BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Clear Sky Meditation Centre - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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:20120311T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20121104T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20130310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20131103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20140309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20141102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20150308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20151101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20160313T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20161106T070000 END:STANDARD 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:20230616T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20230618T160000 DTSTAMP:20260602T231555 CREATED:20230205T213536Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T100438Z UID:18672-1686942000-1687104000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Dharma in the Stars: AstroDharma Basics (In-Person or Online) DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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,Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231555 CREATED:20210218T203526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T074042Z UID:10068-1682775000-1682785800@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Come to your Senses: A Day to Practice Deep Mindfulness DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses 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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20230202T001707Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T103625Z UID:18671-1681066800-1681578000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Going\, Going\, Gone: Teachings of Nagarjuna (In-Person or Online) DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20210123T200545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T065919Z UID:9426-1671984000-1672408800@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Nine Vajrayana Empowerments DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20220514T160601Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T103258Z UID:16287-1671148800-1672012799@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:16 Buddha Body Practice (In-Person Meditation Retreat) DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20211119T183153Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T093119Z UID:13211-1653004800-1653868799@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Breathing Meditation Retreat (In-Person & Online) DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 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:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20211216T232441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T104355Z UID:13614-1649498400-1652529600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Integrating Mindfulness: Tools for Holistic Living (Online or In-Person) DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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,Group Retreats and Courses,Integrating Mindfulness,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20211204T115058Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T102928Z UID:13201-1645142400-1645401599@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Sādhana: Practices for Power 2022 DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20211119T182242Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T065050Z UID:13186-1642118400-1642377599@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Pārami: Practices for Freedom 2022 DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20210311T191942Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T093938Z UID:9129-1639756800-1640959200@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Zen Meditation Retreat 2021 DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses 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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20210124T010228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T102732Z UID:9445-1635190200-1637010000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Zen Online Course DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 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:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20220305T235441Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T073443Z UID:14886-1631971800-1631982600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Come to your Senses: A Day to Practice Deep Mindfulness DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses 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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20210725T234655Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T100257Z UID:11727-1631354400-1634385600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Integrating Mindfulness: Tools for Holistic Living (Online or In-Person) DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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,Group Retreats and Courses,Integrating Mindfulness,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20210702T232120Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T094422Z UID:11330-1629504000-1630454399@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Dzogchen Meditation Retreat: Online DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20210123T185007Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T085656Z UID:9227-1628812800-1629071999@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Clear Sky's Sweet 16 & Tantric Empowerments DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20210117T013556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T100002Z UID:9386-1625788800-1626479999@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Summer Meditation Retreat: Breathing 2021 DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20200905T170047Z LAST-MODIFIED:20201109T054948Z UID:8818-1607097600-1608386400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Winter Meditation Retreat: The Kasinas DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20200717T175448Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250823T080917Z UID:8741-1596816000-1598018400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Event Template DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20191020T203036Z LAST-MODIFIED:20200717T173929Z UID:7879-1596816000-1598018400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Mastering the Sixteen Stages of Insight (Online & In-person Retreat) DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses,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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20181225T002234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T095351Z UID:4942-1575590400-1577059199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Six Yogas of Naropa DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses 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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20181225T001522Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T091002Z UID:4939-1570752000-1571011199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Becoming a Work of Art: Dharma Foundations Retreat DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses 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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20181225T000520Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T090227Z UID:4931-1565308800-1566691199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Buddhas in Action: Awakening in Daily Life DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses 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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20181022T015127Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T090649Z UID:4116-1552662000-1553432400@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Insight Meditation Retreat DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses 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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20180514T001523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251128T084700Z UID:3397-1544194800-1545483600@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Six Yogas of Naropa - Dream Yoga & Light Yoga DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses 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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20180513T180343Z LAST-MODIFIED:20180516T143445Z UID:3386-1532703600-1533994200@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Buddhas in Action Retreat 2018 DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses 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:20260602T231556 CREATED:20180513T183605Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T055916Z UID:3390-1526050800-1526749200@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Western Mysteries Retreat: Body of Truth and Star Group DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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:Group Retreats and Courses ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/BodyofTruth-stargroup.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20180430T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20180502T130000 DTSTAMP:20260602T231556 CREATED:20180513T184203Z LAST-MODIFIED:20220414T184334Z UID:3393-1525100400-1525266000@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Becoming a Work of Art - Easter Retreat 2018 DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/becoming-work-art-easter-retreat-2018/ CATEGORIES:Group Retreats and Courses END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20130915 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20130930 DTSTAMP:20260602T231556 CREATED:20180609T033510Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251124T060546Z UID:3571-1379203200-1380499199@www.clearskycenter.org SUMMARY:Clear Sky Two-week Retreat : Synthesis as a Key Element in our Path DESCRIPTION:“The meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” Namgyal Rinpoche \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Summer Meditation Retreat | May 24 – June 2\, 2024 This breath will change your life. Join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei in an eight-day breathing meditation retreat. This practice is suitable whether you are a newbie or seasoned meditator\, or have always wanted to do a vipassana or longer retreat. Gift yourself the in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and a balanced meditative approach of the four classical meditation postures. In-person at Clear Sky Center. An online option is so available for those not in Western Canada. In-Person Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 11th Online Registration Deadline: Saturday\, May 18th (Early bird admin fees available until May 3rd only) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 Buddhism \n \n \n \n focus area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meditation Retreat \n \n \n \n practice \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ten Days \n \n \n \n Duration \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n All Levels \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 A Life Changing Experience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Eight Day Breathing Meditation Retreat It’s with you every moment of your life. It is the universe\, alive. And it is a tool for liberation\, free and always\, every second\, readily available. The breath. Over and over again\, we hone our attentiveness to the breath until calm\, clarity and wisdom emerges. And it always emerges. At this retreat\, the practice itself is awakening\, life-changing and healing. And most importantly\, you will reap great benefit from the rare in-person guidance of an accomplished meditation teacher and wisdom holder\, Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Sensei’s teaching is radical\, down to earth\, and one-of-a-kind. If you have a background in Vipassana retreats and are interested in doing something that is similar but a next step\, with a live teacher\, then this retreat may be for you. You will receive more detailed instructions based on the Buddhist suttas\, and opportunities for asking questions and receiving feedback on your practice. This is priceless. In the words of our Teachers’ Teacher\, the Venerable Namgyal Rinpoche\, “meditation on Mindfulness of Breathing is not only suitable for all beings\, it is also the direct way to enlightenment.” An online option is also available for those not in Western Canada\, to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. 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. Another of our foundation practices is learning. A guiding text for this retreat is the Ānāpānasati Sutta\, or Mindfulness of Breathing Discourse. It is an incredibly powerful methodology. In it\, the Buddha describes 16 steps of practice divided into four areas of mindfulness: body\, feeling\, mind\, and mental objects. It is a guide to liberation. This simple yet powerful framework will extend your meditation experience to everything from subatomic particles to the vastness of space\, and all that’s between. It includes practice in all four postures—sitting\, walking\, standing\, and lying down. Experience will transform. And\, finally\, we will offer support for bridging the gap between retreat and daily life when you get home. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person \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 What Do Previous Retreatants Say? \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n "I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth." \n Michele C.Astrologer \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Schedule \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Arrival: For those traveling short distances\, please arrive by 3pm on May 24th. For those coming from international or longer distance travel\, please plan to arrive 1-2 days early to allow time to rest and acclimatize before the start of retreat.  Sample brief daily schedule: 9am Class with Teacher 11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 12:30pm Lunch 3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student 6pm Dinner 7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Qapel  Departure: Departures will begin on June 2nd\, however we also recommend adding some extra nights to your stay for a more easeful transition from retreat to daily life. *Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact maureen@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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Meet the Teachers \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Catherine Pawasarat Sensei Catherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher\, attendant\, consort\, co-teacher via Planet Dharma and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. Anapanasati Breathing meditation is a much loved practice for Sensei\, a central focus of her 2023 one month meditation retreat. It is also connected with one branch of our lineage’s roots in the Burmese Theravadin tradition through the meditation master Venerable Sayadaw U Thila Wunta. She 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. More About Sensei | About the Lineage \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n What’s Expected of Me?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 Ready to Register? \n \n \n \n If you have questions about the retreat\, please phone 250-429-3929\, or contact bookings@clearskycenter.org. Register via the appropriate button below:   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend In-Person\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 "This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It's a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property." \n Linda H.Dharma Teacher & Author \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 In-Person Attendance: Dana and Cost\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:  In addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) Please go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Online Attendance: Dana\, Cost and Requirements\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: In order to bring you this retreat at home\, there is an additional admin fee* of $350 CAD\, with registration at least three weeks or more before the retreat. Registrations three weeks or less from the the retreat start date will incur a $450 admin fee.The admin fee is to cover the costs of running these online courses – for equipment and software to provide you the teachings online. 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! *We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact us so we can support you to attend. We welcome any questions. Please feel free to contact Ava@clearskycenter.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Detailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\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 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. 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 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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Attend Online URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/clear-sky-two-week-retreat-synthesis-key-element-path/ CATEGORIES:Group Retreats and Courses END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR