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Have you ever felt like your spiritual life and your "real" life were two separate planets? On one planet, you are sitting on a cushion, trying to find peace, light, and silence. On the other planet, you are navigating deadlines, family dynamics, and the endless noise of the 21st century. Most of us struggle to build a bridge between these two worlds. We treat spirituality as an escape from reality rather than a way to engage with it more deeply.

This is the central question of our time: How do we stay awake when everything around us is designed to keep us asleep? At Planet Dharma, we don't believe you need to move to a cave to find enlightenment. In fact, we believe the most profound transformation happens right in the middle of the mess. This year, our flagship event, As the Spirit Moves, is designed to help you find that fluid, unshakeable center. It’s about moving with life, rather than resisting it.

The Forgotten Wisdom of the West

When we think of "awakening," our minds often drift East—to the Himalayas, the Ganges, or the Zen gardens of Japan. While those traditions are invaluable, many seekers in the West feel a strange disconnect, as if they are trying to wear a suit that doesn't quite fit their cultural DNA. What many don't realize is that we have our own profound lineage of transformation right here: the Western Mysteries.

The "Mysteries" aren't about secrets meant to exclude people; the word comes from the root myein, meaning "to close the eyes or mouth"—to go within. These traditions, which include everything from Hermeticism and the Qabalah to the esoteric side of Western philosophy, focus on the "Interactive" side of spirit. If Eastern paths are often about the "Void," the Western path is often about "Form"—how we use symbols, archetypes, and the arts to manifest the divine in our daily lives. At Planet Dharma, we weave these Western insights with Eastern depth to create a truly global, integral approach to awakening.

Why Modern Seekers Need Structure

The "spiritual but not religious" movement has given us freedom, but it has also left many of us wandering in a sea of "snack-sized" wisdom. We take a yoga class here, read a quote on Instagram there, and maybe try a breathing exercise when we’re stressed. But without a cohesive map, we rarely make real progress. This is why structured spiritual awakening courses are becoming the preferred choice for serious explorers.

A course provides more than just information; it provides a "container." Just as a seed needs a specific environment of soil, water, and light to sprout, your soul needs a consistent rhythm of study, practice, and community. At Planet Dharma, our courses are built on "Four Paths": Learning, Action (Karma Yoga), Meditation, and Integration. We don't just want you to know about dharma; we want you to be the dharma.

The Brand of Planet Dharma: A Living Laboratory

Planet Dharma is more than just a website or a series of events; it is a brand built on the legacy of Doug Duncan Qapel and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Our "headquarters" is the Clear Sky Meditation Centre in the heart of the Rockies, which serves as a living laboratory for these teachings.

We are known for "Radical Self-Honesty." We don't sugarcoat the path. Awakening is hard work. It involves looking at your shadow, challenging your ego, and being willing to be wrong. But the reward is a life of radical aliveness. When you join a Planet Dharma event, you aren't just a customer; you are part of a sangha—a community of seekers who are dedicated to waking up, not just for themselves, but for the benefit of all beings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes "As the Spirit Moves" different from a standard meditation retreat?

While traditional retreats often focus on stillness, this event focuses on "meditation in action." It’s about learning how to maintain a state of flow and awareness while moving through different activities, interactions, and environments.

Are the Western Mysteries compatible with Buddhism?

Absolutely. At Planet Dharma, we view them as two sides of the same coin. Buddhism provides the "Science of Mind," while the Western Mysteries provide the "Science of Soul and Symbol." Together, they offer a complete map of the human experience.

Can I take spiritual awakening courses while working a full-time job?

Yes! Our courses are specifically designed for "householders"—people with jobs, families, and busy lives. We provide practical tools that you can apply at your desk, in your car, or at the dinner table.

Is Planet Dharma a religious organization?

We are a trans-sectarian training path. While our roots are in the Namgyal Rinpoche lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, we draw on psychology, science, and the arts to make the teachings accessible to everyone, regardless of their religious background.

Final Thought

The "Spirit" isn't something that visits you only when you are being "good" or sitting quietly. It is the very force that moves your heart and breathes your lungs. Whether you are ready to dive into the deep history of the Western Mysteries, looking for a structured way forward through spiritual awakening courses, or ready to experience the transformative power of As the Spirit Moves, the invitation is the same: stop waiting for a better time to be happy. Your life is happening now, in the movement and the stillness. Join us at Planet Dharma, and let’s see where the spirit moves you.