#dharmateachers

Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions? You wake up, check your phone, rush to work, handle a thousand small fires, and then collapse on the couch at the end of the day, only to do it all over again tomorrow. It’s a common modern malaise. We are productive, we are busy, and we are connected—yet, so many of us feel profoundly stagnant. It’s as if the "juice" of life has been squeezed out by the pressure of being a "functional adult."

At Planet Dharma, we call this the "spiritual plateau." It’s that place where your old habits don't work anymore, but you haven't quite found the courage to leap into something new. We believe that spiritual awakening isn’t a destination you arrive at by sitting perfectly still for thirty years (though that helps some!). It’s a dynamic, living process. It’s about learning to dance with the chaos of the city while maintaining a quiet, centered heart. This is the essence of what we explore in our upcoming event, As the Spirit Moves.

In this article, we’re going to dive deep into why spontaneity is a spiritual requirement, how to find guidance that actually resonates with your modern life, and why the "feminine" voice in spirituality is more important now than ever before.

The Spontaneity of Awakening: Breaking the Rigid Mind

Most people think of spirituality as something rigid—lots of rules, specific postures, and strict diets. But if you look at the lives of the great mystics, they were often the most spontaneous and "unruly" people of their time. They didn't just follow a path; they were the path.

When we talk about "spirit," we aren't necessarily talking about something "out there" in the clouds. We are talking about that vital energy, that spark of life that makes you you. When that spirit is blocked by trauma, social conditioning, or sheer exhaustion, we feel heavy. Awakening is the process of unblocking that flow.

Why Movement is Your Best Teacher

If you sit on a meditation cushion and feel like you're fighting your own mind, you might be trying too hard to be "good." Sometimes, the quickest way to silence a loud mind is to move the body. Spontaneous movement allows the subconscious to express what words cannot.

This is a core part of the Planet Dharma philosophy. We don't want you to just think about enlightenment; we want you to feel it in your bones. By engaging in practices that allow the spirit to move freely, we bypass the "censor" of the logical mind. This is where the real breakthroughs happen. You realize that you don't need to "find" peace—you need to stop getting in its way.

Finding Real Guidance: The Role of the Teacher

In the age of the internet, everyone has an opinion on how you should live your life. You can find "guru" advice on TikTok in ten seconds. But there is a massive difference between information and transformation. Information is just words; transformation requires a relationship.

This is why the presence of experienced Dharma teachers is so vital. A true teacher isn't there to give you the answers; they are there to ask you the questions that you’ve been avoiding. They act as a mirror, reflecting back to you both your incredible potential and the "bullsh*t" stories your ego tells to keep you small.

The Lineage of the Urban Bodhisattva

At Planet Dharma, our founders, Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat, bring a unique blend of traditional rigor and modern savvy. Having spent years in intensive monastic training, they also understand what it’s like to run a business, navigate relationships, and live in the "real world."

They teach the "Urban Bodhisattva" path. A Bodhisattva is someone who is dedicated to waking up not just for themselves, but for the benefit of all beings. Doing this in a city—amidst the noise, the politics, and the traffic—is the ultimate spiritual challenge. It requires a teacher who won't let you hide in "spiritual fluff" but will instead push you to integrate your practice into every single breath.

The Rising Feminine: Reclaiming Wisdom

For thousands of years, the spiritual landscape was dominated by male voices and male structures. While that wisdom is invaluable, it often lacks the "yin" or the receptive, nurturing, and fiercely grounded energy of the feminine. To be a complete human being, we need to balance both.

This is why the presence of Women spiritual teachers is so revolutionary. The feminine path to awakening often looks different. It’s less about "ascending" away from the world and more about "descending" into the heart of it. It’s about the holiness of the body, the sacredness of relationships, and the wisdom of the earth.

The Power of the Female Voice in Dharma

A female teacher brings an insight into the specific pressures women face—the "double burden" of career and family, the societal expectations of being "nice," and the deep-seated "good girl" conditioning that can act as a major barrier to true power.

But this isn't just for women. Men, too, desperately need to reconnect with their own internal feminine wisdom. When a man learns to listen, to receive, and to move "as the spirit moves" rather than just "as the ego dictates," he becomes a much more effective and compassionate leader. The inclusion of the feminine makes the Dharma whole.

Integrating Your Practice: The Five D's

So, how do you actually live this? How do you take these high-level concepts and make them work on a Tuesday morning when you're late for a meeting? At Planet Dharma, we simplify it into what we call the "Five D's":

Directive: You need a clear goal. What are you actually trying to achieve with your practice?

Discipline: You have to show up, even when you don't feel like it. Especially when you don't feel like it.

Devotion: You have to love the truth more than you love your own comfort.

Discernment: You need to be able to tell the difference between your "soul's voice" and your "ego's noise."

Dana: Generosity. You have to keep the energy moving by giving back.

The "Urban" Part of the Path

Being an "Urban Bodhisattva" means you don't use your spirituality as an excuse to check out. You don't ignore the news or the suffering of your neighbors because you're "too zen." Instead, you use the stress of the city as your training ground.

The Subway: A place to practice patience.

The Office: A place to practice right speech and selfless service.

The Supermarket: A place to practice mindfulness of abundance and choice.

By shifting your perspective, your entire life becomes a retreat. You no longer need to "go" somewhere to find the sacred; you realize that the sacred is sitting right there in your messy kitchen or your crowded office.

Overcoming the "Spiritual Ego"

One of the biggest dangers on the path is what we call the "Spiritual Ego." This happens when your ego takes all your spiritual knowledge and uses it to feel superior to others. You start judging people who don't meditate, or you get "peaceful" in a way that is actually quite aggressive and cold.

This is where the spontaneity of "moving as the spirit moves" helps. It’s hard to have a big ego when you are being playful, spontaneous, and perhaps a little bit silly. The ego hates being laughed at. It loves being serious and "important." By embracing the playful side of the spirit, we keep our practice humble and human.

The Laboratory of the Soul

Think of your life as a laboratory. You are the scientist, and your mind is the experiment. You try things, you fail, you learn, and you try again. This iterative process is what leads to real, stable growth. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.

FAQ: Insight for the Modern Seeker

Q: Is "As the Spirit Moves" a dance event?

A: It involves movement, yes, but it’s not "dancing" in the traditional sense. It’s about using the body as a vehicle for spiritual insight and emotional release. It’s "meditation in motion."

Q: Why do I need a Dharma teacher if I have books and apps?

A: Books can’t call you out on your blind spots. An app can't hold your hand when you're going through a dark night of the soul. A teacher provides the human connection and accountability that technology cannot.

Q: Can men benefit from female spiritual teachers?

A: Absolutely. In fact, it’s essential. To be a balanced human being, everyone needs to integrate both masculine and feminine perspectives on wisdom.

Q: I’m really busy. How can I possibly find time for this?

A: Our path is designed specifically for busy people. We teach you how to turn your daily chores into your practice so that spirituality isn't just "one more thing" on your to-do list.

Final Thought

The journey to awakening is the most rewarding adventure you will ever take. It is a path that leads away from the gray, repetitive cycles of the conditioned mind and into the vibrant, unpredictable colors of a life lived in truth. Whether you are seeking the guidance of seasoned Dharma teachers, looking to balance your heart with the wisdom of Women spiritual teachers, or ready to see where you land As the Spirit Moves, the most important step is simply to begin.

Have you ever felt that traditional seated meditation isn't reaching the deeper, more fluid parts of your being? To truly grow, we must learn to be present not just in stillness, but also As the Spirit Moves. This unique spiritual gathering focuses on the "immanent" side of awakening—the realization of the divine within the dance of daily life. It is an invitation to stop observing your life from the sidelines and to step fully into the vibrant, moving current of the present moment.

This program is specifically curated by pioneering Women spiritual teachers who understand that awakening is a holistic process involving the heart, gut, and body. In many traditional settings, the feminine perspective on movement and intuition is overlooked. Here, we celebrate it as a primary gateway to liberation. Our Dharma teachers provide the structural framework of ancient wisdom, while the practice itself encourages a spontaneous, authentic expression of your soul’s journey.

When we allow the spirit to move us, we bypass the ego’s defenses. We encounter our joys, our grief, and our hidden strengths in a way that words cannot express. This process results in a deep emotional cleansing and a crystalline clarity that stays with you long after the event ends. It is about becoming a "living dharma"—someone whose very movement in the world is an expression of grace and awareness.

If you are ready to break free from habitual patterns and experience a more embodied, joyful spirituality, this is the container for you. You will be supported by a community of seekers who are all committed to walking the path of authenticity.

Are you ready to say yes to your soul’s evolution? Join our program this year to experience this powerful transmission. 

Have you ever felt like you’re living your life on autopilot? You wake up, scroll through your phone, rush to work, handle a dozen tiny crises, and then collapse into bed only to do it all over again. In the middle of this high-speed chase, there’s often a quiet voice in the back of your mind asking, "Is this it? Is there something more?"

That voice isn't a sign of a mid-life crisis or a lack of gratitude. It’s actually your intuition nudging you toward a deeper reality. At Planet Dharma, we believe that the ancient wisdom of the East wasn't meant to be kept in remote monasteries; it was meant to be lived in the middle of our modern, messy lives. We are a brand dedicated to "Integral Evolution"—a way of combining traditional spiritual lineage with the practicalities of a 21st-century career, family, and social life. We provide the tools to turn that "something more" into your lived reality, starting with the simple but profound step of joining a dharma class.

Why We Search for Community

We live in an age of "DIY spirituality." You can download a dozen meditation apps, buy a hundred books, and follow a thousand "influencers" who promise peace in ten minutes a day. While these tools can be a great starting point, most people eventually hit a wall. Why? Because the ego is incredibly clever at avoiding the very things that would actually help it grow. When we practice alone, we tend to skip the hard parts and stay comfortable.

This is why the concept of a "Sangha," or spiritual community, has been a pillar of awakening for thousands of years. When you enter a learning environment with others, you are stepping into a "collective field" of energy. You see your own struggles reflected in your classmates, and you realize you aren't alone. You hear questions you hadn't thought to ask and receive insights that your own mind might have filtered out. A community acts as a mirror, showing you parts of yourself—both your brilliance and your shadows—that you simply can't see on your own.

The Role of Guidance in a World of Information

In an era where information is free and infinite, wisdom is becoming increasingly rare. You can find the instructions for almost any meditation technique online, but instructions aren't the same as guidance. Think about learning to play an instrument or mastering a complex sport. You could watch a million videos, but a teacher who can see your specific form, hear your specific tone, and correct your specific mistakes is what actually makes you a master.

The path of awakening is no different. This is where the importance of Dharma teachers comes in. A teacher isn't someone who stands on a pedestal and gives you "the answers." Instead, they are more like a mountain guide. They have walked the path before you, they know where the steep cliffs are, they know where the hidden springs of water are, and they can help you navigate the terrain of your own mind. At Planet Dharma, our teachers, Achariya Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat, bring decades of combined experience in both monastic and "householder" settings. They offer a grounded, no-nonsense approach that values direct experience over dogma.

Moving Beyond the "Supermarket" Spirituality

One of the dangers of modern spirituality is the "supermarket" approach. We take a little bit of this and a little bit of that, avoiding anything that makes us uncomfortable. But true growth often happens at the edge of our comfort zone. A qualified teacher helps you stay at that edge without falling over. They provide the accountability and the perspective needed to move through the "dark nights of the soul" and the plateaus that every practitioner eventually faces. They help you turn a hobby into a way of life.

Reclaiming the Feminine: A New Era of Leadership

For centuries, the spiritual narrative has been largely dominated by male voices. While much of that wisdom is eternal, the world is currently experiencing a deep hunger for the feminine perspective. This isn't just about gender; it’s about a style of teaching that values relationship, embodiment, intuition, and the "messiness" of life.

We are seeing a powerful rise in women spiritual teachers who are redefining what it means to be "enlightened." These teachers bring a groundedness that addresses the specific challenges of modern life—balancing motherhood, career, and personal growth. At Planet Dharma, we celebrate this shift. We believe that for a spiritual path to be truly "integral," it must include the voices of those who understand that the "temple" is not just a building, but our very bodies, our homes, and our communities. This feminine energy is active, compassionate, and fiercely wise, providing a roadmap for an awakening that is both profound and practical.

The Power of Embodied Wisdom

When we learn from a diverse range of voices, we realize that awakening doesn't look like one specific thing. It isn't just about being "calm" or "peaceful." It can be fierce, it can be creative, it can be loud, and it can be deeply relational. The influx of feminine leadership in the Dharma is helping all of us—regardless of gender—to integrate these qualities into our own practice. It reminds us that our emotions, our bodies, and our relationships are not "distractions" from the path; they are the path itself.

The Householder Path: Awakening in Action

One of the core philosophies at Planet Dharma is the "Householder Path." In ancient times, people often thought they had to leave their families and jobs to find the truth. But in 2026, most of us don't have that option, and frankly, we don't believe it's necessary.

Every interaction you have is an opportunity to practice. When you’re in a stressful meeting at work, that’s your practice. When you’re dealing with a difficult family situation, that’s your practice. When you’re managing your finances or caring for your health, that’s your practice. The goal isn't to get to a state where you are never stressed; the goal is to develop a "Clear Sky" mind that can hold the stress without being overwhelmed by it.

Developing Resilience and Emotional Intelligence

Through consistent study and community interaction, you begin to develop a level of emotional intelligence that changes how you move through the world. You start to see the "gap" between a stimulus and your response. In that gap lies your freedom. Instead of being a victim of your habits and triggers, you become a conscious creator of your life. This is the ultimate goal of the work we do: to help you become more resilient, more compassionate, and more alive.

The "Integral" Difference

Planet Dharma doesn't just teach meditation. We teach a system that includes:

Meditation and Mindfulness: The tools to calm the mind and observe the self.

Study (Dharma): Understanding the "laws" of the mind and the nature of reality.

Community (Sangha): Finding support and accountability among fellow seekers.

Action (Karma Yoga): Bringing your awareness into your work and service to the world.

Shadow Work: Integrating the hidden, repressed, or "dark" parts of your psyche.

By addressing all these areas, we ensure that your growth is balanced. You don't just become a "better meditator"; you become a more integrated human being. You find that you have more energy, more clarity, and a deeper sense of purpose in everything you do.

Overcoming the "Spiritual Plateau"

Many people find that they start their journey with a lot of enthusiasm, only to get bored or discouraged after a few months. This is usually because they haven't moved from "theory" to "practice." Real transformation requires a "re-wiring" of the brain, and that takes time and consistency.

By participating in a structured environment, you move past the superficial levels of practice. You start to dig deeper into the root causes of your suffering. You begin to see the "patterns" that have been running your life for decades. This can be challenging work, but it is also incredibly liberating. There is nothing quite like the feeling of finally breaking a habit that has been holding you back for years.

Finding Your Place in the Lineage

When you engage with Planet Dharma, you aren't just joining a club; you are entering a lineage that stretches back thousands of years. But it’s a lineage that is alive and evolving. We aren't interested in repeating ancient rituals just for the sake of tradition. We are interested in what works now.

We invite you to bring your skepticism, your questions, and your unique life experience to the table. We don't want you to believe anything just because we said it; we want you to test it for yourself. Does it make you more patient? Does it make you more effective at work? Does it make you more loving in your relationships? If the answer is yes, then keep going.

A Vision for the Future

Imagine a world where people operated from a place of clarity rather than fear. Imagine a society where leaders were trained in mindfulness and compassion as much as they were in economics or law. Imagine a community where every individual took responsibility for their own "inner weather."

This is the vision that drives us at Planet Dharma. We believe that individual awakening is the foundation for collective change. By doing the work to wake yourself up, you are contributing to a more conscious and compassionate world. Your growth doesn't just benefit you; it benefits everyone you come into contact with.

FAQ

What should I expect in my first class?

Expect a welcoming environment where we combine meditation practice with deep discussion. We focus on practical application, so you'll likely walk away with a specific tool or insight you can use immediately in your daily life.

How do I know which teacher is right for me?

The best way is to listen to their talks or read their articles. Look for a teacher whose style resonates with you and who challenges you to think differently. At Planet Dharma, we offer a range of perspectives to help you find your "fit."

Can I participate if I have no prior experience?

Absolutely. We have resources for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners. The only requirement is a curious mind and a willingness to look at yourself honestly.

Is this a religious organization?

While our roots are in the Buddhist tradition, our approach is non-sectarian and "integral." We focus on universal truths about the human mind and heart that apply to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.

What is "Karma Yoga"?

It is the "yoga of action." It means performing your work and daily tasks as a form of meditation and service, focusing on the quality of your effort rather than being obsessed with the results.

How often are the communities active?

We have a vibrant, year-round schedule that includes online classes, in-person retreats, and ongoing community discussions. There is always a way to stay connected and engaged.

Final Thought

 In our modern era, spirituality is often viewed as a private, solitary pursuit. While individual meditation is foundational, the historical Buddha emphasized that the "Sangha," or spiritual community, is one of the Three Jewels of refuge. Enrolling in a Dharma class is the most effective way to activate this communal support. In a group setting, the teachings move from being abstract concepts in a book to living, breathing experiences shared among peers.

A well-structured Dharma class provides a unique mirror for our personal development. When we study and practice with others, we encounter diverse perspectives that challenge our own cognitive biases and egoic patterns. This "relational Dharma" allows us to practice patience, compassion, and deep listening in real-time—skills that are often missed when practicing in isolation. The dialogue that occurs within a class helps to clarify difficult philosophical points and provides practical examples of how to apply the Dharma to family, work, and social challenges.

Furthermore, the consistency of a scheduled Dharma class acts as an anchor for your practice. During times of low motivation or high stress, the commitment to your community keeps you moving forward. It creates a container where you can be vulnerable, ask questions, and receive guidance from experienced facilitators and senior practitioners. This shared journey builds a sense of belonging and purpose that counters the isolation so prevalent in the 21st century.