BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Clear Sky Meditation Centre - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Clear Sky Meditation Centre X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Clear Sky Meditation Centre 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: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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20170312T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20171105T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20180311T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20181104T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20190310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20191103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20200308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20201101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20210314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20211107T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20220313T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20221106T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20230312T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20231105T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230811T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230820T150000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20230205T223441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T085458Z UID:18756-1691766000-1692543600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Breathing 2.0 Meditation Retreat DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/breathing-meditation-retreat/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Breathing-Meditation-Retreat.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230721T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230723T170000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20230328T193439Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T102858Z UID:18673-1689958800-1690131600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:As the Spirit Moves (In-Person and Online) DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/as-the-spirit-moves/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/As-the-Spirit-Moves-online.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230616T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230618T160000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20230205T213536Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T091500Z UID:18672-1686942000-1687104000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Dharma in the Stars: AstroDharma Basics (In-Person or Online) DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/astrology-dharma-retreat/ CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Astrology-Dharma-Retreat.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230429T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230429T163000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20210218T203526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T074042Z UID:10068-1682775000-1682785800@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Come to your Senses: A Day to Practice Deep Mindfulness DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/come-to-your-senses-a-day-to-practice-deep-mindfulness/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Untitled-design-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Alive Mindfully":MAILTO:dean@alivemindfully.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230409T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230415T170000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20230202T001707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T103625Z UID:18671-1681066800-1681578000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Going\, Going\, Gone: Teachings of Nagarjuna (In-Person or Online) DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/nagarjuna-meditation-retreat/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Special Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Nagarjuna-Meditation-Retreat-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20221225T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20221230T140000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20210123T200545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T065919Z UID:9426-1671984000-1672408800@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Nine Vajrayana Empowerments DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/nine-vajrayana-empowerments/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Nine-Vajrayana-Empowerments-Retreat.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20221216 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20221226 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20220514T160601Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T103258Z UID:16287-1671148800-1672012799@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:16 Buddha Body Practice (In-Person Meditation Retreat) DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/16-buddha-body-retreat/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/16-buddha-body-retreat.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220520 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220530 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20211119T183153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T093119Z UID:13211-1653004800-1653868799@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Breathing Meditation Retreat (In-Person & Online) DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/may-meditation-retreat-breathing-2022/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Breathing-Meditation-Retreat.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220414T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220512T203000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20220316T191435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T110711Z UID:15025-1649964600-1652387400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Meditation Circle: Community Classes for Inner Well-Being (Online or In-Person) DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/meditation-circle-apr-2022/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Meditation Circle,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Meditation-Circle.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20220409T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20220514T120000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20211216T232441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T104355Z UID:13614-1649498400-1652529600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Integrating Mindfulness: Tools for Holistic Living (Online or In-Person) DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/integrating-mindfulness-2022/ CATEGORIES:Coaching,Integrating Mindfulness,May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Integrating-Mindfulness-Feature-Image.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220218 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220221 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20211204T115058Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T102928Z UID:13201-1645142400-1645401599@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Sādhana: Practices for Power 2022 DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/sadhana-practices-for-power-2022/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/GuruRimpoche.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220114 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220117 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20211119T182242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T065050Z UID:13186-1642118400-1642377599@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Pārami: Practices for Freedom 2022 DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/parami-practices-for-freedom/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/scales-1.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20211217T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20211231T140000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20210311T191942Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T093938Z UID:9129-1639756800-1640959200@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Zen Meditation Retreat 2021 DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/zen-meditation-retreat-2021/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/sixteen-buddha-body.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20211025T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20211115T210000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20210124T010228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T102732Z UID:9445-1635190200-1637010000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Zen Online Course DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/zen-online-course-2/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Zen-online-course.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210925 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20211003 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20210806T032248Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251206T090513Z UID:12039-1632528000-1633219199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Seven Rays of Healing with Medicine Buddha (Online + CS & Germany Residential) DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/seven-ray-of-healing/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Seven-Rays-of-Healing-Feature.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210918T133000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20210918T163000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20220305T235441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T073443Z UID:14886-1631971800-1631982600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Come to your Senses: A Day to Practice Deep Mindfulness DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/come-to-your-senses-a-day-to-practice-deep-mindfulness-2/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Come-to-Your-Senses-Crystal-Ball.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Alive Mindfully":MAILTO:dean@alivemindfully.ca END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210911T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20211016T120000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20210725T234655Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T100257Z UID:11727-1631354400-1634385600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Integrating Mindfulness: Tools for Holistic Living (Online or In-Person) DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/integrating-mindfulness-tools-for-holistic-living-online/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Coaching,Integrating Mindfulness,May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Integrating-Mindfulness-Feature.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210821 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210901 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20210702T232120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T094422Z UID:11330-1629504000-1630454399@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Dzogchen Meditation Retreat: Online DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/dzogchen-meditation-retreat-aug-2021/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2021-Events-Square-Graphics.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210813 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210816 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20210123T185007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T085656Z UID:9227-1628812800-1629071999@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Clear Sky's Sweet 16 & Tantric Empowerments DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/sweet-sixteen-and-tantric-empowerments/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Sweet-Sixteen-Square.