. In every being there exists the possibility of experiencing transcendental consciousness\, which when the student is ready\, the Teacher(s) can make accessible to him or her via empowerment\, initiation\, or wongkur. \nOne should regard Wongkur as an event in which the Lama sows the seed of transcendental consciousness in the depth of the student. The seed will lie in the unconscious until the student brings it to realization in the practice of meditation. \n \n \n \n \n \n What Nine Tantric Deity Empowerments Will Be Given*?\n  \n\n\n\nKalachakra\nWhite Manjushri\nWhite Mahakala\n\n\nMahamaya\nFour Armed Mahakala\nVajrakilaya\n\n\nNamgyalma\nSixteen Armed Hevajra\nGreat White Umbrella Mother\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n *Please note: Attendance at a few of the wongkurs listed will be given at the Lamas discretion\, as they require a certain level meditation experience. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other Reading: What is Wongkur? (Vajrayana Empowerments)\nInitiations\, empowerments\, or wongkur (Tib. དབང་\, wang) are considered the spring from which all blessings flow. More literally\, these are ritual celebrations in which a specific teaching is transmitted from Teacher to student that enables the student to practice a new form of “Arising Yoga” or “Deity Practice”. \nFor more information about wongkur\, we recommend reading ‘What is Wongkur’\, which includes ‘A Western Psychological Orientation to Deity Yoga’ by the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche and ‘A Traditional Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist View’ by His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin. It is extensive article\, published by Wesley Knapp. Visit and support his archival work at the Sakya Namgyal Archive.  \n \n \n Download PDF - What is Wongkur\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Location: Clear Sky Center\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, the centre is home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world.\nHow to get there\, what to bring and other FAQ about Clear Sky\nBooking a flight? Airport pickups can be booked when you register for the retreat. In the event that this retreat is cancelled\, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Empowerments Schedule and Attendance Options\nThere are three options for registration: \n\nAttend a single wongkur/empowerment only (no accomodation or meals)\nAttend a single empowerment and the lunch or dinner that follows (no accomodation)\nStay at Clear Sky Centre as a residential retreatant for all empowerments (5 nights)\n\nRegister for the full five day empowerment retreat  – Registration opens Dec 2nd: Register for all empowerments (retreat) \nOr\, register for individual retreats (not staying on-site): \n\nDecember 25th\, pm*: Kalachakra\nDecember 26th\, am: Hevajra\, 16-armed\nDecember 26th\, pm: Mahamaya\nDecember 27th\, am: Vajrakilaya (by permission)\nDecember 27th\, pm: Mahakala\, 4-armed (by permission)\nDecember 29th\, am: White Manjushri\nDecember 29th\, pm: White Mahakala (by permission)\nDecember 30th\, am: Great White Umbrella Mother\nDecember 30th\, pm: Namgyalma\n\n*the exact time of the wongkurs will be announced after registration. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan (Qapel)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Qapel Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. Achariya Doug Duncan received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. Catherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Through the power of long dedication\, deep meditation\, and wise guidance\, life can definitely be transformed. If you get a chance to study with Doug-sensei and Catherine\, don’t miss it. This kind of spiritual guidance and down to earth work have deeply shifted many people’s lives and led to deep awakenings. \n Paul Jaffe\,USA\n Retired Professor & Meditation Teacher \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug and Catherine Sensei are living examples of the dharma teachings.  In their presence\, they have the ability to put me at ease and their teachings (somewhat mysteriously) become alive and intimate. I trust in their one-pointed focus on whatever it takes to speed their students unrealized potential. \n Laura Montgomery\, Canada\n Counsellor & Mum of Two \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n It is one thing to hear or read the Dharma and understand it intellectually. This retreat went so much further than that\, as I found myself receiving realizations of the teachings on a visceral basis\, going far beyond simply understanding. \n Bob Abraamms\n Founder \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nFees and Dāna\nThese empowerments are offered by Doug and Catherine Sensei through the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna. It is customary to offer Dana in the form of cash\, offered in an envelope to each teacher during each empowerment ceremony. \nClear Sky retreat center where this event is held\, requests $15 per empowerment to cover sadhana printing and other wongkur expenses. For those staying on site the centre charges additional fees to cover your meals and accommodation.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Here:\nQuestions? Please phone Clear Sky Centre at 250-429-3929. Or\, email: bookings@clearskycenter.org \nEmpowerments Schedule and Attendance Options\nThere are three options for registration: \n\nAttend a single wongkur/empowerment only (no accomodation or meals)\nAttend a single empowerment and the lunch or dinner that follows (no accomodation)\nStay at Clear Sky Centre as a residential retreatant for all empowerments (5 nights)\, with the option to stay for additional nights.\n\nRegister for the full five day empowerment retreat  – Registration opens Dec 2nd: Register for full retreat. \nOr\, register for individual retreats (not staying on-site): \n\nDecember 25th\, pm*: Kalachakra\nDecember 26th\, am: Hevajra\, 16-armed\nDecember 26th\, pm: Mahamaya\nDecember 27th\, am: Vajrakilaya (by permission)\nDecember 27th\, pm: Mahakala\, 4-armed (by permission)\nDecember 29th\, am: White Manjushri\nDecember 29th\, pm: White Mahakala (by permission)\nDecember 30th\, am: Great White Umbrella Mother\nDecember 30th\, pm: Namgyalma\n\n*the exact time of the wongkurs will be announced after registration. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/nine-empowerments/ 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/2022/11/1.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=UTC:20230101T150000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230101T160000 DTSTAMP:20260706T060642Z CREATED:20220731T234552Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T060642Z UID:10000626-1672585200-1672588800@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:New Year 2023 Special: Enlighten-Up! DESCRIPTION:Enlighten-Up!\n \n Topic: New Year Special \nEnlighten-Up! are uncompromising\, unflinching and kick-ass dharma classes.  Vajrayana Teachers Qapel and Sensei present a new topic each month.  Join online from anywhere in the world.   \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This month’s topic: \nNew Year Special\nCelebrate the dawning of 2023 with us. With 2022’s Year of Integration over\, what will be our community’s awakening exploration theme in 2023? Join this New Year day Enlighten Up special and find out. \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Enlighten-Up!?\nDharma Talks for 21st Century Life\nThe word ‘Dharma’ has many meanings\, one being the ultimate truths of reality\, and the universal laws of awakening.  That’s lovely\, but how do you bring these ancient perspectives into 21st century life? \nThese monthly(ish) classes are a way to bring kick-ass\, applicable dharma into your life.  Tune in to higher truths\, with real-life Dharma teachers from wherever you might be in the world. \nThe topic of the classes will change each month.  They will be thought provoking\, inspiring and designed to ‘enlighten-up’ your world.  In a world that has a tendency to ‘dumb down’ the complexities of wisdom\, we promise not to. \nThere will also be an opportunity to share in small groups and to ask questions at the end of the class. \nVideo recordings are available for those who cannot attend live. \nThese Enlighten-Up classes are open to all experience levels.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. Achariya Doug Duncan received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. Catherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nFees and Dāna\nThese sessions are offered based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna. \nRegistration\nTo attend\, you must register via the button below. These dharma classes are typically held once a month\, with the exception of when the Teachers are travelling or teaching another course. \nWe recommend you attend live\, but if you cannot\, the video recording will be available for one week after the live session.  The live session includes time for a short sharing/ community discussion and Q&A.\n \n Registration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My teenage son actually read it. First spiritual book he’s ever touched. That alone is a miracle. \nDavid L.Parent & Dharma PractitionerFinally\, a spiritual teaching that doesn’t require me to pretend I’m not fascinated by aliens and cosmic consciousness. \nRachel T.Sci-Fi AuthorThe Victory Protocols aren’t just in the book—they start working on you as you read. I found myself spontaneously applying them to my life before I even finished. \nJames K.Former Buddhist MonkI thought I was reading a fun adventure story. Turns out I was getting the spiritual education I’d been seeking for decades. Sneaky brilliant. \nSarah M.Meditation TeacherCatherine Sensei’s intuitive wisdom on how you can use your astrology chart to grow the wholesome and let go of the unwholesome is skillful\, compassionate and loving. She is the real deal. She has worked and trained closely as an apprentice to Qapel Doug Duncan. As a result\, she has learned to help beings to let go of what is not working and embrace more sustainable behaviours using the combination of astrology and dharma. \nKaren McallisterThe Mindful Money Coach URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/new-year-special-enlighten-up/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Public Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/enlighten-up-ver.1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230129T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230129T100000 DTSTAMP:20260706T061124Z CREATED:20221204T210855Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T061124Z UID:10000638-1674982800-1674986400@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Enlighten-Up! DESCRIPTION:Enlighten-Up!\n \n NOTE: This Enlighten Up will be postponed – most likely to February 5th. Stay tuned. \nTopic: Pointing Out Instructions  \nEnlighten-Up! are uncompromising\, unflinching and kick-ass dharma classes.  Vajrayana Teachers Qapel and Sensei present a new topic each month.  Join online from anywhere in the world.   \n Register \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This month’s topic: \nPostponed.\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Why Enlighten-Up!?\nDharma Talks for 21st Century Life\nThe word ‘Dharma’ has many meanings\, one being the ultimate truths of reality\, and the universal laws of awakening.  That’s lovely\, but how do you bring these ancient perspectives into 21st century life? These monthly(ish) classes are a way to bring kick-ass\, applicable dharma into your life.  Tune in to higher truths\, with real-life Dharma teachers from wherever you might be in the world. The topic of the classes will change each month.  They will be thought provoking\, inspiring and designed to ‘enlighten-up’ your world.  In a world that has a tendency to ‘dumb down’ the complexities of wisdom\, we promise not to. There will also be an opportunity to share in small groups and to ask questions at the end of the class. Video recordings are available for those who cannot attend live. These Enlighten-Up classes are open to all experience levels. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) \nQapel studied with the Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche from 1974 until the latter’s passing in 2003. Doug received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. He also received teachings from the 16th Karmapa and other Tibetan Rinpoches\, as well as from the Ven. Sayadaw U Thila Wunta and from a Master of the Western Mystery School. In addition\, Doug has undertaken numerous three-month solitary meditation retreats. \nDoug has been leading retreats\, teaching and training in universal practices of spiritual unfoldment since 1985\, helping thousands of students in numerous countries liberate themselves from suffering. His teaching also draws on contemporary psychology and science. In 2004 he co-founded Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies where he is resident teacher along with Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. \nMore About Qapel | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nFees and Dāna\nThese sessions are offered based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna. \nRegistration\nSunday class time: 9am MT \nTo attend\, you must register via the button below. These dharma classes are typically held once a month\, with the exception of when the Teachers are travelling or teaching another course. We recommend you attend live\, but if you cannot\, the video recording will be available for one week after the live session.  The live session includes time for a short sharing/ community discussion and Q&A. \n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My teenage son actually read it. First spiritual book he’s ever touched. That alone is a miracle. \nDavid L.Parent & Dharma PractitionerFinally\, a spiritual teaching that doesn’t require me to pretend I’m not fascinated by aliens and cosmic consciousness. \nRachel T.Sci-Fi AuthorThe Victory Protocols aren’t just in the book—they start working on you as you read. I found myself spontaneously applying them to my life before I even finished. \nJames K.Former Buddhist MonkI thought I was reading a fun adventure story. Turns out I was getting the spiritual education I’d been seeking for decades. Sneaky brilliant. \nSarah M.Meditation TeacherCatherine Sensei’s intuitive wisdom on how you can use your astrology chart to grow the wholesome and let go of the unwholesome is skillful\, compassionate and loving. She is the real deal. She has worked and trained closely as an apprentice to Qapel Doug Duncan. As a result\, she has learned to help beings to let go of what is not working and embrace more sustainable behaviours using the combination of astrology and dharma. \nKaren McallisterThe Mindful Money Coach URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/enlighten-up-jan-29-23/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Public Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/enlighten-up-ver.1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230212 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230313 DTSTAMP:20260218T003719Z CREATED:20220820T181315Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T003719Z UID:10000625-1676160000-1678665599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Integral Spirituality II: Mapping 21st Century Awakening DESCRIPTION:Integral Spirituality II\n Mapping 21st Century Awakening | Online Course\n February 12 – March 12\, 2023 \nJoin us for Integral Spirituality II – a participatory workshop series with a NEW FORMAT from previous online courses. \nWhether or not you’ve heard of Integral Spirituality\, perhaps you’re realizing that being in a good state isn’t enough.  For compassionate action we also need to work on our stages of development for how we show up in the world. \nOur aim is to share our latest work mapping key areas of spiritual growth – and to work together co-creating the next iteration. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Integral Spirituality II: Mapping 21st Century Awakening\nApplying Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory to modern spiritual practice.\nOnce we understand the theory of Integral Spirituality – and the importance of developing our stages as well as our states – what next?  How do we apply that directly in our lives in a way most relevant for meditators and spiritual seekers? \nThis four week interactive and participatory workshop is to share our explorations and co-creations for an invaluable integral spirituality map for Dharma practice and 21st century awakening. Both for our individual journeys\, and for those of us who teach or help others\, a map of the territory of spiritual growth reveals the work to be done for unfoldment. \nIn this course\, we’ll share insightful and fascinating pieces of the maps we’ve created so far\, and draw on group wisdom to further explore.  \nWhat are the key areas of growth for Dharma practitioners to develop outside of meditation?  There are many fascinating areas to explore – to name but a few:  \n\nCommon stages of spiritual unfoldment\nDana and relationship to money\nIntegration of action\, career and Dharma\nInterpersonal development and sexual relationship\nLevel of maturity how we relate to Sangha\nStages of growth of Sangha / community health \nSteps on the journey from guru to group guru\n\nPicking some of these themes to work with\, we’ll explore some of the typical stages of growth and development\, and work together to enrich these.  What are the patterns of growth in ourselves and others?  How can we support others to grow?  These are the kind of questions we’ll dig into together. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Note: this workshop series assumes a working knowledge of integral spirituality. If you missed our October 2022 online course series on Integral Spirituality\, you can still join but we recommend you familiarize yourself with Ken Wilber’s ‘Integral Spirituality’ and the concepts of spiral dynamics\, beforehand. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n States and Stages: Why Study Integral Spirituality?\n \n \n \n \n \n “We don’t think full liberation is possible any more without an understanding and an integration of the stages” \n–Qapel and Sensei \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation is essential – but there are parts of us\, such as\, how we show up with others\, that aren’t touched by this alone. Meditation can help us get in a good state but doesn’t necessarily lead us to higher stages of maturity. Stages reflect hard-won growth of understanding\, emotional and social range and depth\, integration and functionality in the world\, and incorporation and transformation of the shadow. Without transformative work that touches every part of our lives\, our spiritual growth and our capacity for compassion is incomplete. \nOnly by working on our stages\, in parallel to developing a clear radiant meditative state\, can we truly blossom on our spiritual paths.  This means learning how to recognize how stages are ingrained in the subtleties of our lives\, bodies\, language and behaviors\, so that we can highlight the areas for development. Ultimately the stages work presented in integral spirituality helps us find the strength and wisdom we need to flourish in difficult times\, to be of service to the world. \nIntegral spirituality is a comprehensive approach of transformation working with body\, mind\, spirit and shadow. Planet Dharma’s training path consisting of the 4 pillars of karma yoga/meditation-in-action\, study (of Dharma\, science\, psychology\, etc)\, meditation\, and shadow – embodies this integral approach. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel and Sensei’s 30+ combined years of training work with students shows the great power of this work of developing stages\, both for deepening a student’s Dharma practice\, as well as their functionality and flourishing in life. \nCourse Learning Goals \n\nLearn our latest working mapping 21st century awakening around key areas of transformation in your work\, money\, relationships\, intimacy/sex\, the shadow\, and other areas of life.\nWork together to co-create a framework for integrating your meditation/spiritual practice with your everyday life.\nDeepen your knowledge of  how to skilfully combine traditional wisdom teachings with the latest discoveries in science and psychology\, to foster a well rounded spiritual practice suited for the complexities of the 21st century.\nExplore and share real-life examples of the integral path of spiritual training and learn how to place these on our evolving map\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ken Wilber & Integral Spirituality\nVideo: The Fourth Turning (Integral Spirituality and Integral Buddhism)\nKen Wilber\, the founder of integral theory\, describes the ‘fourth turning of the wheel’ for the world’s great spiritual traditions\, including Buddhism. \nWilber describes the need to make a new spirituality – one that transcends and includes the old traditions\, while also adding new material. These new additions should be compatible with the old\, but brings paths like Buddhism up to date in the modern and post-modern world. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Schedule\nFebruary 12th  – March 12th\, 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n All Integral Teachings will be on Sundays\nwith a new format of two 90 minute sessions per week\n\nSunday Feb 12th: Class 9-10:30am\, Workshop 3-4:30pm MST\nSunday Feb 19th: Class 9-10:30am\, Workshop 3-4:30pmMST\nSunday Feb 26th: Class 9-10:30am\, Workshop 3-4:30pm MST\nSunday March 5th: Class 9-10:30am\, Workshop 3-4:30pm MST\n\nThe formal and participatory teachings for this course will occur on four Sundays. There will be a formal class in the morning (9-10:30am MT)\, followed by personal time for reflection and study and then a participatory workshop in the afternoon (3-4:30pm). \nFlash Retreat Weekend: March 11-12th\nTo deepen and integrate your experience\, the final weekend during the course will be a Flash Retreat (Saturday and Sunday\, March 11-12th). This can be done at home\, or together with us at Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, in Eastern British Columbia. \nDuring the flash retreat you will focus on reflection\, investigation and study of the integral content. Formal class/workshop times will also be held at 9:30-10:30am\, 11-12pm and 2-3pm Mountain Time. \nNOTE: There is just one course registration which includes all classes\, workshops and the flash retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n Early birds get the worm! \nWe wish to support early registration with early-bird admin fee rates. See Course Details section below. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya Doug Duncan received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. \nCatherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why We Study Integral Spirituality\nWe use and study integral theory and spirituality because it is our lineage’s mandate to take the teachings of awakening to new places. \nNamgyal Rinpoche was known for incorporating innovative and diverse teachings of awakening\, and we continue to do so – whether from traditional Buddhism\, western mysteries\, psychology\, science and even business management. \nWe aim to co-create a universalist and 21st-century framework for international students of Dharma. Planet Dharma’s four pillars and five principles for bringing depth practice into every aspect of life – embodies a very integral approach. Our home meditation center\, Clear Sky\, is a living lab for integrating the spiritual path into every aspect of life: community\, shadow work\, and functionality. In short\, integral spirituality is not a textbook to us\, but something we are actively embodying every day. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n l\n \n Case Study on States and Stages - Duncan Cryle\n Much of my life I’ve been a nice guy on the surface\, and aggressively competitive underneath. On one hand\, I wouldn’t like to hold people accountable or get into conflict. And on the other hand I would roll over people to get what I wanted.  Working with the Teachers and inside the melting pot of sangha at our meditation centre\, I eventually hit a point where this ego strategy simply stopped working. \nDespite having a strong meditation practice and experiencing clear meditative ‘states’ I had to finally witness these blind ‘stages’. I started to see the huge cost this was having to me and others. This was immensely healing as I began to see how these unseen ‘stage’ related patterns drove so many unhelpful and unhappy patterns in my life.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nTime and Location\nEach of the four weekly Sunday morning classes in this online course will be video streamed live from 9am-10:30am Mountain Time. The recording will be available for one week after each class. There will also be a Sunday participatory workshop from 3-4:30 pm Mountain time. \nFinally\, to deepen your experiential learning\, a Flash Retreat will be held on March 11-12th\, 2023. You can attend this retreat online at home\, or come for a residential retreat at Clear Sky Centre. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nThis course is offered based on the unique combination of 1) dāna  and 2) a $80-120 USD administrative fee. \nEarly Bird Admin Fees: Register four + weeks prior: $80 | Register two to four weeks prior: $100 | Register less than two weeks prior: $120. \nClick on the tabs below to learn more: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart.” Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity.” With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No one is excluded for lack of funds. However\, it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able. \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure. Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nIf you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nWe're delighted to share that we created a short online course so that you can learn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, the costs of setting up good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online can be surprising. \nOur admin fee changes based on the date of registration. \nRegister four + weeks prior: $80 Register two to four weeks prior: $100Register less than two weeks prior: $120 \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n--- \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nHigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nOnline class systems (Zoom)\nRegistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\nCommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nOnline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nQuality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nOnline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nWebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The inaugural Integral Spirituality Flash Retreat in November 2022 – students at Clear Sky Centre in a study group discussing integral theory. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This kind of Dharma is much needed\, practical and insightful. It is something we need in our modern society where everyone is trying to get ahead of others. Learning with Qapel and Sensei helps me see clearly\, lead genuinely and be more willing to step into the unknown\, to serve others and to learn. \nBat FungSoftware Engineer. Toronto\, CanadaQapel and Sensei teach in a light but profound way – taking us on a brilliant journey of understanding with guile and humour.\nMale and female perspectives help balance with differing approaches. Explaining a complex but genius system that holds all life understanding from religion\, science\, psychotherapy and wisdom traditions is not easy. I think Ken Wilber would have enjoyed it.  \nJonathan Clifford Shiatsu\, Qigong & Meditation Teacher URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/integral-spirituality-2-mapping-21st-century-awakening/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Integral-Spirituality-II-Mapping-.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230326T090000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230326T100000 DTSTAMP:20260706T061319Z CREATED:20221204T211418Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T061319Z UID:10000639-1679821200-1679824800@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Enlighten-Up! DESCRIPTION:Enlighten-Up!\n \n Topic: Guru Yoga: Pointing Out Instructions \nEnlighten-Up! are uncompromising\, unflinching and kick-ass dharma classes.  Vajrayana Teachers Qapel and Sensei present a new topic each month.  Join online from anywhere in the world.   \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This month’s topic: \nGuru Yoga: Pointing Out Instructions\nQapel shares his thoughts on Guru Yoga and “pointing out instructions”\, particularly their power to catalyse growth in our stages of spiritual development from an ‘integral theory’ perspective. \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Enlighten-Up!?\nDharma Talks for 21st Century Life\nThe word ‘Dharma’ has many meanings\, one being the ultimate truths of reality\, and the universal laws of awakening.  That’s lovely\, but how do you bring these ancient perspectives into 21st century life? \nThese monthly(ish) classes are a way to bring kick-ass\, applicable dharma into your life.  Tune in to higher truths\, with real-life Dharma teachers from wherever you might be in the world. \nThe topic of the classes will change each month.  They will be thought provoking\, inspiring and designed to ‘enlighten-up’ your world.  In a world that has a tendency to ‘dumb down’ the complexities of wisdom\, we promise not to. \nThere will also be an opportunity to share in small groups and to ask questions at the end of the class. \nVideo recordings are available for those who cannot attend live. \nThese Enlighten-Up classes are open to all experience levels.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) \nQapel studied with the Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche from 1974 until the latter’s passing in 2003. Doug received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. He also received teachings from the 16th Karmapa and other Tibetan Rinpoches\, as well as from the Ven. Sayadaw U Thila Wunta and from a Master of the Western Mystery School. In addition\, Doug has undertaken numerous three-month solitary meditation retreats. \nDoug has been leading retreats\, teaching and training in universal practices of spiritual unfoldment since 1985\, helping thousands of students in numerous countries liberate themselves from suffering. His teaching also draws on contemporary psychology and science. In 2004 he co-founded Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies where he is resident teacher along with Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. \nMore About Qapel | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nFees and Dāna\nThese sessions are offered based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna. \nRegistration\nSunday class time: 9am MT \nTo attend\, you must register via the button below. These dharma classes are typically held once a month\, with the exception of when the Teachers are travelling or teaching another course. \nWe recommend you attend live\, but if you cannot\, the video recording will be available for one week after the live session.  The live session includes time for a short sharing/ community discussion and Q&A.\n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My teenage son actually read it. First spiritual book he’s ever touched. That alone is a miracle. \nDavid L.Parent & Dharma PractitionerFinally\, a spiritual teaching that doesn’t require me to pretend I’m not fascinated by aliens and cosmic consciousness. \nRachel T.Sci-Fi AuthorThe Victory Protocols aren’t just in the book—they start working on you as you read. I found myself spontaneously applying them to my life before I even finished. \nJames K.Former Buddhist MonkI thought I was reading a fun adventure story. Turns out I was getting the spiritual education I’d been seeking for decades. Sneaky brilliant. \nSarah M.Meditation TeacherCatherine Sensei’s intuitive wisdom on how you can use your astrology chart to grow the wholesome and let go of the unwholesome is skillful\, compassionate and loving. She is the real deal. She has worked and trained closely as an apprentice to Qapel Doug Duncan. As a result\, she has learned to help beings to let go of what is not working and embrace more sustainable behaviours using the combination of astrology and dharma. \nKaren McallisterThe Mindful Money Coach URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/enlighten-up-03-23/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Public Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/enlighten-up-ver.1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230409 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230416 DTSTAMP:20260605T111305Z CREATED:20230122T224959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T111305Z UID:10000641-1680998400-1681603199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Going\, Going... Teachings of Nagarjuna DESCRIPTION:Going\, Going... Teachings of Nagarjuna\n Meditation Retreat |April 9-15\, 2023\n Join Qapel Doug Duncan for a five day meditation retreat on the deep emptiness teachings of Nagarjuna. In it we will study\, reflect and meditate on the nature of emptiness – both ultimate and approximate. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhas mention ‘self\,’ and also teach ‘selflessness\,’ as well as teaching that there are no such things as self and selflessness.\n Nagarjuna\, on the emptiness of emptiness.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Going\, Going… Teachings of Nagarjuna.\n\nHow deeply do you understand emptiness?  In this retreat we will study the pinnacle teachings of the Mahayana Madhyamika tradition that analyse the different levels of emptiness. \nThis meditation retreat will be led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC.  Rigourous study\, meditation and reflection is expected of participants in this powerful retreat. \nAn online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world.   \nQapel will give teachings and meditation guidance from Monday to Friday April 10-14th.  Please arrive and get settled into the retreat space by Sunday April 9th at 3pm.  Departures can begin on Saturday April 15th from 11am. We also highly recommend adding extra nights to your stay at Clear Sky if you flying or traveling a long distance.  This provides extra transition time between retreat time and daily life / work.  \n\nWhile we believe any undertaking can be a vehicle for awakening\, there’s no substitute for the power of one’s own profound experience of truth\, gained through meditation. This is why meditation is one of the four foundational practices of our teaching. \nRecommended texts for this course: \n\nThe Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way: Nagarjuna’s Mulamadhyamakakarika (Garfield).\nThe Adornment of the Middle Way: Shantarakshita’s Madhyamakalankara (Shambala).\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) \nQapel studied with the Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche from 1974 until the latter’s passing in 2003. Doug received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. He also received teachings from the 16th Karmapa and other Tibetan Rinpoches\, as well as from the Ven. Sayadaw U Thila Wunta and from a Master of the Western Mystery School. In addition\, Doug has undertaken numerous three-month solitary meditation retreats. \nDoug has been leading retreats\, teaching and training in universal practices of spiritual unfoldment since 1985\, helping thousands of students in numerous countries liberate themselves from suffering. His teaching also draws on contemporary psychology and science. In 2004 he co-founded Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies where he is resident teacher along with Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. \nMore About Qapel | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My teenage son actually read it. First spiritual book he’s ever touched. That alone is a miracle. \nDavid L.Parent & Dharma PractitionerFinally\, a spiritual teaching that doesn’t require me to pretend I’m not fascinated by aliens and cosmic consciousness. \nRachel T.Sci-Fi AuthorThe Victory Protocols aren’t just in the book—they start working on you as you read. I found myself spontaneously applying them to my life before I even finished. \nJames K.Former Buddhist MonkI thought I was reading a fun adventure story. Turns out I was getting the spiritual education I’d been seeking for decades. Sneaky brilliant. \nSarah M.Meditation TeacherCatherine Sensei’s intuitive wisdom on how you can use your astrology chart to grow the wholesome and let go of the unwholesome is skillful\, compassionate and loving. She is the real deal. She has worked and trained closely as an apprentice to Qapel Doug Duncan. As a result\, she has learned to help beings to let go of what is not working and embrace more sustainable behaviours using the combination of astrology and dharma. \nKaren McallisterThe Mindful Money Coach \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Fees & Requirements\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Retreatants: A Dāna Based Retreat\n This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). \nDāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”\, and is the traditional way in which Buddhist teachings are offered.  With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. You may have come across this in the form of “pay from the heart”. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nYou will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  \nFor more information on dāna click here. \n \n \n \n \n \n For Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $250 CAD. The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. \nIf you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. \nRequirements include: \n\nBlock out the retreat duration and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at Clear Sky in person.  This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule.\nParticipate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.\nSet up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.\nPut away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.\nIf there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet to do a group practice throughout the retreat.\nNote: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registering\n\n  \nAbout the administrative fee* \nIn a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online.The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. Learn more about the practice of dāna here. \nThe admin fee goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nhigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nonline class systems (Zoom)\nregistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\ncommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nonline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and videos after the Teachings)\nquality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nonline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nwebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nMay all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. \nWe welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact registrar@planetdharma.com. \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreatants at Clear Sky: Lodging Fees & Covid 19 Protocols\n In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) \nPlease go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \nCovid-19 Protocols\nOur retreats comply with current BC Covid-19 Health Orders.  Please refer to those provincial guidelines as well as the Canadian federal travel guidelines\, especially if you are planning to travel to Clear Sky Center in person. \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule\n Specific times may change (MST) \n\n\n\nRETREAT DAILY SCHEDULE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6:30 – 7:30 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:15 AM\nBreakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n8:15 – 8:45 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n9:00 – 10:00 AM\nClass with Teachers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10:00 – 10:30 AM\nWalk\n\n\n\n10:30 – 11:30 AM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11:30 – 12:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n12:30 – 1:30 PM\nLunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n\n1:30 – 3:00 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n\n\n3:00 – 4:00 PM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4:00 – 5:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n\n\n\n5:30 – 7:00 PM \nDinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n\n7:00 – 7:30 PM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:30 PM\nGroup Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8:30 – beyond\nPersonal Practice & bed\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ready to Register?\nPlease click on the buttons below to register for either retreat option. If you  If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. \n  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n RETREAT AT CLEAR SKY\n \n RETREAT ONLINE\n \n \n \n \n \n Registration deadlines: IN-PERSON retreatants – March 25\, 2023.  ONLINE retreatants – March 31st\, 2023. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/teachings-of-nagarjuna-emptiness-retreat/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/14.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230423T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230423T100000 DTSTAMP:20260615T112908Z CREATED:20221204T213839Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260615T112908Z UID:10000640-1682240400-1682244000@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Enlighten-Up! DESCRIPTION:Enlighten-Up!\n \n Topic: A fresh dharma topic every month. \nEnlighten-Up! are uncompromising\, unflinching and kick-ass dharma classes.  Vajrayana Teachers Qapel and Sensei present a new topic each month.  Join online from anywhere in the world.   \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This Enlighten-Up:\nCatherine Sensei will be giving a dharma talk following her one month meditation retreat.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Why Enlighten-Up!?\nDharma Talks for 21st Century Life\nThe word ‘Dharma’ has many meanings\, one being the ultimate truths of reality\, and the universal laws of awakening.  That’s lovely\, but how do you bring these ancient perspectives into 21st century life? \nThese monthly(ish) classes are a way to bring kick-ass\, applicable dharma into your life.  Tune in to higher truths\, with real-life Dharma teachers from wherever you might be in the world. \nThe topic of the classes will change each month.  They will be thought provoking\, inspiring and designed to ‘enlighten-up’ your world.  In a world that has a tendency to ‘dumb down’ the complexities of wisdom\, we promise not to. \nThere will also be an opportunity to share in small groups and to ask questions at the end of the class. \nVideo recordings are available for those who cannot attend live. \nThese Enlighten-Up classes are open to all experience levels. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nFees and Dāna\nThese sessions are offered based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna. \nRegistration\nSunday class time: 9am MT \nTo attend\, you must register via the button below. These dharma classes are typically held once a month\, with the exception of when the Teachers are travelling or teaching another course. \nWe recommend you attend live\, but if you cannot\, the video recording will be available for one week after the live session.  The live session includes time for a short sharing/ community discussion and Q&A. \n \n Registration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n My teenage son actually read it. First spiritual book he’s ever touched. That alone is a miracle. \nDavid L.Parent & Dharma PractitionerFinally\, a spiritual teaching that doesn’t require me to pretend I’m not fascinated by aliens and cosmic consciousness. \nRachel T.Sci-Fi AuthorThe Victory Protocols aren’t just in the book—they start working on you as you read. I found myself spontaneously applying them to my life before I even finished. \nJames K.Former Buddhist MonkI thought I was reading a fun adventure story. Turns out I was getting the spiritual education I’d been seeking for decades. Sneaky brilliant. \nSarah M.Meditation TeacherCatherine Sensei’s intuitive wisdom on how you can use your astrology chart to grow the wholesome and let go of the unwholesome is skillful\, compassionate and loving. She is the real deal. She has worked and trained closely as an apprentice to Qapel Doug Duncan. As a result\, she has learned to help beings to let go of what is not working and embrace more sustainable behaviours using the combination of astrology and dharma. \nKaren McallisterThe Mindful Money Coach URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/enlighten-up-april-2023/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Public Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/enlighten-up-ver.1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230507 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230605 DTSTAMP:20260514T110900Z CREATED:20221118T034714Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T110900Z UID:10000636-1683417600-1685923199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Western Enlightenment: The Path of Kabbalah DESCRIPTION:Western Enlightenment: The Path of Kabbalah\n Five Weeks | Online Course\n May 7 – June 4\, 2023 \nWhat is it you are seeking? Make deeper contact with wider dimensions of wisdom. With spirit rooted in the earth and form opened to the heavens\, the path of Kabbalah gives us a worthy bridge between form\, formless and ultimately wonder. \nThis online course is also the pre-requisite for the Movement of the Mandala retreat in 2024. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What is the Kabbalah?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This course for you if: \n\nYou’d like to study a framework for spiritual understanding with a wisdom teacher in the Namgyal lineage.\nYou’d like to make contact with deeper wisdom and discover what is truly important.\nYou’d like to leverage new tools for compassionate manifestation in the world.\nYou’d like to explore the kabbalah as a framework for deeper realisation of the dialogue between form\, subtle energy and the void.\nYou want to understand the building blocks of the consciousness and your part in it.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Discover how the Kabbalah and tarot are designed to cultivate dormant aspects in ourselves so we may reach our highest potential. This course builds on the Tree of Life and is a pre-requisite for the Movement of the Mandala interactive tarot retreat in 2024. \nWe’re all familiar with Eastern spiritual traditions\, but did you know the West also has a legitimate path for spiritual awakening? This path provided the philosophical and mystical underpinnings upon which the Judeo Christian religions formed. You could say it is the inner\, spiritual partner to the outer ‘religious’ face that we see in Western culture today. \nKabbalah also guides one through the terrain of the psychological and emotional transformations that are possible in the psyche. The Kabbalah is like an early map of western psychology from which science and philosophy developed. Additionally\, as with Satori\, Nirvana and sunyata in Eastern traditions\, the Kabbalah points us to the realisation of ‘God’\, described as the limitless\, infinite Ain Soph Aur. \nWhat about the Tarot? \nThe Kabbalah is the framework upon which the Tarot\, particularly the profound symbology of the major arcana\, sits.  This course will teach aspects of the tarot and will also describe the Tree of Life as a chakra system. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Movement of the Mandala Retreat\nThe Movement of the Mandala retreat is scheduled for August 3-19\, 2024\, has limited enrolment and requires this Kabbalah course as a pre-requisite. \nQapel’s first retreat with his Teacher Namgyal Rinpoche was on the ‘Movement of the Mandala’\, an embodied initiation into the Tarot’s archetypes. Together with Catherine Sensei\, he would like to pass on an in-depth transmission of the Western spiritual teachings. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Schedule\nMay 7th  – June 4th\, 2023\n \n \n \n \n \n All Kabbalah Teachings will be on Sundays\nWith a new format*: Morning (9:30am Class) Mountain Time\n\nSunday May 7th – 9:30-11am\nSunday May 14th – 9:30-11am\nSunday May 21st – 9:30-11am\nSunday May 28th – 9:30-11am\n\nThe formal and participatory teachings for this course will occur on four Sundays. There will be a live group class in the morning (9:30-11am MT). We encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \nFlash Retreat Weekend: June 3-4th\nTo deepen and integrate your experience\, the final weekend during the course will also be a Flash Retreat (June 3rd – 4th). This can be done at home\, or together with us at Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, in Eastern British Columbia. We highly recommend clearing your schedule over the weekend to focus on the retreat. Formal group sessions will also be held at these times: \n\nFlash Retreat morning group workshop time:   9:30-10:30am\nFlash Retreat afternoon group workshop time: 2:30-3:30pm\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel [Doug Duncan]\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n apel  and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya Qapel received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. \nCatherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Quapel since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Qapel she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nTime and Location\nEach of the four weekly classes in this online course will be video streamed live at 9:30-11am MST. The recording will be available for one week after each class. We encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material.  \nThe course culminates with a Flash Retreat on June 3-4th\, 2023\, with formal workshop times held at 9:30-10:30am and 2:30-3:30pm Mountain Time on Saturday and Sunday. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nThis course is offered based on the unique combination of 1) dāna  and 2) a $80-120 USD administrative fee. Register four + weeks prior: $80 | Register two to four weeks prior: $100 | Register less than two weeks prior: $120. \nClick on the tabs below to learn more: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart.” Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity.” With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No one is excluded for lack of funds. However\, it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able. \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure. Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nIf you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nWe're delighted to share that we created a short online course so that you can learn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, the costs of setting up good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online can be surprising. \nOur admin fee changes based on the date of registration. \nRegister four + weeks prior: $80 Register two to four weeks prior: $100Register less than two weeks prior: $120 \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n--- \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nHigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nOnline class systems (Zoom)\nRegistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\nCommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nOnline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nQuality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nOnline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nWebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreating in person with Qapel and Sensei is like coming home. It’s like visiting the authentic High Priestess\, Magician and Fool all rolled into two. Well its like visiting the whole major Arcana archetypes all rolled into two people. They are loving\, generous\, knowledgeable\, wise and compassionate. \nMaureen SmithTherapistThe Western Mysteries & Tarot with Doug and Catherine Sensei has been highly transformative and relevant to my personal and universal experience of being human. I am still discovering new and varied ways of showing up in my life; how to leverage talents\, strengthen weak links and lighten up! \nMichelle HeinzPeople Weaver at Retreat GuruThis kind of Dharma is much needed\, practical and insightful. It is something we need in our modern society where everyone is trying to get ahead of others. Learning with Qapel and Sensei helps me see clearly\, lead genuinely and be more willing to step into the unknown\, to serve others and to learn. \nBat FungSoftware Engineer. Toronto\, Canada \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Library URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/western-enlightenment-kabbalah-online-course-2023/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/6.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230616 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230619 DTSTAMP:20260404T102714Z CREATED:20230123T193910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260404T102714Z UID:10000642-1686873600-1687132799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Dharma in the Stars DESCRIPTION:Dharma in the Stars\n Online or In-Person | June 16-18\, 2023\n Connect with a wisdom teacher who has developed Dharmic astrology as a tool for transformation and for benefitting beings. If you are indeed a modern day bodhisattva with the aspiration for a more compassionate world\, this weekend of AstroDharma fundamentals will help you better understand and transform your own patterns and potential\, and also understand and help the people around you.  \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dharma in the Stars: AstroDharma Fundamentals\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This course for you if: \n\nYou’d like to study a framework for spiritual understanding with a wisdom teacher in the Namgyal lineage.\nYou’re wondering “what should I be doing in this lifetime to make a positive impact”?\nYou’d like to transform challenges in your life by leveraging unseen strengths.\nYou’d like to use transpersonal astrology for deeper realisation.\nYou want to understand the patterns of others\, as well as your own\, to be a more skilled and compassionate being in the world.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dharma in the Stars is for those who wish to study a powerful tool to benefit beings: AstroDharma. If you are a modern day bodhisattva with the aspiration to increase clarity and compassion in this world\, this weekend of AstroDharma fundamentals is for you. \n“AstroDharma” is what Catherine Pawasarat Sensei calls her unique synthesis of Buddhist teachings on spiritual awakening (called “dharma”) and transpersonal Western astrology\, based on the teachings of Carl Jung. \nThese two powerful tools help us better understand ourselves and the patterns we manifest in our lives. The more we know about ourselves\, the more choices we have. Then we can make better choices so that we may lead healthier lives. Furthermore\, we can also more deeply understand the patterns of those around us\, and support the potential in others. \nThis weekend of study focuses on the fundamentals of astrodharma\, with the aim to give you the building blocks for what is a vast and lifelong study. We want you to feel comfortably oriented around an astrological natal chart.   \nWhat You’ll Learn: AstroDharma Fundamentals\n\nRead the fundamentals of your own astrological birth chart.\nBecome familiar with the 12 zodiacal signs and their most important characteristics.\nStart to identify the planets and other celestial bodies\, and their major qualities.\nGain clarity on the functions and main characteristics of the twelve astrological houses.\n\nOver the course\, we will show you how to find your chart and we will look at participant charts together.  You are also encouraged to bring burning questions from your life right now – so we can study how this is reflected astrologically.   \nWe will also learn how to use astrodharma to transform challenges and discover new strengths or hidden resources in our lives. Come all\, look within\, look to the stars! \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bonus Gift for Course Participants\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online AstroDharma Course INCLUDED\nCatherine Sensei also offers an online Intro to AstroDharma course which you will be given access to at the end of this course. This will help you continue your studies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \nA Taste of the Course\nSensei offers a 27 minute introduction to Women in Buddhism. You can watch it on YouTube:  \n \nOr listen to it on the Dharma If You Dare podcast (below or wherever you find your podcasts): \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nTime and Location\nDharma in the Stars will be led by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC.  This course is offered online or in-person\, with optional Somatic AstroDharma sessions in person only. \nSchedule / Class Times: All listed in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)\, and will be 60-90 mins in duration. \n\nFriday 7pm (please arrive on-site by 3pm at the latest)\nSaturday 9am\, 2pm and 7pm\nSunday 9am and 2pm*\n\n*The course officially finishes after the 2pm class (approx 3:30pm). However\, bonus somatic sessions will be offered to on-site retreatants who wish to stay for these: \nSomatic AstroDharma (Sunday June 18th) \n\nSunday 4:30pm: AstroDharma with Social Presencing Theater\nSunday 7:30pm: Dialoguing with your Chart – Shifting AstroDrama to AstroDharma\n\n(The somatic sessions will be offered in-person only.) \nOnline participants are expected to attend classes live.  We have arranged class times to be comfortable for most time zones. However we understand that some class times might occur after midnight in some regions\, so if this is the case for you\, please let us know when you register.  Then we can provide a recording so you can catch up on that particular class. \nWhat you will need: Your astrology chart (based on your time of birth or by dowsing). More details will be given upon registration. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nIn-Person Participants: 1) dāna to the Teacher plus 2) accomodation and meal costs for your stay Clear Sky Meditation Centre. \nOnline Participants: 1) dāna to the Teacher  2) online administration fee of $170 CAD. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart”. Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”. With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No-one is excluded for lack of funds but it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course.  \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure.  Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us.  \nConversely\, if you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nLearn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. The admin fee changes based on date of registration. \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n— \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nhigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nonline class systems (Zoom)\nregistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\ncommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nonline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nquality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nonline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nwebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration\nIMPORTANT: For onsite retreatants the last day to register is June 9\, 2023. For online retreatants\, please register by Thursday evening\, June 16th\, 2023. \n \n \n Register for in-person retreat\n \n Register for Online \n \n \n \n \n \n Questions?\nIf you have questions about the retreat\, please contact the Clear Sky Retreat Manager at 250-429-3929  (phone) or at bookings@clearskycenter.org (email). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Retreat In-Person?\n Retreating in person at a retreat center is the best way to retreat – why? \n\nYou can’t beat live interaction with the course Teachers. Being in the same space with clear beings ‘tunes’ you to more wholesome states.\nWe create a welcoming environment and follow a supportive retreat schedule\, based on decades of hosting successful retreats worldwide.\nWholesome and delicious food is provided so you don’t have to spend time cooking for yourself.\nBreath-taking and restful\, natural environment puts your body and mind at ease and resets your nervous system.\nRetreating at our center gets you out of your usual home environment and routines – they can be distracting.\nRetreating with others (your co-retreatants) is incredibly supportive and energy building.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We work hard to support the online learning experience.\n \nWe have been delivering online offerings since 2012 and are always looking for new ways to optimize your experience.\nClasses are live-streamed and some recordings are available for a certain time.\nHD cameras and professional audio equipment provide high quality video streaming.\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n These are ancient teachings that I feel are important to understand if someone is serious about meditation. I appreciate Qapel and Sensei’s unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these life changing practices. They explore the rich history with us and also deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \nJenai LieuPsychology student\, CanadaWorking with Qapel and Sensei at the five day hero’s journey workshop was deeply impactful and has clarified not only my deepest heart’s desire\, but what I need to overcome to manifest it. They are extraordinary facilitators with a great depth of knowledge\, wisdom and presence to share. \nKira MacDuffeeM.Ed / RCCDoing karma yoga\, I watch how everyone gains new insights.  These many “a-ha moments” makes it clear to me that this type of active dharma training is a path that brings the modern spiritual explorer alive and moves them forward. \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive\, Clear Sky Accountability OfficerQapel and Sensei have consistently been honest\, accurate and candid with me. It has sometimes taken me years to admit my self-sabotaging blind spots. Clear and radical self-honesty liberates my sticky parts. Thank you to my master teachers for helping me free up all the energy knots – especially the ones created from unconscious patterning around money\, sex and power. \nEvangelos DiavolitsisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada.Qapel and Sensei are always burning calories to get you back on a path that can lead toward greater self-awareness. When I am with these two very clear individuals\, I am humbled by their dedication to others\, and understand the every-waking-moment responsibility that comes with their calling. \nPeter UjlakiFine Art Dealer\, Japan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free AstroDharma Resources \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free AstroDharma Resources\n We’d like to gift you three AstroDharma resources that we’ve found very helpful. Subscribe to get the following tools\, direct to your inbox: \n\nAstroDharma Reference Chart (Handy printable guide)\nThe 3 Most Important Parts of Your Chart (Video)\nAstroDharma and Relationships (Video)\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n How We Use AstroDharma\n For spiritual seekers looking to grow\, the unique combination of Buddhism and Transpersonal Astrology speed us up on our spiritual path. \nAt our meditation centre\, we use Western astrology alongside Buddhist philosophy and meditation practice.  This helps our students transform their challenges more effectively. \nThere are five key aspects of AstroDharma study:\n1. Understand how to read your own astrological birth chart.\n2. Harness and develop its positive elements wisely.\n3. Recognize and overcome elements that may be out-of-balance.\n4. Use this knowledge to redirect your energy into more effective patterns of living.\n5. Use meditation and ideally work with teachers and a spiritual community to go deeper and fully investigate and liberate the subtle patterns and conditioning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Teacher Bio\n Catherine Pawasarat \nSince the early 2000s Catherine has provided dharma training and taught the path of awakening to hundreds of students\, together with Doug Duncan Sensei and on her own. In addition to Astrology and Buddhist philosophy and their applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living (a.k.a. sustainability) and the arts. \nCatherine is from a lineage of spiritual awakening that values the best of Eastern and Western philosophy. Her partner Doug Duncan Sensei and their teacher Namgyal Rinpoche excel in teaching both methods. This is an ideal training for Westerners\, and an evolution of traditional teachings for the modern seeker. \nIn addition to Planet Dharma and Clear Sky\, her website GionFestival.org shares her ground-breaking work on the spiritual traditions and sustainability of Kyoto’s 1100-year-old Gion Festival.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free AstroDharma Resources – Join our Community\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AstroDharma is a profound and vast study. Join our Planet Dharma newsletter to get a handy AstroDharma one-page reference guide and an introductory video to help you get oriented\, as well as periodic updates and teachings from Planet Dharma.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n InstagramThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Email*\n \n \n Start Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Once you click please wait momentarily. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/dharma-in-the-stars/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Public Classes,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/11.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230721 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230724 DTSTAMP:20230709T065718Z CREATED:20230223T184727Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230709T065718Z UID:10000644-1689897600-1690156799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:As the Spirit Moves DESCRIPTION:As the Spirit Moves\n Online or In-Person | July 21-23\, 2023\n Show up for teachings from Qapel and find out what he’ll teach. It will be eclectic and sure to inspire. In the spirit of Guru Yoga – unorganised\, undetermined\, unregulated. No seatbelts allowed.  *Register as early as possible\, the deadline is July 14\, 2023.* \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As the Spirit Moves: Stories from the Other Side\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Join Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) for an eclectic weekend of ‘old school’ style dharma teachings. In the past\, people ‘showed up’ for dharma teachings\, regardless of topic. The teachings given were inspired by the energy of the people there. \nIn the spirit of Guru Yoga this course will be relatively unorganised\, undetermined and unregulated. So\, think of this weekend like a challenge – what will happen if you have no idea what will be taught\, where the teachings might flow\, how the spirit will move? \nIn tantrayana\, guru yoga is considered the pinnacle practice – and our Western egos tend to have a hard time with this. So\, throw down the glove! Are you willing to take this leap of faith. Can your ego handle it? No seatbelts allowed.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) \nQapel studied with the Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche from 1974 until the latter’s passing in 2003. Doug received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. He also received teachings from the 16th Karmapa and other Tibetan Rinpoches\, as well as from the Ven. Sayadaw U Thila Wunta and from a Master of the Western Mystery School. In addition\, Doug has undertaken numerous three-month solitary meditation retreats. \nDoug has been leading retreats\, teaching and training in universal practices of spiritual unfoldment since 1985\, helping thousands of students in numerous countries liberate themselves from suffering. His teaching also draws on contemporary psychology and science. In 2004 he co-founded Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies where he is resident teacher along with Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. \nMore About Qapel | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\n  \nTime and Location\nAs the Spirit Moves will be led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. \nAn online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nIn-Person Participants: 1) dāna to the Teachers and 2) accomodation and meal costs for your stay Clear Sky Meditation Centre. \nOnline Participants: 1) dāna to the Teacher and 2) online administration fee of $150. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart”. Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”. With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No-one is excluded for lack of funds but it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course.  \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure.  Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us.  \nConversely\, if you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nLearn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. The admin fee changes based on date of registration. \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n— \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nhigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nonline class systems (Zoom)\nregistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\ncommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nonline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nquality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nonline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nwebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration\nImportant: Please register early. The Registration deadline is July 14th\, 2023. \n \n In Person Registration\n \n Online Registration \n \n \n \n \n \n Questions?\nIf you have questions about the retreat\, please contact the Clear Sky Retreat Manager at 250-429-3929  (phone) or at bookings@clearskycenter.org (email). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Retreat In-Person?\n Retreating in person at a retreat center is the best way to retreat – why? \n\nYou can’t beat live interaction with the course Teachers. Being in the same space with clear beings ‘tunes’ you to more wholesome states.\nWe create a welcoming environment and follow a supportive retreat schedule\, based on decades of hosting successful retreats worldwide.\nWholesome and delicious food is provided so you don’t have to spend time cooking for yourself.\nBreath-taking and restful\, natural environment puts your body and mind at ease and resets your nervous system.\nRetreating at our center gets you out of your usual home environment and routines – they can be distracting.\nRetreating with others (your co-retreatants) is incredibly supportive and energy building.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We work hard to support the online learning experience.\n \nWe have been delivering online offerings since 2012 and are always looking for new ways to optimize your experience.\nClasses are live-streamed and some recordings are available for a certain time.\nHD cameras and professional audio equipment provide high quality video streaming.\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n These are ancient teachings that I feel are important to understand if someone is serious about meditation. I appreciate Qapel and Sensei’s unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these life changing practices. They explore the rich history with us and also deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \nJenai LieuPsychology student\, CanadaWorking with Qapel and Sensei at the five day hero’s journey workshop was deeply impactful and has clarified not only my deepest heart’s desire\, but what I need to overcome to manifest it. They are extraordinary facilitators with a great depth of knowledge\, wisdom and presence to share. \nKira MacDuffeeM.Ed / RCCDoing karma yoga\, I watch how everyone gains new insights.  These many “a-ha moments” makes it clear to me that this type of active dharma training is a path that brings the modern spiritual explorer alive and moves them forward. \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive\, Clear Sky Accountability OfficerQapel and Sensei have consistently been honest\, accurate and candid with me. It has sometimes taken me years to admit my self-sabotaging blind spots. Clear and radical self-honesty liberates my sticky parts. Thank you to my master teachers for helping me free up all the energy knots – especially the ones created from unconscious patterning around money\, sex and power. \nEvangelos DiavolitsisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada.Qapel and Sensei are always burning calories to get you back on a path that can lead toward greater self-awareness. When I am with these two very clear individuals\, I am humbled by their dedication to others\, and understand the every-waking-moment responsibility that comes with their calling. \nPeter UjlakiFine Art Dealer\, Japan URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/as-the-spirit-moves/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/2023-Programming-Horizontal.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20230722T083000 DTEND;TZID=Asia/Tokyo:20230722T100000 DTSTAMP:20260518T112952Z CREATED:20230709T022500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T112952Z UID:10000648-1690014600-1690020000@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara) Empowerment DESCRIPTION:Meditation on Compassion: Chenrezig Empowerment\n July 22nd\, 2023\, 8:30am\n How can one practice the qualities of compassion? Join us for a Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara Empowerment ceremony given by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in Kyoto Japan. \n OverviewRegister\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation on Compassion\nJoin a rare empowerment ceremony for the practice of Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara in Kyoto\, Japan.\nThis empowerment in gives you an energetic blessing\, and access to practice mantra and visualisation of Chenrezig – a meditative practice on Compassion.  One of the foundational transcendental archetypes from the Himalayan schools of Buddhism\, Chenrezig (Tibetan) is also known as Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit) and associated with Kannon in Japan and Guanyin in China.  \nYou may have heard of the ‘om mani padme hum’ mantra\, associated with Chenrezi in Tibet.   \nThis joyful empowerment will be given by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in Kyoto Japan on July 22nd\, at 8:30am.  If this is your first initiation\, no problem\, we invite you to come to enjoy the experience with an open heart and mind. You can intend to continue the practice afterward\, or simply come for the blessing. \nCatherine Sensei speaks both English and Japanese. \n  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center.  \nShe has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation on Compassion\nChenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) Empowerment\nSaturday\, July 22nd\, 2023\, 8:30am \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration & Details\n\nThis empowerment is offered by  Catherine Sensei through the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna. It is customary to offer Dana in the form of cash\, offered in an envelope to the Teacher during the empowerment ceremony. \nPre-Registration is Required to Attend: \n \n Click to Register\n \n \n \n \n \n Questions?\nPlease contact Sarah Brayer: Email: sarahbrayer@gmail.com. Phone: 075-711-7882. (Sarah speaks English and Japanese). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Location in Kyoto\, Japan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nThis ceremony is hosted by Sarah Brayer\, a long time meditation student in this lineage and member of the early Dharma Japan sangha. Email: sarahbrayer@gmail.com. Phone: 075-711-7882. (Sarah speaks English and Japanese).\nOpportunities to practice in community. Please connect with Sarah if you are interested in deepening your meditation practice with others.\nHow to get there: Download map with instructions:\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What are Vajrayana Empowerments (aka Wongkur)?\n \n \n \n \n \n Namgyal Rinpoche\, our lineage root guru\, put it best: \nIn the depth of the psyche lie all possibilities in a state of unrealized potential. In every being there exists the possibility of experiencing transcendental consciousness\, which when the student is ready\, the Teacher(s) can make accessible to him or her via empowerment\, initiation\, or wongkur. \nOne should regard Wongkur as an event in which the Lama sows the seed of transcendental consciousness in the depth of the student. The seed will lie in the unconscious until the student brings it to realization in the practice of meditation. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other Reading: What is Wongkur? (Vajrayana Empowerments)\nInitiations\, empowerments\, or wongkur (Tib. དབང་\, wang) are considered the spring from which all blessings flow. More literally\, these are ritual celebrations in which a specific teaching is transmitted from Teacher to student that enables the student to practice a new form of “Arising Yoga” or “Deity Practice”. \nFor more information about wongkur\, we recommend reading ‘What is Wongkur’\, which includes ‘A Western Psychological Orientation to Deity Yoga’ by the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche and ‘A Traditional Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist View’ by His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin. It is extensive article\, published by Wesley Knapp. Visit and support his archival work at the Sakya Namgyal Archive.  \n \n \n Download PDF - What is Wongkur\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dearest Cata Sensei\,\nTHANK YOU – for holding and shining the outstanding love\, care\, compassion and wisdom that you do. We are so grateful to have you in our lives and for your presence in this world of ours.\nMuch love\, gratitude and appreciation to you for the incredible woman\, teacher and human being your are. Thank you for being a true light and inspiration in this world. \nRuth LevinMFA\, Small Business Owner\, Movement Teacher & Performing ArtistCatherine Sensei is an excellent teacher with a gentle manner and a keen intellect and breadth of knowledge. \nDean Nicholson Executive DirectorIt is simply hard to put the ineffable to words. I don’t find meditation easy\, but I do find it worth it. I would not have dreamed that a 3 day online retreat could resolve complicated matters that I have wrestled with for years. Yet it did. Thank you\, Sensei. Thank you each one of you at Clear Sky. \nCheryl Bate Clinical Counsellor\, Private Practise\, Whistler\, BCCatherine Sensei is an inspiring model and teacher of Women in Buddhism. She deftly weaves context\, questions and her own experiences with wisdom\, curiosity and a stunning clarity. \nMichelle Heinz Integral CoachDear Catherine Sensei\, we are so blessed to have you as one of the dedicated teachers at Clear Sky. I admire your continued commitment to helping us and others on the planet and I am awed by your abilities.  \nDan O'BrianAuthor\, Japan SeriesDear Catherine Sensei\,\nThank you for your unwavering compassion and commitment to support and accelerate The unfoldment of all beings around you.\nIt is a blessing and a privilege to be one of the lucky few who can bask in the glow of this radiance. \nDave Basu RoyChef\, food business strategist and socialpreneur URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/chenrezig-avalokitesvara-kyoto-2023/ CATEGORIES:Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/f_chenregiz_5-web.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230811 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230821 DTSTAMP:20260602T120328Z CREATED:20221118T031806Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T120328Z UID:10000635-1691712000-1692575999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Breathing 2.0 Meditation Retreat DESCRIPTION:Breathing 2.0 \n Summer Meditation Retreat | August 11-20\, 2023\n Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a life changing ten day breathing meditation retreat. Breathing practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat.  Benefit from the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures.  \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.\n Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  A Life Changing Experience\nTen Day Breathing Meditation Retreat\n\nThe breathing retreat in 2022 was so powerful for participants we just had to push the 2.0 ‘repeat’ button. Repitition for mastery is what meditation is all about -whether you are a newbie or a seasoned practitioner. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. \nAt this retreat\, the practice itself is life changing\, profound and healing. And most importantly\, you will benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished  meditation teacher and wisdom holder – Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. \nBreathing meditation is suitable for all types of people.  It develops concentration\, calm\, bliss and insight – altogether leading to awakening and healing. \nIf you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. This retreat gives an opportunity for more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. \nAn online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. \n\nWhile we believe any undertaking can be a vehicle for awakening\, there’s no substitute for the power of one’s own profound experience of truth\, gained through meditation. This is why meditation is one of the four foundational practices of our teaching. \nA guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse.  In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness. \nThis simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between.  It includes practice in all four postures – sitting\, walking standing and lying down.  Finally\, we will also offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Did Last Year’s Breathing Retreat Meditators Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The anapanasati sutta created a deep\, deep experience for me. I was finally able to understand the 16 steps and the 4 tetrads much much better. It’s a whole new world. \nCheryl Bate Clinical Counsellor\, Private Practise\, Whistler\, BCI enjoyed reconnecting with my body\, with nature and with joyful memories during the retreat. Some of this was inspired through the breathing practice\, and some through searching for moments of piti which we could easily connect to. There was an easing during the retreat\, as well as some moments of deep connection and understanding. This time\, it was hearing spaciousness explained in a different way. \nZoe MooresTranslator\, trainer\, researcherThe breathing retreat was fantastic for me on so many levels! As my first retreat\, it really taught how me to deepen my budding meditation practice. Catherine Sensei is warm\, knowledgeable and led a wonderful course. \nJames StewartBuilding DesignerSensei\, fresh from a 3 month retreat\, gave beautiful\, grounded and profound teachings on breathing practice. The retreat worked seamlessly between those of us with the fortune to be in person\, and those joining online. Felt I could go very deep over the ten days with a transformative combination of a great teacher\, a deep practice\, a sincere group of co-retreatants\, and 310 acres in the mountains! \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Anapanasati Meditation Group\nThe power of continued community meditation practice:\nFollowing Catherine Sensei’s excellent Breathing retreat at Clear Sky and online in June 2022\, a group of students from Dharma Europe and Japan started a morning zoom meeting to help continue the practice. Meeting at 8am UK time six days a week\, we take turns to lead/hold space – usually with a reading\, sometimes an exercise\, we meditate on the breath for 45 minutes and then share our experiences. The group has grown to include more European Sangha as well as Movement Shiatsu practitioners who didn’t attend the retreat but are committed to developing their practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “It’s great to have the contact of the group – we learn so much from experiencing how the different parts of ourselves – individually and as a group perceive and receive the (phenomenal) world. ” \n-Jonathan Clifford \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “The daily contact with awakening beings uplifts and encourages me in a practice that has been very solitary for me for many years.  The daily discipline reminds me of a monastic order\, where the task of gathering at an appointed hour to sit in silence together IS a practice in itself.” \n-Renata Drtina \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “The morning sits and Anapanasati practice are an opportunity to explore and build sangha in a different way and for us to strengthen and deepen our practice together.” \n-Zoe Moores \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “The Anapanasati group is an anchor – both to steady practice and being part of a group.  It helps me to be in contact when I don’t feel like it.  To practice speaking  in front of a group even when it’s not comfortable.  To practice leading a group.  And silently this group has reinforced and supported daily practice and helped me to experience contact with the experience of breathing.” \n-Brigid Maclachlan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Fees & Requirements\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Retreatants: A Dāna Based Retreat\n This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). \nDāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”\, and is the traditional way in which Buddhist teachings are offered.  With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. You may have come across this in the form of “pay from the heart”. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nYou will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  \nFor more information on dāna click here. \n \n \n \n \n \n For Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD. The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. \nIf you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. \nRequirements include: \n\nBlock out the retreat duration and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at Clear Sky in person.  This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule.\nParticipate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.\nSet up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.\nPut away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.\nIf there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet to do a group practice throughout the retreat.\nNote: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registering\n\n  \nAbout the administrative fee* \nIn a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online.The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. Learn more about the practice of dāna here. \nThe admin fee goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nhigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nonline class systems (Zoom)\nregistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\ncommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nonline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and videos after the Teachings)\nquality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nonline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nwebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nMay all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. \nWe welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact registrar@planetdharma.com. \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreatants at Clear Sky: Lodging Fees & Covid 19 Protocols\n In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) \nPlease go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \nCovid-19 Protocols\nOur retreats comply with current BC Covid-19 Health Orders.  Please refer to those provincial guidelines as well as the Canadian federal travel guidelines\, especially if you are planning to travel to Clear Sky Center in person. \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule\n Specific times may change (MST) \n\n\n\nRETREAT DAILY SCHEDULE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6:30 – 7:30 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:15 AM\nBreakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n8:15 – 8:45 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n9:00 – 10:00 AM\nClass with Teachers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10:00 – 10:30 AM\nWalk\n\n\n\n10:30 – 11:30 AM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11:30 – 12:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n12:30 – 1:30 PM\nLunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n\n1:30 – 3:00 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n\n\n3:00 – 4:00 PM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4:00 – 5:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n\n\n\n5:30 – 7:00 PM \nDinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n\n7:00 – 7:30 PM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:30 PM\nGroup Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8:30 – beyond\nPersonal Practice & bed\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ready to Register?\nIf you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. \n  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n RETREAT AT CLEAR SKY\n \n RETREAT ONLINE\n \n \n \n \n \n Registration deadline for in-person retreatants is July 28th 2023. Registration deadline for online retreatants is Aug. 4th 2023. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/breathing-meditation-retreat-2023/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation & Study Centre\, 3567 Cockell Rd\, Bull River\, British Columbia\, V0B1N0\, Canada CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/20.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:20230910T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230910T100000 DTSTAMP:20260602T115710Z CREATED:20230410T041351Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T115710Z UID:10000645-1694336400-1694340000@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Enlighten-Up! DESCRIPTION:Wisdom & Discernment\n \n An Enlighten-Up! Dharma Class \nEnlighten-Up! are uncompromising\, unflinching and kick-ass dharma classes.  Vajrayana Teachers Qapel and Sensei present a new topic several times per year.  Join online from anywhere in the world.   \n Register\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This month’s topic: \nWisdom and Discerment\nThe law of karma states that a result can’t be different than its cause. How do you make decisions with clarity and discernment? Qapel and Sensei will be giving a public dharma talk on Wisdom and Discernment on September 10th at 9am MST. Online or in-person. \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Enlighten-Up!?\nDharma Talks for 21st Century Life\nThe word ‘Dharma’ has many meanings\, one being the ultimate truths of reality\, and the universal laws of awakening.  That’s lovely\, but how do you bring these ancient perspectives into 21st century life? \nThese dharma classes are a way to bring kick-ass\, applicable dharma into your life.  Tune in to higher truths\, with real-life Dharma teachers from wherever you might be in the world. \nQapel and Sensei are offering these classes several times a year on different topics. Themes will be thought provoking\, inspiring and designed to ‘enlighten-up’ your world.  In a world that has a tendency to ‘dumb down’ the complexities of wisdom\, we promise not to. \nThere will also be an opportunity to share in small groups and to ask questions at the end of the class. \nVideo recordings are available for one week for those who cannot attend live. \nThese Enlighten-Up classes are open to all experience levels. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel Doug Duncan\n \n (1949 - 2024) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat are our Dharma and meditation teachers\, who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nQapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) passed away in October 2024 after leading the Movement of the Mandala\, an epic somatic Western Mysteries retreat\, which was also the first retreat he ever attended with his teacher\, Namgyal Rinpoche. Qapel received lay ordination from Namgyal in 1978\, and was a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humorous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraced various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, and tirelessly and compassionately mentored all beings he encountered to a more awakened state. We feel grateful that he invested much of his energy into ensuring that his students would be well prepared for his passing. \nCatherine Pawasarat trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche just before his passing in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine Sensei also draws on Japanese Shinto\, shamanism\, the power of nature\, and the importance of integrating spiritual practices together with social impact. Qapel recognized her as his spiritual heir and she’s committed to continuing his legacy\, sharing these contemporary and planetary teachings of spiritual awakening\, and developing Clear Sky Retreat Center as a beacon of light.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nFees and Dāna\nThese sessions are offered based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna. \nRegistration\nTo attend\, you must register via the button below. These dharma classes are typically held once a month\, with the exception of when the Teachers are travelling or teaching another course. \nWe recommend you attend live\, but if you cannot\, the video recording will be available for one week after the live session.  The live session includes time for a short sharing/ community discussion and Q&A.\n \n Register Now URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/wisdom-sept-2023/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Public Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/enlighten-up-ver.1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230923 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230925 DTSTAMP:20260518T112707Z CREATED:20230821T185236Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T112707Z UID:10000649-1695427200-1695599999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Spiritual Awakening\, Healing & Ecological Restoration: A Buddhist Mystic Perspective DESCRIPTION:Spiritual Awakening\, Healing & Ecological Restoration \n A Buddhist Mystic Perspective\n What’s the connection between Buddhist-style enlightenment and the environment? \nJoin Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at the 39th annual Women & Spirituality Conference in Minnesota US\, Sept 23-24th\, 2023. She will be presenting on September 24th\, 2:30pm Central Time. \nOnline or In-Person tickets to the conference are available. \n  \n Register Here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2023 Women & Spirituality Conference Presentation \nSpiritual Awakening\, Healing & Ecological Restoration: A Buddhist Mystic Perspective\nwith Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n Spiritual Awakening\, Healing & Ecological Restoration: A Buddhist Mystic Perspective\nWhat’s the connection between Buddhist-style enlightenment and the environment? The historical Buddha experienced enlightenment while sitting beneath a bodhi tree\, while some Buddhist sects still emphasize the value of practicing in forests. \nHow does Buddhist enlightenment connect with healing\, ecology\, and nature mysticism? Other spiritual traditions? \nLearn from Catherine Sensei’s experiences and have an opportunity to share your own in small groups. \nCatherine Sensei will be at the conference the Women & Spirituality conference for the whole weekend\, Sept 23-24th. She will be joined by Karen McAllister and Dan O’Brien\, representing Clear Sky Meditation Centre. They will be at a combined Planet Dharma and Clear Sky Meditation Centre booth. Come say hi! \nPresentation: Sunday 24th\, 2:30-4pm (Central Daylight Saving Time). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat was a student of metaphysics\, Western spiritual traditions\, and the ayahuasca sacraments in the 1990s. She worked as an advocacy photojournalist and studied traditional Japanese arts in Kyoto\, Japan for 20 years. \nSince 1998 she has trained daily with Buddhist teacher Achariya Doug Duncan in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that’s rare in the modern West. Transmitted from the remarkable Namgyal Rinpoche\, they are both lineage holders of these teachings. \nWith Doug\, she is co-founder and resident teacher at Clear Sky Retreat Center in the British Columbia Rockies. There Catherine has spearheaded an innovative and sustainability-oriented culture and organization. Together Doug and Catherine also teach through a virtual vehicle\, Planet Dharma. In 2018 they wrote the best-selling book Wasteland to Pureland. \nCatherine has recently written and published the first English guidebook to Kyoto’s famous Gion Festival\, a gigantic collection of ancient and diverse spiritual rituals.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About the Conference\nThis presentation by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is part of the 39th Annual Women & Spirituality Conference in Rochester Minnesota\, USA: \nThe Women and Spirituality Conference is a two day multi-faith gathering celebrating diversity\, inclusion\, spiritual experience and healing. Register now for two days of interactive\, experiential workshops with our engaging leaders and speakers. We recognize differing learning styles and strive to make this conference accessible to all. \nVisit the exhibitor / vendor area for more opportunities for healing\, growth and personal illumination with our readers\, healers and wellness team. \nRegistration\nTo attend\, please register via the buttons below. The online option is $69 and the in-person ticket is $149 (USD). These tickets give access to the whole conference and speakers\, including Catherine Sensei’s presentation. We also invite you to practice generosity\, or Dāna  to Catherine Sensei directly here: Offer Dāna \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Green Tara Guided Meditation\n by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei | Tantra Visualization \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Green Tara Guided Meditation (Free Audio)\nAdd your information below to receive the guided meditation of Green Tara and other dharma content from Planet Dharma. This Green Tara sadhana is shared by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. When you join our list\, we will be kind to your inbox. \n \n LinkedInThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.First Name*Email Address*\n \n Sign-up Location\n Listen Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Troubleshooting: Sometimes this button may not look like you’ve pushed it. However\, once you’ve pushed the submit button\, the opt in fields will turn grey and we have received your request.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We are so blessed to have Sensei as one of the dedicated teachers at Clear Sky. I admire her continued commitment to helping us and others on the planet and I am awed by her abilities. Glad you are not hiding them under a basket. Thank you so much for the time you give so generously to talk\, touch one on the shoulder\, listen and speak truth. \nDan O'BrianAuthor\, Japan SeriesSensei has an unwavering compassion and commitment to support and accelerate the unfoldment of all beings around her.\nIt is a blessing and a privilege to be one of the lucky few who can bask in the glow of this radiance. \nDave Basu RoyChef\, food business strategist and socialpreneurSensei is an inspirational woman and I am blessed to walk this earth beside her. \nMaya LewandowskyArtistic Director and Vocal CoachMuch love\, gratitude and appreciation to Sensei for the incredible woman\, teacher and human being that she is. Thank you for being a true light and inspiration in this world. \nRuth Naomi LevinMFA\, Small Business Owner\, Movement Teacher & Performing ArtistGratitude to Sensei for lighting up our love lives with her fire. \nEvangelos DiavolitisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/women-spirituality-conference-2023/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Public Classes ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_8045.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231006 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231023 DTSTAMP:20260604T114822Z CREATED:20230127T195025Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T114822Z UID:10000643-1696550400-1698019199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:The Mind’s Cutting Edge: 12 Manjushri (Retreat) DESCRIPTION:The Mind’s Cutting Edge: 12 Manjushri\n Meditation Retreat| October 6-22\, 2023\n Do you wish to embrace wisdom and its different manifestations? Manjushri is an archetype of wisdom. In this retreat we will focus on developing cognitive intelligence\, discrimination\, clarity and mental rigor. Our methodology will be the Twelve Manjushri deity yoga practice from the Vajrayana tradition. \nHail to the wisdom that is ripening! \n OverviewDetails\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 12 Manjushri Meditation (Retreat)\nManjushri\, or Mañjuśrī (Sanskrit: मञ्जुश्री) is associated with prajñā (wisdom) in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Our deity yoga work with this particular aspect of the awakened mind will relate to the development of cognitive intelligence.  \nWhile Manjushri is most commonly depicted alone\, this Twelve Manjushri practice is a particular deity yoga practice with 12 emanations of Manjushri in one sadhana.   \nManjushri’s name means “Gentle Glory” in Sanskrit – and this practice of twelve manjushris will be 12 times that!   \nPrerequisites/Preparation: Though more experience with extensive meditation is an asset\, the retreat is open to all experience levels.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 12 Manjushri Meditation (Retreat)\nMeditation Retreat including Vajrayana Empowerment\nOctober 6 – 22\, 2023 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Video: Why Undertake the Twelve Manjushri Practice?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me if I Come to This Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n \nA strong foundation of parami and a willingness to see other dimensions and cultivate your mind\, drug free.\nThe more extensive meditation experience you’ve had the better. For beginners to meditation\, we suggest the Breathing Retreat in August.\nYou are responsible for your own wellbeing.\nTo maximize your depth of practice\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\n\nThe Location – Clear Sky Center \n\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat\, the centre is home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world.\nSample Daily Schedule\nHow to get there\, what to bring and other FAQ about Clear Sky\nOur teachings and Clear Sky operate based on the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. As generosity is the basis upon which all spiritual practice flourishes\, we recommend that you learn more about this profound practice before you register.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 12 Manjushri Empowerment (Wongkur)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n During this retreat\, a tantric initiation or empowerment (Wongkur) will be given by Qapel and Sensei. This provides the foundation for the meditation practice and reflection throughout the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n What is Wongkur? (Vajrayana Empowerments)\nInitiations\, empowerments\, or wongkur (Tib. དབང་\, wang) are considered the spring from which all blessings flow. More literally\, these are ritual celebrations in which a specific teaching is transmitted from Teacher to student that enables the student to practice a new form of “Arising Yoga” or “Deity Practice”. \nFor more information about wongkur\, we recommend reading ‘What is Wongkur’\, which includes ‘A Western Psychological Orientation to Deity Yoga’ by the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche and ‘A Traditional Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist View’ by His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizin. It is extensive article\, published by Wesley Knapp. Visit and support his archival work at the Sakya Namgyal Archive.  \n \n \n Download PDF - What is Wongkur\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REGISTRATION\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. Achariya Doug Duncan received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. Catherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n These are ancient teachings that I feel are important to understand if someone is serious about meditation. I appreciate Qapel and Sensei’s unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these life changing practices. They explore the rich history with us and also deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \nJenai LieuPsychology student\, CanadaWorking with Qapel and Sensei at the five day hero’s journey workshop was deeply impactful and has clarified not only my deepest heart’s desire\, but what I need to overcome to manifest it. They are extraordinary facilitators with a great depth of knowledge\, wisdom and presence to share. \nKira MacDuffeeM.Ed / RCCDoing karma yoga\, I watch how everyone gains new insights.  These many “a-ha moments” makes it clear to me that this type of active dharma training is a path that brings the modern spiritual explorer alive and moves them forward. \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive\, Clear Sky Accountability OfficerQapel and Sensei have consistently been honest\, accurate and candid with me. It has sometimes taken me years to admit my self-sabotaging blind spots. Clear and radical self-honesty liberates my sticky parts. Thank you to my master teachers for helping me free up all the energy knots – especially the ones created from unconscious patterning around money\, sex and power. \nEvangelos DiavolitsisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada.Qapel and Sensei are always burning calories to get you back on a path that can lead toward greater self-awareness. When I am with these two very clear individuals\, I am humbled by their dedication to others\, and understand the every-waking-moment responsibility that comes with their calling. \nPeter UjlakiFine Art Dealer\, Japan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nFees and Dāna\nThis course is run based on the ancient principle of generosity\, or Dāna.  There are also fees for meals and accommodation at Clear Sky Retreat Center\, where the retreat is held.  Please see registration page via button below for details. \nArrival / departure: Arrival time is October 5th (or earlier) if coming internationally / long-haul flight\, or October 6th by 4pm if traveling regionally. Check out is possible from Sunday October 22nd at the earliest\, however you are invited to stay longer for one of  Clear Sky’s hybrid stay options. \nIn order to give enough time to rest from travel before the retreat starts\, we recommend that domestic travellers arrive one day early\, and long distance international travellers arrive two days early. After the retreat we also suggest staying for at least another day for integration. \nBooking a flight? Airport pickups can be booked when you register for the retreat. On the rare chance that this retreat is cancelled or if unforseen global circumstances cause travel interruptions\, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance and modifiable tickets.  \nPlease register as early as possible. September 22 2023 is the last day to register. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ready to Register?\nIf you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. \n \n Register Now URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/12-manjushri-retreat-2023/ CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/17.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231112 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231211 DTSTAMP:20260430T121808Z CREATED:20221201T234414Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260430T121808Z UID:10000637-1699747200-1702252799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Warriors of the Heart: The Bodhisattva Path (Online Course) DESCRIPTION:Warriors of the Heart: The Bodhisattva Path \n Five Weeks|Online Course\n November 12 – December 10\, 2023 \nThe world is on fire\, literally. Mental health crises are the norm while capitalism crumbles and the environment degrades. With this struggle right in front of us\, how can we respond? How can we best serve all beings?  In this course\, we will explore the age old way of the Bodhisattva – a well tread path for courageous warriors of the heart. \n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Bodhisattva vow:\n\nHowever innumerable beings are\, I vow to meet them with kindness and interest.However inexhaustible the states of suffering are\, I vow to touch them with patience and love.However incomparable the mystery of being is\, I vow to experience it fully.From this moment forth\, with wisdom and compassion as my lamp and staff\, I dedicate all my life energy to the welfare of all beings. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How does the Bodhisattva vow manifest in your life in the world?\nMany of us are familiar with or recite the Bodhisattva vow regularly. It may even be our lifelong vow. And yet\, you may be asking yourself: How does this profound vow translate to various complex situations in life? \nTake heart. The way of the Bodhisattva is an actual path that beings have journeyed for over a millenia. Shantideva\, a prince that gave up his throne\, is one noble example. In this course we will learn from such experiences and apply them to our modern context. \nJust like Shantideva in the 8th century\, we all ask how our practice can be meaningful when there’s so much suffering in the world. We learn variations of how to relate to cultural and generational forms of struggle—like social justice\, climate change\, and war. We can study the path of the Bodhisattva to help us skillfully respond to our questions and uncertainty. Is it possible that these questions\, and the path\, may be more applicable than ever? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Study The Path of the Bodhisattva?\n \n \n \n \n \n \nMy body\, every possession and all goodness\, past\, present and future\, without remorse I dedicate to the well-being of the world. \n\n–Shantideva\, in Bodhicaryavatara (The Way of the Bodhisattva) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The world is on fire…\nThe world is on fire\, literally. Mental health crises are the norm while capitalism crumbles and the environment degrades. With this struggle right in front of us\, how can we respond? How can we best serve all beings? In this course\, we will explore the age old way of the Bodhisattva – a well tread path for courageous warriors of the heart. \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Learning Goals\n \n\nWhat is the historical path of the Bodhisattva\, inspired by Shantideva from the 8th century?\nDo I wish to take such a vow\, and if so\, what does that actually mean?\nHow can I approach the many forms of suffering in the world—war\, environmental disaster\, social injustice—from the perspective of the Bodhisattva path? \nHow does Bodhisattva activity translate to the various situations and contexts of modern life?\nWhere does the Bodhisattva path sit within the Theravadin\, Mahayana\, and Vajrayana traditions of Buddhism?\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Recommended Reading\nThe Way of the Bodhisattva by Shantideva \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nCourse Schedule\nNovember 12  – December 10\, 2023\n\n\nAll Teachings will be on Sundays\nNew Format: Morning Class\, 9:30am Mountain Time\n\nSunday November 12 – 9:30-11am\nSunday November 19 – 9:30-11am\nSunday November 26 – 9:30-11am\nSunday December 3 – 9:30-11am\n\nThe formal and participatory teachings for this course will occur on four Sundays. There will be a live group class in the morning\, 9:30-11am MT\, though the timing could be subject to change. \nWe encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \nFlash Retreat Weekend: December 9-10\nTo deepen and integrate your experience\, the final weekend during the course will also be a Flash Retreat (Dec 9-10). This can be done at home\, or with us at Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, in Eastern British Columbia. We highly recommend clearing your schedule over the weekend to focus on the retreat. Formal group sessions will be held at these times: \n\nFlash Retreat morning group workshop: 9:30-10:30am\nFlash Retreat afternoon group workshop: 2:30-3:30pm\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya Doug Duncan received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. \nCatherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nTime and Location\nEach of the four weekly classes in this online course will be video streamed live at 9:30-11am MST. The recording will be available for one week after each class. We encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \nThe course culminates with a Flash Retreat on December 9-10\, 2023\, with formal workshop times held at 9:30-10:30am and 2:30-3:30pm Mountain Time on Saturday and Sunday. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nThis course is offered based on the unique combination of: \n1) dāna\, and2) a $80-120 USD administrative fee. \nRegister four+ weeks prior: $80Register two to four weeks prior: $100Register less than two weeks prior: $120 \nClick on the tabs below to learn more: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart.” Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity.” With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No one is excluded for lack of funds. However\, it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able. \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure. Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nIf you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nWe're delighted to share that we created a short online course so that you can learn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, the costs of setting up good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online can be surprising. \nOur admin fee changes based on the date of registration. \nRegister four + weeks prior: $80 Register two to four weeks prior: $100Register less than two weeks prior: $120 \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n--- \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nHigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nOnline class systems (Zoom)\nRegistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\nCommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nOnline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nQuality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nOnline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nWebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Flash Retreat in community: students at Clear Sky Centre and online\, learning together. \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now:\n \n Registration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This kind of Dharma is much needed\, practical and insightful. It is something we need in our modern society where everyone is trying to get ahead of others. Learning with Qapel and Sensei helps me see clearly\, lead genuinely and be more willing to step into the unknown\, to serve others and to learn. \nBat FungSoftware Engineer. Toronto\, CanadaQapel and Sensei teach in a light but profound way – taking us on a brilliant journey of understanding with guile and humour.\nMale and female perspectives help balance with differing approaches. Explaining a complex but genius system that holds all life understanding from religion\, science\, psychotherapy and wisdom traditions is not easy. I think Ken Wilber would have enjoyed it.  \nJonathan Clifford Shiatsu\, Qigong & Meditation Teacher URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/path-of-the-bodhisattva/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/23.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240114 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240205 DTSTAMP:20260604T111223Z CREATED:20230924T170432Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T111223Z UID:10000651-1705190400-1707091199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Multiple Realities: Bardos & Beyond (4 Week Online Course) DESCRIPTION:Multiple Realities: The Bardos & Beyond\n Online Course | Four Weeks\n January 14 – February 4\, 2024 \nWe struggle because we are habitually locked in fixed views of self\, other and the world. Studying the various ‘bardos’ or multiple realities of experience helps loosen the limiting blinders of our ego’s perceptions. By expanding our conceptions and perceptions\, we can get unstuck from fixed views\, rigidity and conventionality. Greater joy\, freedom and awe ensues! Join us for this first online course of 2024. \n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Studying Bardos:\nPerhaps you are interested in altered states. Or you have heard about the bardos of death and dying described in Tibetan buddhism. In this course\, we will explore the six traditional bardos and also go to the core of that teaching – something less talked about – how every moment is a bardo or transition. \nThe six traditional bardos described in Vajrayana teachings are: \n\nWaking consciousness\nDream\nMeditation\nDeath\nDharmata \nRebirth\n\nThese six bardos are also a window into seeing the nature of bardos within all moments\, transitions and iterruptions of life – drastically altering our limited ego perceptions and concepts. We will also study language – particularly how we map our realities of self through language and how we get locked into predictable patterns. \nThrough this study and practice\, by seeing the stuckness of our thinking and perceptions\, we begin to loosen our tight sense of who we are. Greater freedom\, compassion and clarity results. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bardos is about realms.Altered state realms.“In between.” \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bardos: Getting Clearer on Self and Non-Self\nThe human ego says “I am me” and thinks of itself as living in a continuum of this ‘me-ness’. But if we look closer\, we will discover that this perception is not accurate. Instead\, we will see there is actually a continuum of experience and altered states\, one that the ego habitually and mistakenly claims as its own. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  Course Learning Goals\n \n\nTo investigate the bardos and what they can teach us about ordinary life\, death and impermanence. \nTo expand our perception of the many bardos of life\, and how to live more fully in the present moment. \nTraining to leave behind fixed partial views and develop a more complete “viewing” of what actually is. \nTo dismantle\, question and analyze the sense of ‘self’ and how it is created through language. \nTo develop a deeper understanding of the many realms and so-called ‘altered states’ accessible to our human consciousness.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Recommended Bardos Learning:\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n PODCAST: Consciousness Continues: Navigating Death\, Rebirth and the Bardos\nThe following recording is a talk that Doug ‘Qapel’ Duncan gave on the topic of death\, dying and the bardos. In the talk\, he explores how we really experience a death in every moment\, and describes in detail the steps in the death process and how consciousness finds its way to its next rebirth. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VIDEO: Vajrayana Buddhism and the Life\, Death and Rebirth Bardos\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Listen to Doug Qapel Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei speak on Vajrayana Buddhism and the bardos of life\, death and rebirth. This talk was hosted by Emmanuel College of Victoria University at the University of Toronto\, on February 6th 2021. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nCourse Schedule\nJanuary 14  – February 4\, 2024\n\n\nClass Times (Mountain Time)\n\nSunday January 14 – 9:30-11am\nSunday January 21 – 9:30-11am\nSunday January 28 – 9:30-11am\nSaturday & Sunday February 3-4th – 9:30 and 2:30pm (approx 60-90 mins length)\n\nThe formal and participatory teachings for this course will occur on Sundays with a Saturday-Sunday flash retreat on the fourth weekend.  Class times are estimates and may change slightly. \nWe encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \n      Flash Retreat Weekend: February 3-4\nTo deepen and integrate your experience\, the final (fourth) weekend during the course will also be a Flash Retreat (Feb 3-4). This can be done at home\, or with us at Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, in Eastern British Columbia. We highly recommend clearing your schedule over the weekend to focus on the retreat. Formal group sessions will be held at these times (durations are approximate): \n\nFlash Retreat morning group classes: 9:30am\nFlash Retreat afternoon group workshop: 2:30pm\nsessions duration approx 60-90 mins  \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya Doug Duncan received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. \nCatherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\n\nTime and Location\nEach of the four weekly classes in this online course will be streamed live at 9:30-11am MST.  We ask participants to attend live whenever possible. The recording of each class will be available for one week after each class. We encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \nThe course culminates with a Flash Retreat on February 3-4\, 2024\, with formal workshop times held at 9:30am and 2:30pm Mountain Time on Saturday and Sunday. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nThis course is offered based on the unique combination of: \n1) dāna\, and2) a $80-120 USD administrative fee: \n\nRegister by December 17 2023: $80\nRegister by December 31 2023: $100\nRegister less than two weeks prior: $120\n\nClick on the tabs below to learn more: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart.” Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity.” With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No one is excluded for lack of funds. However\, it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able. \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure. Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nIf you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nWe're delighted to share that we created a short online course so that you can learn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, the costs of setting up good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online can be surprising. \nOur admin fee changes based on the date of registration. \nRegister four + weeks prior: $80 Register two to four weeks prior: $100Register less than two weeks prior: $120 \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n--- \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nHigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nOnline class systems (Zoom)\nRegistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\nCommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nOnline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nQuality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nOnline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nWebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Flash Retreat in community: students at Clear Sky Centre and online\, learning together. \n \n Registration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This kind of Dharma is much needed\, practical and insightful. It is something we need in our modern society where everyone is trying to get ahead of others. Learning with Qapel and Sensei helps me see clearly\, lead genuinely and be more willing to step into the unknown\, to serve others and to learn. \nBat FungSoftware Engineer. Toronto\, CanadaQapel and Sensei teach in a light but profound way – taking us on a brilliant journey of understanding with guile and humour.\nMale and female perspectives help balance with differing approaches. Explaining a complex but genius system that holds all life understanding from religion\, science\, psychotherapy and wisdom traditions is not easy. I think Ken Wilber would have enjoyed it.  \nJonathan Clifford Shiatsu\, Qigong & Meditation Teacher URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/multiple-realities-bardos-course-2024/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/7.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240308 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240318 DTSTAMP:20260514T104954Z CREATED:20230924T235411Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T104954Z UID:10000652-1709856000-1710719999@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Five Stages of Emptiness DESCRIPTION:The Five Stages of Emptiness\n Meditation Retreat | March 8-17\, 2024\n Completely empty… completely full. Ironically\, society gives the word “empty” a bad rap. Far from that commonly held emotional meaning\, when we say “emptiness\,” we mean something that’s considered a great—perhaps the greatest—gift. Are you ready to deepen your contact with it? In this retreat\, we will learn how we construct reality from false views—and how to penetrate through this illusion. The results are greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for this week of insight meditation. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Stages of emptiness is empty of stages. But to understand emptiness you need to study the five stages… We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.\nWe are here in order to be compassionate. But who says anyone is here?\n Qapel\, on stages of emptiness.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Pre-requisites: Meditation experience and previous retreat work is highly recommended. For beginners to meditation\, we recommend starting with the Breathing Retreat\, a private cabin retreat with guidance\, or our center’s meditation circle. \n  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness.\nHow deeply do you understand—and experience—emptiness? What’s this about “stages”? This retreat focuses on what are progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. There is always another door\, until one reaches the final door\, the state of total freedom with no state beyond it. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena\, which opens the door to greater freedom and creativity in all of our lives. We can only choose the road less traveled toward a future of better habits and more beautiful possibilities if we can see the actual space for such a road in the first place. \nThe aim here is to gain experiential\, firsthand physiological contact with the descriptions of form and emptiness from Buddhist philosophy and quantum physics. The actual experience of these philosophies and scientific realities are the gateway to applied\, practical wellbeing in our modern world. \nThis retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. The teachers founded this center to support students to awaken in this lifetime. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection\, and in doing so\, welcome those who wish to transform the struggle in their lives. \nWhile we believe any undertaking can be a vehicle for awakening\, there’s no substitute for the power of one’s own profound experience of truth\, gained through meditation. This is why meditation is one of thefour foundational practices of our teaching. \nAn online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. However\, online participants must attend in a retreat-like setting in their own locations—in silence and free from distractions\, including work or family duties. \nTexts for this course: \n\nProgressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator) \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?\n\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’s human to have some apprehensions about doing something new\, meeting new people\, or going to a new place—particularly when all three happen together. We try to make this as supportive as possible.\nWhen exploring our growth edges\, it’s natural to feel uncertain and awkward. And it’s very fruitful to transform that emotional tension into creative energy by drawing on your own inner resources—such as inquiry\, going with the flow\, and self-reflection\, just a few of the many kinds of constructive engagement.\nTo maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\nStudents are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.\nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances before or during this retreat and in the days immediately following it.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n The Location – Clear Sky Center\n\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, the center is home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world.\n\n\nHow to get there\, what to bring and other FAQ about Clear Sky\nOur teachings and Clear Sky operate based on the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. As generosity is the basis upon which all spiritual practice flourishes\, we recommend that you learn more about this profound practice before you register.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya Doug Duncan received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. \nCatherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n These are ancient teachings that I feel are important to understand if someone is serious about meditation. I appreciate Qapel and Sensei’s unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these life changing practices. They explore the rich history with us and also deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \nJenai LieuPsychology student\, CanadaWorking with Qapel and Sensei at the five day hero’s journey workshop was deeply impactful and has clarified not only my deepest heart’s desire\, but what I need to overcome to manifest it. They are extraordinary facilitators with a great depth of knowledge\, wisdom and presence to share. \nKira MacDuffeeM.Ed / RCCDoing karma yoga\, I watch how everyone gains new insights.  These many “a-ha moments” makes it clear to me that this type of active dharma training is a path that brings the modern spiritual explorer alive and moves them forward. \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive\, Clear Sky Accountability OfficerQapel and Sensei have consistently been honest\, accurate and candid with me. It has sometimes taken me years to admit my self-sabotaging blind spots. Clear and radical self-honesty liberates my sticky parts. Thank you to my master teachers for helping me free up all the energy knots – especially the ones created from unconscious patterning around money\, sex and power. \nEvangelos DiavolitsisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada.Qapel and Sensei are always burning calories to get you back on a path that can lead toward greater self-awareness. When I am with these two very clear individuals\, I am humbled by their dedication to others\, and understand the every-waking-moment responsibility that comes with their calling. \nPeter UjlakiFine Art Dealer\, Japan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Fees & Requirements\n \n \n \n \n \n Arrivals and Departures\nFor those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on March 8th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  \nDepartures will begin on March 17th\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Retreatants: A Dāna Based Retreat\n This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). \nDāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”\, and is the traditional way in which Buddhist teachings are offered.  With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. You may have come across this in the form of “pay from the heart”. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nYou will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration. \nFor more information on dāna click here.\n \n \n \n \n \n For Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD. The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. \nIf you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. \nRequirements include: \n\nBlock out the retreat duration and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at Clear Sky in person.  This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule.\nParticipate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.\nSet up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.\nPut away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.\nIf there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet to do a group practice throughout the retreat.\nNote: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registering\n\n  \nAbout the administrative fee* \nIn a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online.\nThe teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. Learn more about the practice of dāna here. \nThe admin fee goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nhigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nonline class systems (Zoom)\nregistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\ncommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nonline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and videos after the Teachings)\nquality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nonline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nwebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nMay all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. \nWe welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact registrar@planetdharma.com.\n \n \n \n \n \n Retreatants at Clear Sky: Lodging Fees & Covid 19 Protocols\n In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) \nPlease go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \nCovid-19 Protocols\nOur retreats comply with current BC Covid-19 Health Orders.  Please refer to those provincial guidelines as well as the Canadian federal travel guidelines\, especially if you are planning to travel to Clear Sky Center in person.\n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule\n Specific times may change (MST) \n\n\n\nRETREAT DAILY SCHEDULE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6:30 – 7:30 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n7:30 – 8:15 AM\nBreakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n8:15 – 8:45 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n9:00 – 10:00 AM\nClass with Teachers\n\n\n10:00 – 10:30 AM\nWalk\n\n\n10:30 – 11:30 AM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n11:30 – 12:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n12:30 – 1:30 PM\nLunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n1:30 – 3:00 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n3:00 – 4:00 PM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n4:00 – 5:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n5:30 – 7:00 PM \nDinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n7:00 – 7:30 PM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n7:30 – 8:30 PM\nGroup Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n\n\n8:30 – beyond\nPersonal Practice & bed\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Micro-Dosing / Psychedelics\n We recognize and respect plant medicine as an important part of some people’s spiritual paths. Please note\, the meditation practice on this retreat is very powerful. \nConsuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects. \nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances during this retreat and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ready to Register?\nPlease click on the buttons to register for either retreat option. If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration deadlines:  \n\nIn-Person Participants: February 23rd 2024\nOnline Participants: March 1st\, 2024\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Take advantage of early bird pricing by registering as early as possible. \n \n RETREAT AT CLEAR SKY\n \n RETREAT ONLINE URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/five-stages-of-emptiness-retreat-2024/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240324 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240325 DTSTAMP:20260602T115243Z CREATED:20240208T185619Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T115243Z UID:10000657-1711238400-1711324799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:AstroDharma Community Call DESCRIPTION:AstroDharma Community Call\n Online |March 24\, 2024\, 10am MT\n Are you a current or previous student of AstroDharma studies with Catherine Pawasarat Sensei? If so\, Sensei invites you to join a community call to deepen your work with this tool that bridges Western transpersonal astrology and the wisdom of Buddhadharma. This Community Call is an opportunity to have your own AstroDharma questions answered and benefit from hearing the questions of others in the community. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  AstroDharma Community Call\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n After a successful pilot event in the fall of 2023 with participants from last summer’s weekend intensive\, we are hosting another community Q&A call with Sensei on March 24\, 2024 and extending an invitation to the wider AstroDharma community.  \nWHAT IS A COMMUNITY CALL? \nWe know how helpful it can be to engage with others while we are learning. Working away on any self-study course alone can be challenging\, especially in an interactive and relational subject like AstroDharma. We imagine you might have some burning questions to ask that have been sparked by the material you’ve covered so far. The AstroDharma Community Call is an opportunity to explore your AstroDharma questions as a group. Students are invited to submit their questions in advance and Sensei will offer her unique wisdom and guidance in person at the event. \nWHAT IS ASTRODHARMA? \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei developed AstroDharma as a unique tool that synthesizes Buddhist teachings on spiritual awakening with Western Astrology. \n \n \n \n \n \n In the following short video\, Sensei talks about how to get the most out of AstroDharma and what makes her approach unique: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddharma and Western Astrology are powerful systems that can be applied to help us better understand ourselves and the archetypal patterns in our lives. The invitation to “Know Thyself” remains at the core of western philosophy while the Buddhist meditation system offers us a map of consciousness that liberates us from identifying with a literal\, fixed self. Working in the signature Planet Dharma universalist approach\, Sensei guides us through an interpretation of the natal astrological chart by applying Buddhist wisdom so we can transform our lives.  \nThis lens empowers us to recognize not only our own patterns and values but also those of others. The wisdom that ripens as a result leads us right into the magic of transformation. AstroDharma offers a unique path for the present day spiritual explorer to engage with the symbolic energies of astrology. \nJoin us in a community exploration of how to apply AstroDharma in our lives. Come and gain new tools to meet challenges and free up energy in your being! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Want to Study AstroDharma?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n If you’re not enrolled yet\,  we invite you to enrol in Intro to AstroDharma. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \nA Taste of the Course\nSensei offers a 27 minute introduction to Women in Buddhism. You can watch it on YouTube:  \n \nOr listen to it on the Dharma If You Dare podcast (below or wherever you find your podcasts): \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Community Call Details\nTime and Location\nThis online community call will take place at 10am Mountain Time on March 24th.  Please arrive to the Zoom call a few minutes early so we can start on time.  \nParticipants are expected to attend the call live.  We have arranged class times to be comfortable for most time zones. However we understand that in certain time zones\, the call might occur after midnight in some regions\, so if this is the case for you\, please let us know when you register. Then we can provide a recording. \nWhile this offering has been created to support those who have already participated in the self-study course or past astrodharma retreats\, if you feel this event is a good fit for you\, please email chris@planetdharma.com to request permission to join.  \nRecommended: Contemplate your learning so far\, and reflect on any burning questions related to AstroDharma\, particularly with practical application to your life. A link to our Q&A submission form will be provided upon registration; you are invited to submit your questions there. \nMore details will be sent to you upon registration. \nWhat Does the Call Cost?\nThis call is offered by dāna to the Teacher: \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n About Dāna\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart”. Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”. With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No-one is excluded for lack of funds but it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure.  Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nConversely\, if you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nLearn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration\n \n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \n \n Questions?\nIf you have questions about this community call\, please contact the Planet Dharma Registrar: registrar@planetdharma.com \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We work hard to support the online learning experience.\n \nWe have been delivering online offerings since 2012 and are always looking for new ways to optimize your experience.\nClasses are live-streamed and some recordings are available for a certain time.\nHD cameras and professional audio equipment provide high quality video streaming.\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n These are ancient teachings that I feel are important to understand if someone is serious about meditation. I appreciate Qapel and Sensei’s unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these life changing practices. They explore the rich history with us and also deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \nJenai LieuPsychology student\, CanadaWorking with Qapel and Sensei at the five day hero’s journey workshop was deeply impactful and has clarified not only my deepest heart’s desire\, but what I need to overcome to manifest it. They are extraordinary facilitators with a great depth of knowledge\, wisdom and presence to share. \nKira MacDuffeeM.Ed / RCCDoing karma yoga\, I watch how everyone gains new insights.  These many “a-ha moments” makes it clear to me that this type of active dharma training is a path that brings the modern spiritual explorer alive and moves them forward. \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive\, Clear Sky Accountability OfficerQapel and Sensei have consistently been honest\, accurate and candid with me. It has sometimes taken me years to admit my self-sabotaging blind spots. Clear and radical self-honesty liberates my sticky parts. Thank you to my master teachers for helping me free up all the energy knots – especially the ones created from unconscious patterning around money\, sex and power. \nEvangelos DiavolitsisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada.Qapel and Sensei are always burning calories to get you back on a path that can lead toward greater self-awareness. When I am with these two very clear individuals\, I am humbled by their dedication to others\, and understand the every-waking-moment responsibility that comes with their calling. \nPeter UjlakiFine Art Dealer\, Japan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free AstroDharma Resources \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free AstroDharma Resources\n We’d like to gift you three AstroDharma resources that we’ve found very helpful. Subscribe to get the following tools\, direct to your inbox: \n\nAstroDharma Reference Chart (Handy printable guide)\nThe 3 Most Important Parts of Your Chart (Video)\nAstroDharma and Relationships (Video)\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n How We Use AstroDharma\n For spiritual seekers looking to grow\, the unique combination of Buddhism and Transpersonal Astrology speed us up on our spiritual path. \nAt our meditation centre\, we use Western astrology alongside Buddhist philosophy and meditation practice.  This helps our students transform their challenges more effectively. \nThere are five key aspects of AstroDharma study:\n1. Understand how to read your own astrological birth chart.\n2. Harness and develop its positive elements wisely.\n3. Recognize and overcome elements that may be out-of-balance.\n4. Use this knowledge to redirect your energy into more effective patterns of living.\n5. Use meditation and ideally work with teachers and a spiritual community to go deeper and fully investigate and liberate the subtle patterns and conditioning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Teacher Bio\n Catherine Pawasarat \nSince the early 2000s Catherine has provided dharma training and taught the path of awakening to hundreds of students\, together with Doug Duncan Sensei and on her own. In addition to Astrology and Buddhist philosophy and their applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living (a.k.a. sustainability) and the arts. \nCatherine is from a lineage of spiritual awakening that values the best of Eastern and Western philosophy. Her partner Doug Duncan Sensei and their teacher Namgyal Rinpoche excel in teaching both methods. This is an ideal training for Westerners\, and an evolution of traditional teachings for the modern seeker. \nIn addition to Planet Dharma and Clear Sky\, her website GionFestival.org shares her ground-breaking work on the spiritual traditions and sustainability of Kyoto’s 1100-year-old Gion Festival.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free AstroDharma Resources – Join our Community\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AstroDharma is a profound and vast study. Join our Planet Dharma newsletter to get a handy AstroDharma one-page reference guide and an introductory video to help you get oriented\, as well as periodic updates and teachings from Planet Dharma.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Email*\n \n \n Start Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Once you click please wait momentarily. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/astrodharma-community-2024/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Public Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AstroD-Community-Call.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240414 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240506 DTSTAMP:20260522T113349Z CREATED:20231218T004756Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T113349Z UID:10000655-1713052800-1714953599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Walking the Eightfold Noble Path DESCRIPTION:From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Walking the Eightfold Noble Path\n Online Course | Four Weeks\n April 14 – May 5\, 2024The Eightfold Noble path is about methodology—walking the talk. And what is the talk that this Buddhist wisdom ennobles us to walk? Freedom. Compassion. Wisdom. As applicable now as 2\,500 years ago\, when the Buddha first taught it. \n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Walking the Eightfold Noble and Ennobling Path\nWe want peace and harmony—well-being? Wholeness? What about… emptiness? Whatever we think and say we want—which at our core is all the same—how do we put all the talk and philosophy into place in a meaningful\, practical\, and grounded way in our lives? \nThe 8 steps of the eightfold path are: \n\nRight View: sammā-diṭṭhi\nRight Intention: sammā-saṅkappa\nRight Speech: sammā-vācā\nRight Action: sammā-kammanta\nRight Livelihood: sammā-ājīva\nRight Effort: sammā-vāyāma\nRight Mindfulness: sammā-sati\nRight Concentration: sammā-samādhi\n\nThough the word ‘sammā’ is often translated as “right\,” the original Pali could be better translated as “complete” or total. The Western mind is quite steeped in notions of “good” and “bad\,” “right” and “wrong”—but this idea of “complete” is more about wholeness. The eightfold path is something we practice and develop over time for an ever more complete understanding or embodiment of that quality—from Complete View to Complete Concentration. We like to use the image of a mandala as an example: your being is a mandala\, but you’re most likely only seeing and manifesting certain\, fragmented parts\, where the Eightfold Path gets you to the whole picture. \nOur thinking and perceptions get us stuck. Through this study\, the practice of this Path\, and by really seeing the stuckness of our patterns\, we will begin to loosen our tight sense of who we are. The results? Greater freedom\, compassion\, and clarity. From ordinary to extraordinary. It’s a win-win. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Complete Living\nLiving in accordance with truth means living by the laws of nature. The human task of awakening is to realign with nature and its laws. To do so\, we have to work with our views\, our livelihood\, and our speech. \nBy seeking the best state of being\, and the best supporting conditions for that state of being\, we can see through what the consumer marketplace usually offers: second-rate goods dressed up to be shiny and appealing. The best life we can live is one that is complete\, in its integrity. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nCourse Schedule\nApril 14  – May 5\, 2024\n\n\nClass Times (Mountain Time)\n\nSunday April 14 – 9:30-11am\nSunday April 21 – 9:30-11am\nSunday April 28 – 9:30-11am\nSaturday & Sunday May 4-5th – 9:30am and 2:30pm (approx 60-90 min classes)\n\nThe formal and participatory teachings for this course will occur on Sundays with a Saturday-Sunday flash retreat on the fourth weekend.  Class times are estimates and may change slightly. \nWe encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \n      Flash Retreat Weekend: May 4 – 5th\nTo deepen and integrate your experience\, the final (fourth) weekend during the course will also be a Flash Retreat (May 4 – 5). This can be done at home\, or with us at Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, in Eastern British Columbia. We highly recommend clearing your schedule over the weekend to focus on the retreat. Formal group sessions will be held at these approximate times. \n\nFlash Retreat morning session: 9:30am MT\nFlash Retreat afternoon session: 2:30pm MT\nSessions will be 60-90 mins in length.\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nAchariya Doug Duncan received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Doug embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. \nCatherine Pawasarat has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Doug she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\n\nTime and Location\nEach of the four weekly classes in this online course will be streamed live at 9:30-11am MST.  We ask participants to attend live whenever possible. The recording of each class will be available for one week after each class. We encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \nThe course culminates with a Flash Retreat on May 4-5\, 2024\, with formal group session times held at approx 9:30am and 2:30pm Mountain Time on Saturday and Sunday\, with a 60-90 min duration. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nThis course is offered based on the unique combination of: \n1) dāna\, and2) a $80-120 USD administrative fee: \n\nRegister by March 17 2024: $80\nRegister by March 31 2024: $100\nRegister less than two weeks prior: $120\n\nClick on the tabs below to learn more: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart.” Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity.” With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No one is excluded for lack of funds. However\, it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able. \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure. Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nIf you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nWe're delighted to share that we created a short online course so that you can learn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, the costs of setting up good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online can be surprising. \nOur admin fee changes based on the date of registration. \nRegister four + weeks prior: $80 Register two to four weeks prior: $100Register less than two weeks prior: $120 \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n--- \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nHigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nOnline class systems (Zoom)\nRegistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\nCommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nOnline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nQuality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nOnline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nWebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Flash Retreat in community: students at Clear Sky Centre and online\, learning together. \n \n Registration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This kind of Dharma is much needed\, practical and insightful. It is something we need in our modern society where everyone is trying to get ahead of others. Learning with Qapel and Sensei helps me see clearly\, lead genuinely and be more willing to step into the unknown\, to serve others and to learn. \nBat FungSoftware Engineer. Toronto\, CanadaQapel and Sensei teach in a light but profound way – taking us on a brilliant journey of understanding with guile and humour.\nMale and female perspectives help balance with differing approaches. Explaining a complex but genius system that holds all life understanding from religion\, science\, psychotherapy and wisdom traditions is not easy. I think Ken Wilber would have enjoyed it.  \nJonathan Clifford Shiatsu\, Qigong & Meditation Teacher URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/eightfold-noble-path-course-2024/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-PD-Courses-Facebook-Covers.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240524 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240603 DTSTAMP:20260409T120521Z CREATED:20230910T215751Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T120521Z UID:10000650-1716508800-1717372799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Breathing Retreat 2024 DESCRIPTION:Breathing \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24- June 2\, 2024\n This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.\n Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n A Life Changing Experience\nEight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat\n\nIt’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. \nOver and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. \nAt this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. \nIf you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. \nIn the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” \nAn online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. \n\nWhile we believe any undertaking can be a vehicle for awakening\, there’s no substitute for the power of one’s own profound experience of truth\, gained through meditation. This is why meditation is one of the four foundational practices of our teaching. \nAnother of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse.  It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. \nThis simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Did Last Year’s Breathing Retreat Meditators Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The anapanasati sutta created a deep\, deep experience for me. I was finally able to understand the 16 steps and the 4 tetrads much much better. It’s a whole new world. \nCheryl Bate Clinical Counsellor\, Private Practise\, Whistler\, BCI enjoyed reconnecting with my body\, with nature and with joyful memories during the retreat. Some of this was inspired through the breathing practice\, and some through searching for moments of piti which we could easily connect to. There was an easing during the retreat\, as well as some moments of deep connection and understanding. This time\, it was hearing spaciousness explained in a different way. \nZoe MooresTranslator\, trainer\, researcherThe breathing retreat was fantastic for me on so many levels! As my first retreat\, it really taught how me to deepen my budding meditation practice. Catherine Sensei is warm\, knowledgeable and led a wonderful course. \nJames StewartBuilding DesignerSensei\, fresh from a 3 month retreat\, gave beautiful\, grounded and profound teachings on breathing practice. The retreat worked seamlessly between those of us with the fortune to be in person\, and those joining online. Felt I could go very deep over the ten days with a transformative combination of a great teacher\, a deep practice\, a sincere group of co-retreatants\, and 310 acres in the mountains! \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What's Expected of Me?\n\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’s human to have some apprehensions about doing something new\, meeting new people\, or going to a new place—particularly when all three happen together. We try to make this as supportive as possible.\nWhen exploring our growth edges\, it’s natural to feel uncertain and awkward. And it’s very fruitful to transform that emotional tension into creative energy by drawing on your own inner resources—such as inquiry\, going with the flow\, and self-reflection\, just a few of the many kinds of constructive engagement.\nTo maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\nStudents are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.\nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances before or during this retreat and in the days immediately following it.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n The Location – Clear Sky Center\n\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, the center is home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world.\nHow to get there\, what to bring and other FAQ about Clear Sky\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Anapanasati Meditation Group\nThe power of continued community meditation practice:\nFollowing Catherine Sensei’s excellent Breathing retreat at Clear Sky and online in June 2022\, a group of students from Dharma Europe and Japan started a morning zoom meeting to help continue the practice. Meeting at 8am UK time six days a week\, we take turns to lead/hold space – usually with a reading\, sometimes an exercise\, we meditate on the breath for 45 minutes and then share our experiences. The group has grown to include more European Sangha as well as Movement Shiatsu practitioners who didn’t attend the retreat but are committed to developing their practice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“It’s great to have the contact of the group – we learn so much from experiencing how the different parts of ourselves – individually and as a group perceive and receive the (phenomenal) world. ” \n\n-Jonathan Clifford \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The daily contact with awakening beings uplifts and encourages me in a practice that has been very solitary for me for many years.  The daily discipline reminds me of a monastic order\, where the task of gathering at an appointed hour to sit in silence together IS a practice in itself.” \n\n-Renata Drtina \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The morning sits and Anapanasati practice are an opportunity to explore and build sangha in a different way and for us to strengthen and deepen our practice together.” \n\n-Zoe Moores \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n“The Anapanasati group is an anchor – both to steady practice and being part of a group.  It helps me to be in contact when I don’t feel like it.  To practice speaking  in front of a group even when it’s not comfortable.  To practice leading a group.  And silently this group has reinforced and supported daily practice and helped me to experience contact with the experience of breathing.” \n\n-Brigid Maclachlan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Fees & Requirements\n \n \n \n \n \n Arrivals and Departures\nFor those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  \nDepartures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Retreatants: A Dāna Based Retreat\n This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). \nDāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”\, and is the traditional way in which Buddhist teachings are offered.  With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. You may have come across this in the form of “pay from the heart”. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nYou will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  \nFor more information on dāna click here. \n \n \n \n \n \n For Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat.  Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. \nIf you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. \nRequirements include: \n\nBlock out the retreat duration and be focused on the retreat for this entire period\, using this time and participating in the retreat as if you were at Clear Sky in person.  This includes a rigorous\, full\, daily meditation schedule.\nParticipate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.\nSet up a quiet space or location where you can focus on the Meditation Retreat\, and not need to engage in conversation or work with others.\nPut away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.\nIf there are enough people in the same time zone as you\, you could also make a cohort to meet to do a group practice throughout the retreat.\nNote: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registering\n\n  \nAbout the administrative fee* \nIn a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online.The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. Learn more about the practice of dāna here. \nThe admin fee goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nhigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nonline class systems (Zoom)\nregistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\ncommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nonline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and videos after the Teachings)\nquality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nonline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nwebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nMay all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. \nWe welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact registrar@planetdharma.com. \n \n \n \n \n \n Retreatants at Clear Sky: Lodging Fees & Covid 19 Protocols\n In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) \nPlease go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \nCovid-19 Protocols\nOur retreats comply with current BC Covid-19 Health Orders.  Please refer to those provincial guidelines as well as the Canadian federal travel guidelines\, especially if you are planning to travel to Clear Sky Center in person. \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule\n Specific times may change (MST) \n\n\n\nRETREAT DAILY SCHEDULE\n\n\n\n\n\n\n6:30 – 7:30 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:15 AM\nBreakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n8:15 – 8:45 AM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n9:00 – 10:00 AM\nClass with Teachers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n10:00 – 10:30 AM\nWalk\n\n\n\n10:30 – 11:30 AM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n11:30 – 12:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n12:30 – 1:30 PM\nLunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n\n1:30 – 3:00 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n\n\n3:00 – 4:00 PM\nGroup Practice lead by Sangha\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n4:00 – 5:30 PM\nPersonal Practice\n\n\n\n\n\n5:30 – 7:00 PM \nDinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n\n\n\n\n7:00 – 7:30 PM\nWalk &/or Personal Practice\n\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:30 PM\nGroup Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n8:30 – beyond\nPersonal Practice & bed\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Micro-dosing / Psychedelics\n We recognize and respect plant medicine as an important part of some people’s spiritual paths. Please note\, the meditation practice on this retreat is very powerful. \nConsuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects. \nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances during this retreat and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ready to Register?\nIf you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. \nEarly bird registration rate for Online retreatants is available until May 3. After that the admin fee increases. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n RETREAT AT CLEAR SKY \n \n RETREAT ONLINE \n \n \n \n \n \n IN-PERSON: Registration deadline for in-person retreatants is May 11th 2024. \nONLINE: Online retreat fees increase by 20% after May 3 in order to encourage early registration\, with May 18 2024 being the final online registration deadline. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/breathing-retreat-2024/ CATEGORIES:Retreats END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240712 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240715 DTSTAMP:20260418T072455Z CREATED:20231126T191353Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T072455Z UID:10000654-1720742400-1721001599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Razor's Edge: The Dance of Absolute & Relative Truths DESCRIPTION:Razor's Edge: The Dance of Absolute & Relative Truths\n Online or In-Person | July 12-14\, 2024\n One weekend. One Teacher. Two truths… in one. Step onto the Razor’s Edge: the paradoxical and joyous dance of Absolute and Relative. It’s the only truth there is. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Razor’s Edge: The Dance of Absolute & Relative Truths\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  This course for you if: \n\nYou’re wondering how to truly transform suffering and struggle in your life.\nYou’d like to study fundamental Buddhist philosophical understandings of the nature of reality with a wisdom teacher in the Namgyal lineage.\nYou’d like to bridge the gap between meditative realizations and every day challenges. \nYou have a strong curiosity into the nature of reality. \nYou have the burning question inside of you which has led you to this webpage in the first place.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Razor’s Edge is the line between wisdom and ignorance—and it lives inside of you. A paradoxical\, joyous\, and pristinely aware place\, the edge of is finer than any other.This weekend course is a precious opportunity to study with meditation master and Namgyal lineage teacher Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan). He will share fundamental Buddhist teachings on the nature of absolute and relative truths\, and how we can best dance between\, within and amidst the two. This is a priceless chance to learn with one who has danced on the Razor’s Edge for decades\, and dedicated his life to the welfare of all beings by sharing how to do so. \nWhat You’ll Learn: How to Dance the Razor’s Edge!\n\n\nWhat is absolute truth? What is relative truth?\nWhat does the relationship between these truths have to do with you\, and your life?\nHow can you dance with and integrate these two seemingly paradoxical points of view?\nHow might you live and dwell on the “razor’s edge” of this form of wisdom and compassion?\nHow can you do this dance with others? What is your role in bringing this dance into our world?\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) \nQapel studied with the Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche from 1974 until the latter’s passing in 2003. Doug received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. He also received teachings from the 16th Karmapa and other Tibetan Rinpoches\, as well as from the Ven. Sayadaw U Thila Wunta and from a Master of the Western Mystery School. In addition\, Doug has undertaken numerous three-month solitary meditation retreats. \nDoug has been leading retreats\, teaching and training in universal practices of spiritual unfoldment since 1985\, helping thousands of students in numerous countries liberate themselves from suffering. His teaching also draws on contemporary psychology and science. In 2004 he co-founded Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies where he is resident teacher along with Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. \nMore About Qapel | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n On Absolute & Relative Truth\nAttending to tasks while remembering the light:  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?\n\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’s human to have some apprehensions about doing something new\, meeting new people\, or going to a new place—particularly when all three happen together. We try to make this as supportive as possible.\nWhen exploring our growth edges\, it’s natural to feel uncertain and awkward. And it’s very fruitful to transform that emotional tension into creative energy by drawing on your own inner resources—such as inquiry\, going with the flow\, and self-reflection\, just a few of the many kinds of constructive engagement.\nTo maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\nStudents are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.\nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances before or during this retreat and in the days immediately following it.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n The Location – Clear Sky Center\n\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, the center is home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world.\n\n\nHow to get there\, what to bring and other FAQ about Clear Sky\nOur teachings and Clear Sky operate based on the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. As generosity is the basis upon which all spiritual practice flourishes\, we recommend that you learn more about this profound practice before you register.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nTime and Location\nThe Razor’s Edge weekend will be led by Qapel Doug Duncan at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC.  This course is offered online or in-person. \nSchedule / Class Times:  Classes will be 60-90 mins in duration\, with classes in the morning and evening and possibly the afternoon each day (Mountain Time) – the exact schedule to be confirmed. Please ensure you are available for the whole weekend to focus on the course material and attend classes live. \nOnline participants are expected to attend classes live.  We will arrange class times to be comfortable for most time zones. However we understand that some class times might occur after midnight in some regions\, if this is the case for you\, please let us know when you register.  Then we can provide a recording so you can catch up on that particular class. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nIn-Person Participants: 1) dāna to the Teacher plus 2) accomodation and meal costs for your stay Clear Sky Meditation Centre. \nOnline Participants: 1) dāna to the Teacher  2) online administration fee of $150 CAD. \nKeen Practitioner Pricing: Book now and get 10% off listed prices. Offer valid until Jun 6\, 2024. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart”. Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”. With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No-one is excluded for lack of funds but it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course.  \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure.  Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us.  \nConversely\, if you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nLearn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. The admin fee changes based on date of registration. \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n— \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nhigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nonline class systems (Zoom)\nregistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\ncommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nonline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nquality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nonline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nwebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We work hard to support the online learning experience.\n \nWe have been delivering online offerings since 2012 and are always looking for new ways to optimize your experience.\nClasses are live-streamed and some recordings are available for a certain time.\nHD cameras and professional audio equipment provide high quality video streaming.\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration\n \n \n Register for in-person retreat\n \n Register for Online \n \n \n \n \n \n Questions?\nIf you have questions about the retreat\, please contact the Clear Sky Retreat Manager at 250-429-3929  (phone) or at bookings@clearskycenter.org (email). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Retreat In-Person?\n Retreating in person at a retreat center is the best way to retreat – why? \n\nYou can’t beat live interaction with the course Teachers. Being in the same space with clear beings ‘tunes’ you to more wholesome states.\nWe create a welcoming environment and follow a supportive retreat schedule\, based on decades of hosting successful retreats worldwide.\nWholesome and delicious food is provided so you don’t have to spend time cooking for yourself.\nBreath-taking and restful\, natural environment puts your body and mind at ease and resets your nervous system.\nRetreating at our center gets you out of your usual home environment and routines – they can be distracting.\nRetreating with others (your co-retreatants) is incredibly supportive and energy building.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n These are ancient teachings that I feel are important to understand if someone is serious about meditation. I appreciate Qapel and Sensei’s unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these life changing practices. They explore the rich history with us and also deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \nJenai LieuPsychology student\, CanadaWorking with Qapel and Sensei at the five day hero’s journey workshop was deeply impactful and has clarified not only my deepest heart’s desire\, but what I need to overcome to manifest it. They are extraordinary facilitators with a great depth of knowledge\, wisdom and presence to share. \nKira MacDuffeeM.Ed / RCCDoing karma yoga\, I watch how everyone gains new insights.  These many “a-ha moments” makes it clear to me that this type of active dharma training is a path that brings the modern spiritual explorer alive and moves them forward. \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive\, Clear Sky Accountability OfficerQapel and Sensei have consistently been honest\, accurate and candid with me. It has sometimes taken me years to admit my self-sabotaging blind spots. Clear and radical self-honesty liberates my sticky parts. Thank you to my master teachers for helping me free up all the energy knots – especially the ones created from unconscious patterning around money\, sex and power. \nEvangelos DiavolitsisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada.Qapel and Sensei are always burning calories to get you back on a path that can lead toward greater self-awareness. When I am with these two very clear individuals\, I am humbled by their dedication to others\, and understand the every-waking-moment responsibility that comes with their calling. \nPeter UjlakiFine Art Dealer\, Japan URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/absolute-relative-truths/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2024-PD-Courses-Facebook-Covers-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240906 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240923 DTSTAMP:20260404T105238Z CREATED:20230416T221404Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260404T105238Z UID:10000647-1725580800-1727049599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Movement of the Mandala Tarot Retreat DESCRIPTION:Movement of the Mandala\n In-Person Retreat | September 6-22\, 2024\n  \nJoin us for a two-week somatic retreat that helps us weave the archetypal energies of the Tarot and Kabbalah into our lives in beautiful and healthy ways. \nIt’s creative\, it’s powerful\, it’s magic. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Movement of the Mandala: Tarot Retreat\nEmbodying principles of unfoldment through spiritual theatre.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Movement of the Mandala is a powerful embodied retreat on the Tarot’s archetypes\, inspired by the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche’s teachings. \nThe retreat was first offered by the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche 50 years ago at the Dharma Centre of Canada in 1974\, Qapel’s first retreat as a new student. A master of both Eastern and Western mystical tradition\, Rinpoche’s innovative course will be offered by Qapel and Catherine Sensei for the first and last time in Qapel’s lifetime. \nWhy the Tarot?\nWe’re all familiar with Eastern spiritual traditions\, but did you know the West also has a legitimate path for spiritual awakening? \nHow are the Emperor and Empress manifesting your life? Are they wise rulers or are they tyrants? Or are they living in another kingdom altogether? \nWestern archetypes are a powerful resource for spiritual awakening. They reveal and help us cultivate dormant aspects in ourselves so we may reach our highest potential. \nIn modern times\, Tarot is often mistaken as ‘woo woo’ fortune telling\, yet it has offered a profound path for spiritual awakening for hundreds of years. In fact\, the Western Mysteries was the path by which Namgyal Rinpoche awakened. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA Somatic Retreat\nEmbody the Tarot’s principles of universal unfoldment.\nSeptember 6-22\, 2024 \nAt Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why this Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n “The Tarot represents a system of complete liberation for Westerners.” \n-Namgyal Rinpoche \nAs archetypes and meditations\, the symbolism of the Tarot is incredibly transformative. The Tarot offers a powerful\, concise path of liberation drawing on universal life experiences to invite us into deeper understanding of the mystical life. \nIn this retreat we will enact and embody the major arcana\, through spiritual somatic theatre.  This form of enriching “passion play” helps us gain a deep imprint of the tarot’s archetypal meanings\, catalytic for spiritual transformation. \nEach Tarot card contains symbolism through which transformation can occur. \nDrawing on Western archetypes\, aspects that exist within each of us\, this retreat helps us: \n\nDiscover which archetypes are stronger and weaker in our being;\nLearn how to integrate all the archetypes into our daily lives;\nUse art\, music and movement to contact the patterns of our being through sensing\, feeling and insight.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The History of the Movement of the Mandala Retreat\, as first offered by Namgyal Rinpoche\nQapel’s first retreat with his Teacher Namgyal Rinpoche was on the ‘Movement of the Mandala’ in 1974\, an embodied initiation into the Tarot’s archetypes.  We asked him to explain more about the retreat and its history.  \nPlease watch this video before applying to attend this retreat:  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Can I expect with this Retreat?\n \n \n \n \n \n The Retreat \n\nAn open mind and heart and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nRoll up your sleeves and jump into spiritual theatre. You will be asked to prepare sets and costumes before the retreat.\nBecome deeply familiar with the 22 Tarot cards of the major arcana and their main characteristics.\nEmbark on somatic group theatre (and therapy) using the Tarot cards.\nReveal and relate deeper patterns from within our being to the major archetypes.\nExplore techniques in loosening patterns of thought and action.\nExpect long days of Western Mysteries practice and exploration.\nEnjoy the surrounding wilderness at Clear Sky Center.\nIt’s human to have some apprehensions about doing something new\, meeting new people\, or going to a new place – particularly when all three happen together. Knowing this\, we try to make our retreats as supportive as possible.\n\nThe Location – Clear Sky Center \n\nLocated in the BC Rocky Mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Qapel (Doug Duncan) and Sensei (Catherine Pawasarat)\, the centre is home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world.\n\n\nClear Sky Centre FAQs\nOur teachings and Clear Sky operate based on the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. As generosity is the basis upon which all spiritual practice flourishes\, we recommend that you learn more about this profound practice before you register.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Applications open june 4-30 th\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Doug Qapel Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Sensei (Catherine Pawasarat) were Planet Dharma’s founding teachers. Since Qapel passed away in 2024\, Catherine Sensei is our head teacher and lineage holder. Qapel and Sensei also founded Clear Sky Meditation Center\, BC\, Canada. \nQapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 1978\, and is a lineage holder in that teaching. Known for his direct\, humourous and compassionate engagement with students\, Qapel embraces various traditions\, contemporary psychology\, and science\, to mentor all beings to a more awakened state. \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei has trained daily with Qapel (Acariya Doug Duncan) since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine Sensei also draws on generative living and the arts. With Qapel she is co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nFor your Listening Pleasure: On the Tarot\n\n\n\n\nEnjoy Qapel and Sensei’s episodes on the Tarot from their podcast channel\, Dharma if you Dare: \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n These are ancient teachings that I feel are important to understand if someone is serious about meditation. I appreciate Qapel and Sensei’s unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these life changing practices. They explore the rich history with us and also deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \nJenai LieuPsychology student\, CanadaWorking with Qapel and Sensei at the five day hero’s journey workshop was deeply impactful and has clarified not only my deepest heart’s desire\, but what I need to overcome to manifest it. They are extraordinary facilitators with a great depth of knowledge\, wisdom and presence to share. \nKira MacDuffeeM.Ed / RCCDoing karma yoga\, I watch how everyone gains new insights.  These many “a-ha moments” makes it clear to me that this type of active dharma training is a path that brings the modern spiritual explorer alive and moves them forward. \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive\, Clear Sky Accountability OfficerQapel and Sensei have consistently been honest\, accurate and candid with me. It has sometimes taken me years to admit my self-sabotaging blind spots. Clear and radical self-honesty liberates my sticky parts. Thank you to my master teachers for helping me free up all the energy knots – especially the ones created from unconscious patterning around money\, sex and power. \nEvangelos DiavolitsisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada.Qapel and Sensei are always burning calories to get you back on a path that can lead toward greater self-awareness. When I am with these two very clear individuals\, I am humbled by their dedication to others\, and understand the every-waking-moment responsibility that comes with their calling. \nPeter UjlakiFine Art Dealer\, Japan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Fees & Requirements\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Retreatants: A Dāna Based Retreat\n This retreat is offered by the Teachers on the basis of dāna (generosity). \nDāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”\, and is the traditional way in which Buddhist teachings are offered.  With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. You may have come across this in the form of “pay from the heart”. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nYou will be sent a link to offer “dāna” to the teachers after registration. \nFor more information on dāna click here. \nSee below for lodging and meal costs. \n \n \n \n \n \n Lodging Fees \n In addition to Dāna to the teachers\, Clear Sky Meditation Center provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accommodation. \nPlease go to the registration page via the button below for details of the all inclusive fee for the two week retreat. \nCovid-19 Protocols\nPlease note that we are taking measures to keep us all healthy during this retreat\, including: \n\nYou must have experienced no symptoms associated with covid-19 in the past 14 days.\nYou have met and followed all BC and Canadian health regulations regarding Covid-19 and travel.\nFurther details will be posted closer to the retreat date as necessary.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Micro-dosing / Psychedelics\n We recognize and respect plant medicine as an important part of some people’s spiritual paths. Please note\, the meditation practice on this retreat is very powerful. \nConsuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects. \nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances during this retreat and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Apply Now\nThis retreat is offered on an application basis. It is a pre-requisite to have attended the 2023 Kabbalah online course. \nApplications open after the afternoon Flash Retreat class on June 4th\, and close on June 30th 2023. Partcipants who attended the Kabbalah course will receive the application form by email.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  Questions?\nIf you have questions about the retreat\, please contact the Clear Sky Retreat Manager at 250-429-3929  (phone) or via bookings@clearskycenter.org (email). URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/tarot-movement-of-the-mandala/ CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/movement-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241018 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241021 DTSTAMP:20260418T073136Z CREATED:20231126T190754Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T073136Z UID:10000653-1729209600-1729468799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Hamster Wheel or Heaven? The Wheel of Dependent Origination DESCRIPTION:Hamster Wheel or Heaven? The Wheel of Dependent Origination\n Online or In-Person | Oct 18-20 2024\n What makes you “you”? How does everything “you” perceive arise? Why does this matter? Together we’ll study a powerful map of consciousness: the wheel of dependent origination. This is a foundational philosophical doctrine shared by all schools of Buddhism\, recommended for students of all levels. It directly correlates to suffering\, and how to become free\, wise\, and compassionate. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Hamster Wheel or Heaven? The Wheel of Dependent Origination\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ask yourself—what makes up a human? The 12 elements of the wheel of dependent origination teach us to look at the basic building blocks of the human being. The result of this understanding? Suffering goes down. Wisdom and compassion go up. This is the power of what it is to know thyself – the heart of inter-being. \nAll schools of Buddhism share this fundamental teaching of the wheel. It is a highly recommended foundational perspective that has deep repercussions on how you see and experience your life\, the body-mind continuum\, and the world around you. \nThe focus of Buddhadharma is to become free of being subject to suffering. There is necessary suffering (sickness\, old age\, diseases\, joint pain\, babies—that which is part and parcel of living)\, and unnecessary suffering (our personal dramas\, relationship pains\, self-image). If you look at the nature of suffering\, you see how nature pushes itself forward because of suffering. The purpose of the wheel of dependent origination is to help us ask\, “What is necessary\, and what isn’t?” \nIn your life\, what is necessary\, and what isn’t?    \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This is course for you if: \n\nYou’d like deeper foundational understanding of core Buddhist philosophy.\nYou want to learn a 2000 year old science of consciousness\nYou’d like to deepen your spiritual understanding in modern language and practical applications\, with a wisdom teacher in the Namgyal lineage.\nYou want greater ability to apply your meditation insights in your daily life.\nYou want inspiration and motivation to change your life according to what is possible through conscious awareness.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other Resources\n\nTricycle’s Buddhism for Beginners: What is Dependent Origination?\nBarre Center for Buddhist Studies: An in-depth article on Dependent Origination by Christina Feldman.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What's Expected of Me?\n\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’s human to have some apprehensions about doing something new\, meeting new people\, or going to a new place—particularly when all three happen together. We try to make this as supportive as possible.\nWhen exploring our growth edges\, it’s natural to feel uncertain and awkward. And it’s very fruitful to transform that emotional tension into creative energy by drawing on your own inner resources—such as inquiry\, going with the flow\, and self-reflection\, just a few of the many kinds of constructive engagement.\nTo maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\nStudents are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.\nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances before or during this retreat and in the days immediately following it.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n The Location – Clear Sky Center\n\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, the center is home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world.\nHow to get there\, what to bring and other FAQ about Clear Sky\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nLocation\nThis weekend retreat will be led by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC.  This course is offered in-person\, with an online option for people outside of the local area. \nSchedule / Class Times:\nFor onsite retreatants\, please arrive starting 3pm\, in good time for the 5pm orientation.   \n\nFri Oct 18th: Orientation 5 pm\nFri Oct 18th: Evening class 7 pm\nSat Oct 19th: Classes/or sits with Sensei: 8 am\, 2 pm\, 7 pm\nSun Oct 20th: Classes/or sits with Sensei: 8 am\, 2 pm\nSun Oct 20th: Formal end of retreat 5 pm.\n\nClasses will be 60-90 mins in duration (Mountain Time). \nPlease ensure you are available for the whole weekend to focus on the course material and attend classes live. \nOnline participants are expected to attend classes live.  We will arrange class times to be comfortable for most time zones. However we understand that some class times might occur after midnight in some regions\, if this is the case for you\, please let us know when you register.  Then we can provide a recording so you can catch up on that particular class. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nIn-Person Participants: 1) dāna to the Teacher plus 2) accomodation and meal costs for your stay Clear Sky Meditation Centre. \nOnline Participants: 1) dāna to the Teacher  2) online administration fee of $150 CAD. \nKeen practitioner pricing: 10% savings on all fees available until September 13th\, 2024. \nImportant: The last day to register is one week prior to the retreat start date. Please register early. \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart”. Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”. With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No-one is excluded for lack of funds and it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able. \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure.  Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nConversely\, if you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nWe’re delighted to share that we created a short online course so that you can learn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. The admin fee changes based on date of registration. \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n— \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nhigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nonline class systems (Zoom)\nregistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\ncommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nonline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nquality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nonline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nwebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We work hard to support the online learning experience.\n \nWe have been delivering online offerings since 2012 and are always looking for new ways to optimize your experience.\nClasses are live-streamed and some recordings are available for a certain time.\nHD cameras and professional audio equipment provide high quality video streaming.\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Questions?\nIf you have questions about the retreat\, please contact the Clear Sky Retreat Manager at 250-429-3929  (phone) or at bookings@clearskycenter.org (email). \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration\n \n \n Register for in-person \n \n Register for Online\n \n \n \n \n \n Important: Please register early so the Teacher and our team of karma yogis can plan for the retreat. The last day to register is one week prior to the retreat start date.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Retreat In-Person?\n Retreating in person at a retreat center is the best way to retreat – why? \n\nYou can’t beat live interaction with the course Teachers. Being in the same space with clear beings ‘tunes’ you to more wholesome states.\nWe create a welcoming environment and follow a supportive retreat schedule\, based on decades of hosting successful retreats worldwide.\nWholesome and delicious food is provided so you don’t have to spend time cooking for yourself.\nBreath-taking and restful\, natural environment puts your body and mind at ease and resets your nervous system.\nRetreating at our center gets you out of your usual home environment and routines – they can be distracting.\nRetreating with others (your co-retreatants) is incredibly supportive and energy building.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n These are ancient teachings that I feel are important to understand if someone is serious about meditation. I appreciate Qapel and Sensei’s unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these life changing practices. They explore the rich history with us and also deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \nJenai LieuPsychology student\, CanadaWorking with Qapel and Sensei at the five day hero’s journey workshop was deeply impactful and has clarified not only my deepest heart’s desire\, but what I need to overcome to manifest it. They are extraordinary facilitators with a great depth of knowledge\, wisdom and presence to share. \nKira MacDuffeeM.Ed / RCCDoing karma yoga\, I watch how everyone gains new insights.  These many “a-ha moments” makes it clear to me that this type of active dharma training is a path that brings the modern spiritual explorer alive and moves them forward. \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive\, Clear Sky Accountability OfficerQapel and Sensei have consistently been honest\, accurate and candid with me. It has sometimes taken me years to admit my self-sabotaging blind spots. Clear and radical self-honesty liberates my sticky parts. Thank you to my master teachers for helping me free up all the energy knots – especially the ones created from unconscious patterning around money\, sex and power. \nEvangelos DiavolitsisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada.Qapel and Sensei are always burning calories to get you back on a path that can lead toward greater self-awareness. When I am with these two very clear individuals\, I am humbled by their dedication to others\, and understand the every-waking-moment responsibility that comes with their calling. \nPeter UjlakiFine Art Dealer\, Japan URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/hamster-heaven-dependent-origination/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241110 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241202 DTSTAMP:20260418T073549Z CREATED:20240118T233808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T073549Z UID:10000656-1731196800-1733097599@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:The Power of Sangha & Group Guru DESCRIPTION:The Power of Sangha & Group Guru \n Online Course | Four Weeks\n November 10 – December 1\, 2024 \nSangha are the people working alongside you to wake up. Group Guru is the network of the Awakened Mind showing up in teams and conscious community. We can—and must—use each other to pull ourselves out of the mires of suffering. In this modern approach to sangha and group guru\, we will look at the interplay between the collective\, the individual and liberation. \n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Power of Sangha & Group Guru\n \n \n \n \n \n The Buddha’s beloved student Ananda asked\, it seems good friends are perhaps half of the path? And the Buddha responded\, No\, Ananda. Good friends are the whole path. \nIs conscious community a preference\, or a necessity? How do we develop powerful spiritual communities that bring us forward in a meaningful way? In this modern course we will explore just this\, looking at the power of sangha and group guru. \nThere is interplay between the collective and the individual when it comes to liberation. Let’s explore it here\, together. \nWe each get trapped in our own bias. Our lineage Teacher the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche said it is hard for Westerners to awaken because the self\, the great individual\, is such an important part of the game. In the West\, we tend to avoid community\, avoid surrendering to collective needs\, or mistrust that we will be subsumed by ignorant ‘group think’. \nAnd yet\, sangha is something that nature knows intimately. Community is at the root of the great flourishings of humanity. Spiritual communities in the East have worked in community in the monastery setting; community is a hallmark of all time-tested spiritual tradition and practice. Today’s question is\, how do we also honor the role and uniqueness of the individual\, within a collective approach to awakening and healing?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Power of Sangha\n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Do you want to be part of thriving\, conscious community that values people above profit? Does living and working with people who also value spiritual growth and awakening sound appealing? We think it’s wonderful\, and beyond that\, what humanity is destined for. \nAnd\, it’s not easy. We need seriously effective tools to help integrate our spiritual ideals with the real world. Everyday life—including people\, and their personalities—are always human. They require grit. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  Course Learning Goals\n \n\nFor what reason was Sangha (Spiritual Community) highlighted as one of the Triple Gems alongside the Buddha (Teachers of Awakening) and Dharma (The Teachings and Practices of Liberation)?\nWhat are our common challenges and fears around collective and community today?  \nWhat are ways we can better contribute\, grow and develop effective spiritual communities that we actually want to be a meaningful part of?\n\n \n \n \n \n \n Recommended Reading:\nWe Started Our Own Conscious Community 20 Years Ago\, Here’s Our Advice. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nCourse Schedule\nNovember 10 – December 1\, 2024\n\n\nClass Times (Mountain Time)\n\nSunday November 10 – 9:30-11am\nSunday November 17 – 9:30-11am\nSunday November 24 – 9:30-11am\nFlash Retreat*: Saturday & Sunday Nov 30-Dec 1 – 9:30am and 2:30pm\n\nThe formal and participatory teachings for this course will occur on Sundays with a Saturday-Sunday flash retreat on the fourth weekend.  Class times are estimates and may change slightly. \nWe encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \n     * Flash Retreat Weekend: Nov 30-Dec 1\nTo deepen and integrate your experience\, the final (fourth) weekend during the course will also be a Flash Retreat (Nov 30-Dec 1). This can be done at home\, or with us at Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, in Eastern British Columbia. We highly recommend clearing your schedule over the weekend to focus on the retreat.  Group sessions will be held at 9:30am and 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday\, with sessions approximately 60-90 mins in duration. \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel Doug Duncan\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Qapel and Catherine Sensei are Dharma and meditation teachers who founded Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, BC\, Canada. \nQapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) co-created this course with Catherine Sensei prior to his passing on October 5th\, 2024. Since his passing\, we have witnessed the invaluable role that Sangha plays in supporting each other through challenging times. In honour of Qapel\, we are choosing to move ahead with this course so that we may support each other more deeply and feel connecting to his teachings during this time.  \nCatherine Sensei has trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Qapel she was co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\n\nTime and Location\nEach of the four weekly classes in this online course will be streamed live at 9:30-11am MST.  We ask participants to attend live whenever possible. The recording of each class will be available for one week after each class. We encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \nThe course culminates with a Flash Retreat on November 30 – December 1\, 2024\, with formal workshop times held at 9:30-10:30am and 2:30-3:30pm Mountain Time on Saturday and Sunday. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nThis course is offered based on the unique combination of: \n1) dāna\, and2) a $80-120 USD administrative fee: \n\nRegister by October 13 2024: $80\nRegister by November 3 2024: $100\nRegister less than two weeks prior: $120\n\nClick on the tabs below to learn more: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart.” Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity.” With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No one is excluded for lack of funds. However\, it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able. \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure. Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nIf you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nWe're delighted to share that we created a short online course so that you can learn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, the costs of setting up good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online can be surprising. \nOur admin fee changes based on the date of registration. \nRegister four + weeks prior: $80 Register two to four weeks prior: $100Register less than two weeks prior: $120 \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n--- \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nHigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nOnline class systems (Zoom)\nRegistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\nCommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nOnline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nQuality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nOnline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nWebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n  \n \n \n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Flash Retreat in community: students at Clear Sky Centre and online\, learning together. \n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This kind of Dharma is much needed\, practical and insightful. It is something we need in our modern society where everyone is trying to get ahead of others. Learning with Qapel and Sensei helps me see clearly\, lead genuinely and be more willing to step into the unknown\, to serve others and to learn. \nBat FungSoftware Engineer. Toronto\, CanadaQapel and Sensei teach in a light but profound way – taking us on a brilliant journey of understanding with guile and humour.\nMale and female perspectives help balance with differing approaches. Explaining a complex but genius system that holds all life understanding from religion\, science\, psychotherapy and wisdom traditions is not easy. I think Ken Wilber would have enjoyed it.  \nJonathan Clifford Shiatsu\, Qigong & Meditation Teacher URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/the-power-of-sangha-group-guru/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/group-guru-new-no-caption.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241222 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250105 DTSTAMP:20251128T035905Z CREATED:20241117T233826Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T035905Z UID:10000664-1734825600-1736035199@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Sangha Christmas and Foundation Work 2024 DESCRIPTION:Foundation Work & Sangha Retreat\n with Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\n Two weeks: Dec 22 – Jan 4\, 2025One week: Dec 22 – Dec 28\, 2024 | Dec 28 – Jan 4\, 2025 \nJoin us this holiday season for two weeks of Teachings with Sensei\, time with Sangha\, and an eight-day Foundation Work retreat. \nNote: This retreat is open to existing Sangha only. Prerequisite: In the past two-years\, you have attended at least one in-person retreat with Catherine Sensei. \n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Foundation Work & Sangha Retreat\nThe best gift that we can give our Teacher is ‘doing the work.’ \nIn light of Qapel’s passing\, Catherine Sensei had the beautiful idea of spending this holiday season working on our Foundation Practice together in community. \nAlready finished your Foundation work? No problem! You’re welcome to use this time to focus on your current practice. \nThe retreat also includes an End of Life Celebration for Qapel\, a New Year’s Celebration and some days enjoying time in community.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule\nHere is our schedule (some details may be adjusted slightly). \nSunday\, Dec. 22: Main arrival day \nMonday\, Dec. 23: Community Sangha Time \nTuesday\, Dec. 24: Community Sangha Time & End of Life Celebration \nWednesday\, Dec. 25 – Saturday\, Dec. 28: Foundation Practice \nSaturday\, Dec 28: Optional Arrival or Departure Day (everyone staying continues with Foundation Practice) \nSunday\, Dec. 29- Wednesday\, Jan 1: Foundation Practice \nThursday\, Jan. 2: Community Sangha Time & New Year’s Celebration \nFriday\, Jan. 3: Community Sangha Time \nSaturday\, Jan. 4: Main Departure Day\n \n \n \n \n \n Registration\n \n 2-week (Dec 22 - Jan 4)\n \n One-week (Dec 22 - 28)\n \n One-week (Dec 28 - Jan 4)\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?\n\nAn open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!\nIt’s human to have some apprehensions about doing something new\, meeting new people\, or going to a new place. Particularly when all three happen together. We try to make this as supportive as possible.\nWhen exploring our growth edges\, it’s natural to feel uncertain and awkward. And it’s very fruitful to transform that emotional tension into creative energy by drawing on your own inner resources – such as inquiry\, going with the flow\, and self-reflection\, just a few of the many kinds of constructive engagement.\nTo maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\nStudents are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.\nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances during this retreat and in the days immediately following it.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n The Location – Clear Sky Center\n\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, Clear Sky offers over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. Founded by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, the center is home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world.\nHow to get there\, what to bring and other FAQ about Clear Sky\nOur teachings and Clear Sky operate based on the ancient tradition of dāna or generosity. As generosity is the basis upon which all spiritual practice flourishes\, we recommend that you learn more about this profound practice before you register. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/foundation-work-sangha-retreat-2024/ CATEGORIES:Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sangha-Christmas-Retreat-Blank-e1731883475653.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20241224 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20241225 DTSTAMP:20241222T015450Z CREATED:20241219T180013Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241222T015450Z UID:10000666-1734998400-1735084799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Qapel: Life and Teachings Christmas Celebration DESCRIPTION:Qapel: Life and Teachings Christmas Celebration\nOnline. 2:30-4pm MST. \nAs we come close to three months since Qapel passing\, join us for a special online party on Christmas Eve to celebrate Qapel’s life and teachings\, including sharings of archive photos from early days in Japan and beyond from Catherine Sensei. \n \n Register here URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/qapel-life-and-teachings-christmas-celebration/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Public Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC00038-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250112 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250203 DTSTAMP:20260326T111525Z CREATED:20240509T165755Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T111525Z UID:10000659-1736640000-1738540799@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Waking Up & Growing Up: Integral Buddhism DESCRIPTION:Integral Evolution: Waking Up & Growing Up\n Online Course | Four Weeks\n January 12-February 2\, 2025Along with the work of waking up—cultivating an enlightened state—we also need to do the work of growing up. This means learning to integrate the clear state into the world through doing our shadow work\, developing our communication\, and doing all the critical development work to be a fully integrated human being. In this course we explore the elements of a fit and dynamic vehicle for 21st-century awakening\, and beyond. \n Registration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Waking Up and Growing Up\n\nThe stage of growing up that you are at is incredibly important because it will determine your waking up experience. \n— Ken Wilber\, Finding Radical Wholeness \n\nAs we go deeper into the 21st-century we are seeing a new turning of the Wheel of Dharma – a radical evolution of Buddhism and spiritual teachings. The last major evolution in Buddhist Dharma was more than 1\,000 years ago with Vajrayana\, the third turn of the wheel. Now with psychology\, Integral spirituality\, and science\, something new is emerging. \nIn addition to awakening\, “waking up\,” we also need to work on growing up\, both individually and collectively. How do we integrate our awakening state in our modern world? What do we need to do with our shadow? Which stages of human development do we need to be aware of\, and work through? The days of meditating in a cave for decades are over. We have to grow up and integrate into the fold of an evolving global ecosystem that needs our commitment\, together. \nJoin us for this trailblazing four-week course. Together we will explore the emerging elements of a fit and dynamic vehicle for 21st-century awakening\, and beyond—a spiritual vehicle which must evolve as rapidly as evolution itself. We must learn how to keep up! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  Integral Spirituality\nIntegral Spirituality was coined by Ken Wilber\, an internationally acknowledged leader and the preeminent scholar of the Integral stages of human development. In his many books\, he writes that traditional Buddhist teachings themselves suggest an ongoing evolution leading toward a more unified\, holistic\, and interconnected spirituality. He describes the ways in which the tradition has been open to the continuous unfolding and expansion of its own teachings\, and he suggests possible paths toward an ever more Integral approach. \nWe agree! \nIn this course\, we are excited to be taking this work forward and translating it practically\, based on our lineage’s working experience of modern spiritual community. \nIntegral Spirituality by Wilber is a prerequisite read for the course. Please start by reading the Appendix as we have found it is clearer this way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Grow up?\nAs spiritual seekers we might feel that waking up is enough – that experiencing absolute truth will solve all our problems and we will be bright shiney beings without problems or interpersonal issues. The thing is\, we also live in the relative world. Spending time on cleaning up and growing up increases our range and freedom – it is how we can genuinely cultivate the art of living. How do we live in more integrated\, generative way? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Application\nThis course will be about the application of integral so we can actually work with it and evolve with it. We know that the ‘map’ or theory is not the territory or real work\, so we’ll use this course to keep it real and explore the terrain. Think of it as a virtual dharma trip as we travel some shared lands and keep the teaching real. \nThis also means shining light onto shadow aspects of our consciousnessess – what aren’t we seeing? How can we help each really meet our current stage of development and do the work required in that stage? \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Working with the shadow\n“It’s important that we are clear and honest: by its very nature\, shadow work is not fun or pretty. It takes courage and fortitude to see parts of our being that are not like we wish them to be\, and to dedicate one’s energy to transforming that.” \n-Qapel & Sensei on Integrating the Shadow \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nCourse Schedule\nJanuary 12 – Feb 2\, 2025\n\n\nClass Times (Mountain Time)\n\nSunday January 12 – 9:30-11am\nSunday January 19 – 9:30-11am\nSunday January 26 – 9:30-11am\nSaturday & Sunday February 1-2 – 9:30am and 2:30pm (approx 60-90 min)\n\nThe formal and participatory teachings for this course will occur on Sundays with a Saturday-Sunday flash retreat on the fourth weekend.  Class times are estimates and may change slightly. \nWe encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \n      Flash Retreat Weekend: February 1-2\nTo deepen and integrate your experience\, the final (fourth) weekend during the course will also be a Flash Retreat (Feb 1-2). This can be done at home\, or with us at Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, in Eastern British Columbia. We highly recommend clearing your schedule over the weekend to focus on the retreat. Formal group sessions will be held at these approximate times. \n\nFlash Retreat morning session: 9:30am MT\nFlash Retreat afternoon session: 2:30pm MT\nSessions will be 60-90 mins in length.\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\n \nTime and Location\nEach of the weekly classes in this online course will be streamed live at 9:30-11am MST.  We ask participants to attend live whenever possible. The recording of each class will be available for one week after each class. We encourage you to connect with sangha outside of class times to discuss and deepen your learning of the material. \nThe course culminates with a Flash Retreat on February 1-2\, 2025\, with formal group session times held at approx 9:30am and 2:30pm Mountain Time on Saturday and Sunday\, with a 60-90 minute duration. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nThis course is offered based on the unique combination of: \n1) dāna\, and2) a $80-120 USD administrative fee: \n\nRegister by December 15 2024: $80 USD\nRegister by December 29 2024: $100 USD\nRegister less than two weeks prior: $120 USD\n\nClick on the tabs below to learn more: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart.” Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity.” With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No one is excluded for lack of funds. However\, it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able. \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure. Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nIf you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nWe're delighted to share that we created a short online course so that you can learn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, the costs of setting up good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online can be surprising. \nOur admin fee changes based on the date of registration. \nRegister four + weeks prior: $80 Register two to four weeks prior: $100Register less than two weeks prior: $120 \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n--- \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nHigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nOnline class systems (Zoom)\nRegistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\nCommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nOnline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nQuality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nOnline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nWebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Flash Retreat in community: students at Clear Sky Centre and online\, learning together.\n \n Register Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This kind of Dharma is much needed\, practical and insightful. It is something we need in our modern society where everyone is trying to get ahead of others. Learning with Qapel and Sensei helps me see clearly\, lead genuinely and be more willing to step into the unknown\, to serve others and to learn. \nBat FungSoftware Engineer. Toronto\, CanadaQapel and Sensei teach in a light but profound way – taking us on a brilliant journey of understanding with guile and humour.\nMale and female perspectives help balance with differing approaches. Explaining a complex but genius system that holds all life understanding from religion\, science\, psychotherapy and wisdom traditions is not easy. I think Ken Wilber would have enjoyed it.  \nJonathan Clifford Shiatsu\, Qigong & Meditation Teacher URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/integral-evolution-waking-up-and-growing-up-course/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/integral-buddhism-title.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250321 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250324 DTSTAMP:20260325T114806Z CREATED:20240630T234658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T114806Z UID:10000660-1742515200-1742774399@www.planetdharma.com SUMMARY:Dharma in the Stars: Integrating Saturn DESCRIPTION:Dharma in the Stars: Integrating Saturn\n Online or In-Person | March 21-23\, 2025\n As spiritual explorers\, we want breakthroughs. We want liberation\, freedom\, and the ability to manifest our most profound vision for this lifetime. And ironically\, the only way to bring these spiritual aspirations to fruition—and to break away from our timeworn\, “stuck” patterns—is to embrace discipline\, which builds the supporting structures for breakthrough. Astrologically\, this means working with Saturn. Join Catherine Sensei\, a wisdom teacher who has developed AstroDharma as a tool for transformation\, in a weekend ripe for life-altering insights. \n OverviewRegistration\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dharma in the Stars:  Integrating Saturn\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This course for you if: \n\nYou’d like to study an astrological Dharmic framework for spiritual understanding with a wisdom teacher in the Namgyal lineage.\nYou’d like to explore where you need to integrate discipline—perhaps where you are still rebelling—and learn to face reality\, karma\, and responsibility head on.\nYou’d like to transform blocks in your life by leveraging strengths and talents responsibly.\nYou’d like greater clues into how to put in the “hard but rewarding work” that empowers you to construct a life that lets you manifest your full potential.\nYou’d like to learn more about the relationship between our karma\, our actions\, and our life circumstances. \nYou’d like insights into how you can best connect with awakening states in a grounded way.\nYou want to understand the patterns of others\, as well as your own\, to be a more skilled and compassionate being in the world.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n As spiritual explorers\, we can lean on the idealized notion of being a “free spirit.” This aspiration can lead to chafing around boundaries and authority\, two of the hallmarks of Saturn. It’s easy to project these qualities onto someone or something else\, as our disowned shadow. Integrating these qualities in ourselves is key to true spiritual growth. Drawing on AstroDharma as a resource can help us get there.  \nHistorically\, Saturn was associated with the Grim Reaper or Father Time\, and it’s still known as the Lord of Karma. Wherever we have Saturn in our natal astrological chart\, we are likely to experience restrictions or obstacles. Integrating our Saturn involves learning to dismantle these constraints\, and upcycling the resources thereby acquired as foundations upon which to build the rest of our lives. In this way\, we begin to participate in the conscious shaping of our karma. \nThe planet Saturn is the doorway to working consciously with more transpersonal and universal energies. After all\, it is the gatekeeper from the personal inner planets to the transpersonal or generational outer planets. In AstroDharma\, the outer planets—Uranus\, Neptune\, and Pluto—offer the transformative energy we need for breakthroughs\, through their mighty forces of revolution\, dissolution\, and destruction\, respectively. Accessing and working consciously with these powerful energies requires discipline and self-mastery: in other words\, integration (vs. projection) of Saturn. An untrained\, undisciplined warrior cannot navigate these stormy forces of change. Instead\, karmic tempests repeatedly knock us sideways. Saturn’s authority and responsibility are the keys to breaking through the locks of our conditioned karma to our greater potential—and rising to the challenge of our total transformation. \nIn other words\, we must integrate Saturn to become what we truly want to be.\nIn AstroDharma\, we refer to our North Node as our “Dharma\,” our Dharmic path. Learning to manifest our North Node is the most challenging path we can undertake because it involves swimming upstream against the heavy current of our South Node’s familiar and habitual Karma. However\, we cannot work with our North Node\, our true potential\, unless we work with Saturn. \nMastery requires incredible discipline. An Olympic figure skater lands that quadruple axle on the ice because they’ve invested thousands of training hours towards achieving this potential.  \nOver the course\, we will show you how to examine your natal chart\, and look at participants’ charts together\, focusing on Saturn\, its ruler\, Capricorn\, and the associated 10th house. We also encourage you to bring burning questions arising from your life—particularly related to challenges around blocks and authority themes—so we can study how they show up in your chart astrolodharmically. Think about specific questions which will be of particular benefit to you\, and which will help you towards being of benefit to others. \nFor those attending in person\, Catherine Sensei will lead us in somatic AstroDharma mandalas to embody our Saturn together. These mandalas can be a compelling\, visceral experience. \n What You’ll Learn:  \n\nA review of AstroDharma and how it is unique.\nHow to examine and map your own astrological natal chart’s placements\, particularly Saturn\, its ruler\, Capricorn\, and the related 10th house.\nWhat happens with Saturn\, Capricorn\, and the 10th house? Why are they considered difficult? How can we access their potential wisdom and mastery?\nTools for recognizing and working with reality as it is\, mapping karma and potential. \nHow to work with obstacles\, authority\, and discipline\, toward the growth of your greater potential.\n\nAbout AstroDharma \n“AstroDharma” is what Catherine Pawasarat Sensei calls her unique synthesis of Buddhist teachings on spiritual awakening (Dharma) and transpersonal Western astrology\, based on the teachings of Carl Jung. \nThese two powerful tools help us better understand ourselves and the patterns we manifest in our lives. The more we know about ourselves\, the more choices we have. Then\, we can make better choices so that we may lead healthier\, better-integrated lives. Furthermore\, we can also more deeply understand the patterns of those around us\, and support the potential in others\, which is key to Buddhist practitioners’ bodhisattva vow. \nSaturn relates to what we’d like to manifest in the world\, the areas of life we’d like to master and teach to others. It’s a rare and significant achievement to integrate both external authority and our inner tyrant into self-discipline and skilled judgment. Working with our Saturn\, over time and with conscious effort\, we gradually learn to take responsibility for shaping our own karma. This is easier said than done. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teacher\n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and universal spiritual tools including transpersonal astrology and Japanese arts. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024\, in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why AstroDharma?\nBuddhist Dharma and Western Astrology are powerful systems that can be applied to help us better understand ourselves and recognize the archetypal patterns in our lives. The invitation to “Know Thyself” remains at the core of Western philosophy and the Buddhist meditation system offers us a map of consciousness that liberates us from identifying with a literal\, fixed self. \nMany of us in the West are raised to celebrate the individual self – to be creative\, get in touch with ourselves\, find our unique path\, and explore why we are here on this planet. Buddhist Dharma leaps over personalizations by instructing us that there is no inherent self\, and that we must realize this to find spiritual awakening and liberation from suffering. \nFor many of us that’s a big leap. On the way\, we may miss valuable lessons about how we may compassionately show up in the world as unique individuals. The practice of AstroDharma is a way to help us bridge two systems. Transpersonal Western astrology can reveal individual or personal patterns and influences. We get a window into the energies\, the pushes and pulls\, of the psyche. Dharma expands the view beyond self\, into a path of service to community\, for the benefit of all beings. Over time\, with growing confidence and awareness\, we can transcend our natal charts\, and awaken. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bonus Gift for Course Participants\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online AstroDharma Course INCLUDED\nCatherine Sensei also offers an online Intro to AstroDharma course which you will be able to access at the end of this course. This will help you continue your studies. The course will be available upon request to participants who complete the retreat.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n  \nA Taste of the Course\nSensei offers a 27 minute introduction to Women in Buddhism. You can watch it on YouTube:  \n \nOr listen to it on the Dharma If You Dare podcast (below or wherever you find your podcasts): \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Course Details\nTime and Location\nDharma in the Stars: Integrating Saturn will be led by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC.  This course is offered in-person or online. Retreating at Clear Sky is encouraged in order to participate in the in-person only somatic AstroDharma mandala work. In-person at Clear Sky is always a more grounded\, supportive\, communal experience. \nSchedule / Class Times: All listed in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)\, and will be 60-90 minutes in duration.  Please clear your schedule for the entire weekend to focus on this work. The following class times are approximate: \n\nFriday 7pm (please arrive on-site by 3pm at the latest)\nSaturday 9am\, 2pm\, and in-person somatic work at 7pm\nSunday 9am\, 2pm\, and in-person somatic work at 4pm\n\nOnline participants are expected to attend classes live.  We have arranged class times to be comfortable for most time zones. However we understand that some class times might occur after midnight in some regions; if this is the case for you\, please let us know when you register. We can provide a recording so you can catch up on that particular class if it occurs in the middle of the night for you. \nWhat you will need: Your astrology chart (based on your time of birth or by dowsing). More details will be given upon registration. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nIn-Person Participants:1) dāna to the Teacher\,2) accommodation and meal costs for your stay Clear Sky Meditation Centre. \n\nPrivate Cabin – CAD $471.00\nShared Room – CAD $371.00\n\nKeen Practitioner Pricing: Book now and get 10% off listed prices. Offer valid until Feb 14\, 2025. \nOnline Participants:1) dāna to the Teacher\,2) online administration fee of $170 CAD. \nKeen Practitioner Pricing: Book now and get 5% off listed prices. Offer valid until Feb 14\, 2025 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n About DānaAbout the Online Admin Fee\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n You may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart.” Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity.” With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe Dharma has been built on generosity. No-one is excluded for lack of funds but it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able. \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure.  Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nConversely\, if you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nLearn more about the practice of dāna here. \n \n \n \n \n \n In a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. The admin fee changes based on date of registration. \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n— \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nhigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nonline class systems (Zoom)\nregistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\ncommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nonline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nquality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nonline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nwebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Registration\nIMPORTANT: Onsite retreatants: Register early as places on the retreat are limited.(Register for in-person by March 14\, 2025\, assuming space is still available.)    \n Online retreatants\, please register as early as possible so there is time to prepare your charts. (Register for online by March 14\, 2025.) \n  \n \n Register for in-person retreat \n \n Register for Online \n \n \n \n \n \n Questions?\nIf you have questions about the retreat\, please contact the Clear Sky Retreat Manager at 250-429-3929  (phone) or at bookings@clearskycenter.org (email). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Why Retreat In-Person?\n Retreating in person at a retreat center is the best way to retreat – why? \n\nYou can’t beat live interaction with the course Teachers. Being in the same space with clear beings ‘tunes’ you to more wholesome states.\nWe create a welcoming environment and follow a supportive retreat schedule\, based on decades of hosting successful retreats worldwide.\nWholesome and delicious food is provided so you don’t have to spend time cooking for yourself.\nBreath-taking and restful\, natural environment puts your body and mind at ease and resets your nervous system.\nRetreating at our center gets you out of your usual home environment and routines – they can be distracting.\nRetreating with others (your co-retreatants) is incredibly supportive and energy building.\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n We work hard to support the online learning experience.\n \nWe have been delivering online offerings since 2012 and are always looking for new ways to optimize your experience.\nClasses are live-streamed and some recordings are available for a certain time.\nHD cameras and professional audio equipment provide high quality video streaming.\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What Do Previous Retreatants Say?\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n These are ancient teachings that I feel are important to understand if someone is serious about meditation. I appreciate Qapel and Sensei’s unrelenting perseverance to teach about the roots and traditions of these life changing practices. They explore the rich history with us and also deliver the material in a very understandable and relevant way. \nJenai LieuPsychology student\, CanadaWorking with Qapel and Sensei at the five day hero’s journey workshop was deeply impactful and has clarified not only my deepest heart’s desire\, but what I need to overcome to manifest it. They are extraordinary facilitators with a great depth of knowledge\, wisdom and presence to share. \nKira MacDuffeeM.Ed / RCCDoing karma yoga\, I watch how everyone gains new insights.  These many “a-ha moments” makes it clear to me that this type of active dharma training is a path that brings the modern spiritual explorer alive and moves them forward. \nDr. Duncan CrylePh.D IBM executive\, Clear Sky Accountability OfficerQapel and Sensei have consistently been honest\, accurate and candid with me. It has sometimes taken me years to admit my self-sabotaging blind spots. Clear and radical self-honesty liberates my sticky parts. Thank you to my master teachers for helping me free up all the energy knots – especially the ones created from unconscious patterning around money\, sex and power. \nEvangelos DiavolitsisMeditation Teacher and Coach\, Four Ways to Freedom. Italy\, Canada.Qapel and Sensei are always burning calories to get you back on a path that can lead toward greater self-awareness. When I am with these two very clear individuals\, I am humbled by their dedication to others\, and understand the every-waking-moment responsibility that comes with their calling. \nPeter UjlakiFine Art Dealer\, Japan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free AstroDharma Resources \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free AstroDharma Resources\n We’d like to gift you three AstroDharma resources that we’ve found very helpful. Subscribe to get the following tools\, direct to your inbox: \n\nAstroDharma Reference Chart (Handy printable guide)\nThe 3 Most Important Parts of Your Chart (Video)\nAstroDharma and Relationships (Video)\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n How We Use AstroDharma\n For spiritual seekers looking to grow\, the unique combination of Buddhism and Transpersonal Astrology speed us up on our spiritual path. \nAt our meditation centre\, we use Western astrology alongside Buddhist philosophy and meditation practice.  This helps our students transform their challenges more effectively. \nThere are five key aspects of AstroDharma study:1. Understand how to read your own astrological birth chart.2. Harness and develop its positive elements wisely.3. Recognize and overcome elements that may be out-of-balance.4. Use this knowledge to redirect your energy into more effective patterns of living.5. Use meditation\, and ideally work with teachers and a spiritual community\, to go deeper and fully investigate and liberate the subtle patterns and conditioning. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n Teacher Bio\n Catherine Pawasarat \nSince the early 2000s Catherine has provided dharma training and taught the path of awakening to hundreds of students\, together with Doug Duncan Sensei and on her own. In addition to Astrology and Buddhist philosophy and their applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living (a.k.a. sustainability) and the arts. \nCatherine is from a lineage of spiritual awakening that values the best of Eastern and Western philosophy. Her partner Doug Duncan Sensei and their teacher Namgyal Rinpoche excel in teaching both methods. This is an ideal training for Westerners\, and an evolution of traditional teachings for the modern seeker. \nIn addition to Planet Dharma and Clear Sky\, her website GionFestival.org shares her ground-breaking work on the spiritual traditions and sustainability of Kyoto’s 1100-year-old Gion Festival.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Free AstroDharma Resources – Join our Community\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n AstroDharma is a profound and vast study. Join our Planet Dharma newsletter to get a handy AstroDharma one-page reference guide and an introductory video to help you get oriented\, as well as periodic updates and teachings from Planet Dharma.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FacebookThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Email*\n \n \n Start Now \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Δ\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Once you click please wait momentarily. URL:https://www.planetdharma.com/event/astrodharma-and-integrating-saturn-course/ CATEGORIES:Online Courses,Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.planetdharma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/AstroDharma-Background-3.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR