Library: Dharma Resources

dharma library

Library

Read, watch, listen, contemplate.

You are invited to enjoy our ever-growing online library of Dharma resources – including our three books, our podcast channel, youtube videos, Dharma articles and self-study courses – from anywhere in the world!

Whether you’re deepening your understanding of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, or searching for the right Dharma book to guide your next step, our collection offers something for everyone. These resources are designed to support both individual practice and shared learning within a Sangha—whether online or in your local community. You can begin with a beginner-friendly dharma book, tune in to our podcast during your commute, or reflect on key teachings through curated articles and videos. With 24/7 access, practitioners across Canada, India, and worldwide can study teachings of awakening in a flexible, modern way—rooted in timeless wisdom.

Dharma If You Dare

Living Life with Abandon

by Doug Duncan

Humorous and accessible, this pithy book offers an empowering starting point for addressing our desire for ‘something more’.

Wasteland to Pureland

Reflections on the Path to Awakening

by Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat

Inspiring and visionary, Wasteland to Pureland provides a path for Dharma in the 21st century and beyond. 

The Gion Festival

Exploring Its Mysteries

by Catherine Pawasarat

Catherine Sensei is the leading non-Japanese expert on Kyoto’s famous Gion Festival. Her book is an essential guidebook to an elaborate festival with ancient spiritual roots.

Dharma if You Dare Podcast

Audio Dharma Teachings – New Episodes.

What does it take to live a life of meaning and compassion in our busy day-to-day lives? Tune in to get the knowledge and tools you need to help you tackle life’s biggest obstacles joyfully … if you dare.

Planet Dharma- Dharma If You Dare Podcast with Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat

Read

The Ego: A Necessary Brat

The Ego: A Necessary Brat

  The Ego: A Necessary Brat  , , July 12, 2020by Qapel Doug Duncan Edited by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei and Andy RogersThe Ego: A Necessary Brat Most of us cherish our independence and our freedom...

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Are You Running on Empty?

Are You Running on Empty?

In order for you to have wisdom, one of the first things required is some space between you and your objects. We call that emptiness.

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Spiritual Awakening & the Modern Age

Spiritual Awakening & the Modern Age

How might one attain to spiritual awakening in the modern world, in these complex times? In this article we look back at the two main historical models for spiritual training, and propose a contemporary approach for today.

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Awakening Now

Planet Dharma’s Youtube Channel

Watch video excerpts of classes, retreats and courses given by Planet Dharma’s founding Dharma Teachers Qapel (Doug Duncan) and Sensei (Catherine Pawasarat).

Self Study Dharma Courses

AstroDharma

Self Study Online Course

Astrology and Buddhism?! These are two powerful tools to help us better understand ourselves as individuals, our lives, the nature of being human, and the universe around us.

Intro to AstroDharma is an online self-study program developed by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei.

Four Ways to Transform Your Life

Self Study Online Course

Four Ways to Transform Your Life: An introduction to Spiritual Awakening is a free online course for those searching for deeper insights and meaning in our world.

Planet Dharma’s Qapel and Sensei distill a life-changing practice into four core paths that you can apply to your home, work and relationships. Wake Up beckons to those looking for a path to spiritual awakening in the modern world. 

Women & Buddhism

Self Study Online Course

Want to go deeper in your exploration of women and gender  in buddhism? Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for her watch-anytime online course Buddhist Women in the 2020’s, presented by the Menla Institute.   Held over three days, with 6 hours of content, this inspiring series of talks and reflections is now available on the Menla Online platform.

Dāna

Self Study Online Course

Generosity is a very central part of Buddhism, as well as other wisdom traditions. In Buddhism, generosity is known as dāna. It was often the first practice that Buddha would give to beginning students and you may know it as the first parami or paramita.

This self study course will help to cultivate a living generosity practice.

Jenai Lieu

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.

Jenai Lieu
Psychology student, Canada
Kira MacDuffee

Working 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.

Kira MacDuffee
M.Ed / RCC
Dr. Duncan Cryle

Doing 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.

Dr. Duncan Cryle
Ph.D IBM executive, Clear Sky Accountability Officer
Evangelos Diavolitsis

Qapel 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.

Evangelos Diavolitsis
Peter Ujlaki

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.

Peter Ujlaki
Fine Art Dealer, Japan
Cara Conroy-Lau

Doug and Catherine teach the Vajrayana with great skill and means. Their ability to shift, weave and embrace each moment with diverse types of students is amazing. One of the jewels they teach and transmit is deity practice, or arising yoga. I have experienced many of their wongkur initiations and find them to be powerful and liberative experiences that also provide tools of great value in my day-to-day practice.

Cara Conroy-Lau
Dharma book FAQ

Below are some commonly asked questions about Dharma books.

What is a Dharma book?

A Dharma book helps readers understand how to live with more awareness, kindness, and purpose. It explains key teachings of the Buddha, like how to reduce suffering, build compassion, and find inner peace. The book guides you step-by-step on applying the Buddha Dharma Sangha principles in daily life—whether you’re new to the path or a long-time practitioner. Through stories, teachings, and reflections, dharma books shows that spiritual growth is possible for everyone, no matter where you are in the world.

These days, life can feel overwhelming – so much to do, so much uncertainty. That’s where Dharma really helps. It gives us something solid to come back to. Whether it’s through a simple Dharma book, a moment of reflection, or sharing practice with a Sangha, Dharma reminds us what truly matters. It helps us stay steady when things get tough and brings more honesty, care, and clarity into everyday life. The teachings of the Buddha Dharma Sangha aren’t just ideas—they’re practical tools for living with heart.

Why Read a Dharma Book?
Reading a Dharma book opens pathways to inner peace, moral clarity and cultivated awareness. Unlike casual reading, these books guide you in mindfulness, compassion, and insight. Whether you’re starting with an introductory dharma book guide or deepening your path, every page offers support—like having a gentle teacher by your side. At Planet Dharma, we curate selections that empower and inspire, helping you integrate Buddha’s teachings into daily life and community practice.
What does Dharma teach us?
Dharma teaches us how to live an awake meaningful and balanced life. It offers wisdom from the Buddha that helps us act with kindness, awareness, and honesty. It teaches us the path of freedom and liberation. Whether we starting our learning through a Dharma book, meditation, or within a Sangha (spiritual community), Dharma guides us to reduce suffering and grow in compassion. It shows us the path to peace—within ourselves and in the world around us.
What is the main goal of Dharma?

The main goal of Dharma is to help us awaken—to understand the true nature of life and find lasting happiness. Through the teachings of the Buddha Dharma Sangha, we aim to let go of confusion and live with wisdom and love. By studying a dharma book, joining a Sangha, or following the path daily, we move closer to freedom from suffering, which is the heart of the Dharma path.

Whether you’re deepening your understanding of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, or searching for the right Dharma book to guide your next step, our collection offers something for everyone. These resources are designed to support both individual practice and shared learning within a Sangha—whether online or in your local community. You can begin with a beginner-friendly dharma book, tune in to our podcast during your commute, or reflect on key teachings through curated articles and videos. With 24/7 access, practitioners across Canada, India, and worldwide can study teachings of awakening in a flexible, modern way—rooted in timeless wisdom.

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