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210709 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210717 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20210117T013556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T100002Z UID:9386-1625788800-1626479999@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Summer Meditation Retreat: Breathing 2021 DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/summer-meditation-retreat-breathing/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-16-at-5.19.11-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20201204T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20201219T140000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20200905T170047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201109T054948Z UID:8818-1607097600-1608386400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Winter Meditation Retreat: The Kasinas DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/kasina-retreat/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Clear-Sky-Winter-retreat-kasinas.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200807T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200821T140000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20200717T175448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250823T080917Z UID:8741-1596816000-1598018400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Event Template DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/event-template/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/palm-eye.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200807T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200821T140000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20191020T203036Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200717T173929Z UID:7879-1596816000-1598018400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Mastering the Sixteen Stages of Insight (Online & In-person Retreat) DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/sixteen-stages-insight-2020/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats,Online Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/palm-eye.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191206 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191223 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20181225T002234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T095351Z UID:4942-1575590400-1577059199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Six Yogas of Naropa DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/six-yogas-naropa/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Yogas-Naropa-tall.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20191011 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20191014 DTSTAMP:20260722T184439 CREATED:20181225T001522Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T091002Z UID:4939-1570752000-1571011199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Becoming a Work of Art: Dharma Foundations Retreat DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/becoming-a-work-of-art-dharma-foundations-retreat/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Kyoto2017-Sml-ArtForPublicTalk.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20190809 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20190825 DTSTAMP:20260722T184440 CREATED:20181225T000520Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T090227Z UID:4931-1565308800-1566691199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Buddhas in Action: Awakening in Daily Life DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/buddhas-action-awakening-daily-life/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/buddhas-in-action-2019-orange.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20190315T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20190324T130000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184440 CREATED:20181022T015127Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T090649Z UID:4116-1552662000-1553432400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Insight Meditation Retreat DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/insight-meditation-retreat/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Insight-Meditation-Retreat-Tall.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20181207T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20181222T130000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184440 CREATED:20180514T001523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T084700Z UID:3397-1544194800-1545483600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Six Yogas of Naropa - Dream Yoga & Light Yoga DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/six-yogas-naropa-dream-yoga-light-yoga/ LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/6-Yogas-of-Naropa.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20180727T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20180811T133000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184440 CREATED:20180513T180343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180516T143445Z UID:3386-1532703600-1533994200@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Buddhas in Action Retreat 2018 DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/buddhas-action-retreat-2018/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/buddhas-inaction-2017.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20180511T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20180519T170000 DTSTAMP:20260722T184440 CREATED:20180513T183605Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T055916Z UID:3390-1526050800-1526749200@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Western Mysteries Retreat: Body of Truth and Star Group DESCRIPTION:Deepen Your Practice: Five Stages of Emptiness Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “We really should say that reality is an infinite universe of empty\, but we need words to wrap our cognitive brains around it.” ― Qapel Doug Duncan \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Are you ready to deepen your meditation practice? Perhaps you’ve heard of ’emptiness’ or shunyata\, but would like more experiential contact with it. In this retreat\, we will study how we construct reality from false views and learn how to penetrate through this illusion into greater clarity\, freedom and joy. Join Qapel Doug Duncan & Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for a week long insight meditation retreat on the deepening of the stages of emptiness.  Registration Deadline:  IN-PERSON – February 23rd\, 2024 ONLINE – March 1st\, 2024 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n One Week \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Intermediate  \n \n \n \n Skill Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n In-Person & Online \n \n \n \n format \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Five Stages of Emptiness \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n How deeply do you understand emptiness?  This retreat focuses on the progressive stages of meditation on emptiness. We will study\, reflect and meditate on the spacious potentiality behind all phenomena. The aim here being to gain experiential\, first hand physiological contact with the intellectural descriptions of emptiness from Buddhist philosophy or quantum physics. This retreat is led by Qapel (Achariya Doug Duncan) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. We invite retreatants who wish to embark on a week of earnest study\, meditation and reflection. While 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. An 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. Texts for this course: Progressive Stages of Meditation on Emptiness by Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche (Author)\, Lama Shenpen Hookham (Translator)  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat.\n \nI am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. \n\nI always enjoy going there for more." \n Maya L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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. 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 Arrivals and DeparturesFor 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.  Departures 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. 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online\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 Clear Sky \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Located in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  Founded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. In adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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?An open mind and heart\, and a spirit of adventure are excellent things to bring!It’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.When 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.To maximize your retreat experience\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.Students are expected to be silent during the silent parts of the retreat\, and participate in all classes\, group meditations\, activities\, and discussions.We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!" \n Jenai L. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dana and Pricing\n \n\n Dana: This retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). Dāna 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. You will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration.  For more information on dāna click here. Pricing: As a charitable organization\, we strive to provide locally sourced organic meals and comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. Fees vary depending on your accommodation choice and early bird pricing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Retreatants: Admin Fees & Requirements\n \n\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. If you are taking this retreat online\, we require that you devote your full attention to the retreat for the entire week. Requirements include: Block 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.Participate in all of the daily classes and group practices via online streaming.Set 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.Put away your phone\, digital devices and other distractions.If 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.Note: full details/ requirements will be sent to you after registeringAbout the administrative fee* 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. We’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. The 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. Below are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: high speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)online class systems (Zoom)registration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)communication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)online 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)quality 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.online calendar booking system to allow students to book interviewswebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Sample Daily Schedule\n \n\n Specific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Food\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here\n \n\n Click here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING\n \n\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. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects.  We ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances in the days before this retreat\, during\, and in the days immediately following it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION\n \n\n We aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible.  As a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff.  The teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart).  For some\, this is still a barrier of entry. If you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person - Registration Closed\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/western-mysteries-retreat-body-truth-star-group/ CATEGORIES:May 2024 Group Retreats ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/BodyofTruth-stargroup.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR