#paramis

Most of us are having two conversations at once — and we don't even know it.

One voice says: grow, change, take the risk, follow what genuinely calls you. The other says: stay comfortable, stay safe, this probably won't work. The tragedy isn't that both voices exist. The tragedy is that most people spend their lives obeying the wrong one.

This is not a metaphor. It's one of the oldest observations in spiritual practice — and it's at the heart of why dharma meditation retreats exist. Because in ordinary life, surrounded by noise, notifications, and the constant pull of routine, it becomes nearly impossible to tell the two voices apart. Retreat creates the silence in which clarity finally becomes possible.

The Two Voices You're Already Living With

There's a distinction that Planet Dharma's teachers draw with unusual precision — and once you hear it, you'll start recognising it everywhere in your own experience.

It comes down to understanding the daemon vs demon within you.

The daemon — drawn from ancient Greek understanding — is your deepest calling. It's the part of you that knows what you're here for, what genuinely needs to be done, and where real growth lies. It's not loud. In fact, it's remarkably quiet. It doesn't beg or bargain. It simply points — and then waits to see if you have the courage to follow.

The demon, by contrast, is what tries to suppress that calling. It dresses itself up in very reasonable language: "this isn't practical," "what will people think," "it's too risky," "not now." It sounds like wisdom. It often sounds like common sense. But its actual job is to keep you exactly where you are.

How to Tell the Difference

The daemon's voice, according to Planet Dharma's teaching, arises when you're in a genuinely grounded space. It's not frantic, not obsessive, not emotionally charged. It's quiet and clear. And about every nine months or so — on average — it rises up and demands something real from you.

If you keep saying no to it, it gets quieter. It doesn't fight you. It simply retreats. And eventually, if it's ignored long enough, it stops speaking altogether — at least in this lifetime.

The demon, meanwhile, is always available. It's energised by avoidance, justified by comfort, and strengthened every time you choose familiarity over growth.

Understanding this distinction isn't just philosophically interesting. It's practically life-changing. Because once you can see which voice you've been listening to, you can start making a different choice.

Why Retreat Is Where the Daemon Gets Heard

This is the deeper purpose of dharma meditation retreats — not relaxation, not a break from ordinary life, but the creation of conditions in which genuine inner listening becomes possible.

When you step away from your usual environment, your usual schedule, and your usual distractions, the ego loses much of its leverage. The constant activity that keeps the demon's arguments running in the background begins to slow. And in that slowing, something quieter — the daemon, the deeper calling, what Buddhist practice calls bodhicitta or the awakening mind — begins to become audible.

Planet Dharma is a Buddhist-inspired spiritual education platform founded by Dharma teachers Doug Duncan (Qapel) and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei. Their in-person offerings — held at Clear Sky Meditation Centre in the BC Rockies and internationally — are specifically designed to create these conditions. Vipassana retreats, Tantra intensives, weekend dharma events, AstroDharma courses, and the flagship three-month karma yoga immersion all serve the same fundamental purpose: getting you out of the noise and into genuine contact with your own depths.

These aren't passive experiences. They ask something real from you. Which is precisely the point.

The Six Paramis: Your Inner Architecture for the Path

Here's where things get practically rich. Hearing the daemon's voice is one thing. Having the inner resources to actually follow it is another.

This is exactly what the Paramis are designed to build.

The six Paramis — also called the Six Perfections or Pāramitā — are qualities of consciousness that the Buddhist tradition has cultivated for over two thousand years. They're not abstract virtues. They're practical capacities that, when developed, give you the internal stability to stay present when things get difficult — and to keep following your calling even when the demon is shouting at you to stop.

The Six Paramis Unpacked

Generosity (Dāna) — the practice of giving, of releasing rather than grasping. In the context of the path, this means being willing to give up what's comfortable in service of what's true.

Ethical Conduct (Sīla) — translated in Planet Dharma's teaching as "coolness." When your behaviour has integrity, when your conscience is clear, you don't get rattled by pressure. You stay grounded. This is what makes it possible to hear the daemon even when the demon is loud.

Patience (Khanti) — the recognition that things have their own timing. The daemon asks for things you can't always receive immediately. Patience is what keeps you in the game when the timeline is longer than you'd like.

Energy (Viriya) — the universe does not run out of energy. But humans do — when their energy is fragmented, scattered, or invested in avoidance. Viriya is the practice of bringing your full aliveness into the moment rather than leaking it into distraction.

Meditative Absorption (Dhyāna) — the capacity for sustained, engaged attention. This isn't just sitting on a cushion. It's the ability to remain genuinely present in whatever you're doing — a conversation, a decision, a moment of confrontation with your own resistance.

Wisdom (Prajñā) — the natural result of cultivating the previous five. Wisdom isn't accumulated information. It's the clear seeing that emerges when awareness is no longer clouded by fear, craving, or the demon's endless self-justifications.

Why Retreat Supercharges the Paramis

In ordinary daily life, developing the Paramis is possible but slow. The same distractions that drown out the daemon's voice also interrupt the continuous practice that genuine cultivation requires.

In a retreat environment, something accelerates. The Paramis aren't just discussed — they're lived, moment to moment, in community, under the guidance of teachers who can see exactly where each practitioner is getting stuck and where the real work needs to happen.

Planet Dharma's approach weaves the Paramis directly into their retreat structure. Whether it's the karma yoga elements of the three-month intensive — where service practice builds generosity, patience, and ethical clarity simultaneously — or the concentrated meditation of a Vipassana retreat, the Paramis are always present as the underlying frame.

What Happens When You Follow the Daemon

Here's what the teaching ultimately points to: the daemon isn't asking you to be reckless. It's asking you to be honest.

Every inventor, every artist, every practitioner who has made genuine progress on the spiritual path has had to face the same moment — where the demon says "stay comfortable" and the daemon says "grow." And what made the difference, every time, was the discipline to stay present with the discomfort of that choice long enough to make the right one.

That discipline — built through consistent practice, retreat, community, and the cultivation of the Paramis — is what Planet Dharma is fundamentally in the business of developing.

Not spiritual tourism. Not temporary peak experiences. Real, durable, lived transformation.

FAQs 

Q: What makes dharma meditation retreats different from regular meditation classes?

A: Retreats remove ordinary life's distractions entirely, creating conditions where deeper inner material — including your daemon's voice — becomes accessible in a way that daily practice rarely allows.

Q: What exactly is the daemon vs demon distinction?

A: The daemon is your deepest calling — quiet, clear, and oriented toward genuine growth. The demon is the voice that keeps you comfortable and avoidant. Both are internal, and learning to distinguish them is a core practice.

Q: Are the Paramis only relevant to Buddhists?

A: Not at all. The six Paramis — generosity, ethical conduct, patience, energy, meditative absorption, and wisdom — are universal human qualities applicable to any sincere practitioner, regardless of tradition.

Q: How do the Paramis help with following the daemon?

A: They build the inner stability and clarity required to stay present when the daemon calls for growth. Without the Paramis, the demon's arguments tend to win by default.

Q: Do I need to be an experienced meditator to attend a Planet Dharma retreat?

A: No. Planet Dharma offers retreats for all levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. The important thing is genuine intention.

Q: How often should I attend dharma meditation retreats?

A: Even one retreat a year can create significant shifts. More frequent attendance tends to accelerate the work considerably, especially when combined with ongoing daily practice.

Final Thoughts

The daemon inside you hasn't given up. It may have gotten quieter. It may have been drowned out for years by the very reasonable-sounding arguments of the demon. But it's still there — pointing, waiting, calling you toward the version of your life that's actually worth living.

Dharma meditation retreats are one of the most direct ways to create the space in which that voice becomes audible again. And when you combine that spaciousness with a genuine understanding of daemon vs demon and the cultivation of the Paramis, something remarkable becomes possible: you stop being run by avoidance and start being guided by your deepest calling.

Have you ever felt like you’re running on a treadmill that never stops? We strive for success, we seek out comfort, and we try to be "good" people, yet there is often a nagging sense that something fundamental is missing. We feel fragmented, as if we are living only a fraction of our potential. If you’ve been searching for a way to anchor your life in something deeper than just daily survival, the ancient wisdom of the Paramis offers a sophisticated roadmap for the modern soul.

At Planet Dharma, we don't look at spirituality as a way to escape the world, but as a way to fully inhabit it. We are a brand built on the fusion of ancient lineage and modern psychological clarity. Our mission is to help you bridge the gap between who you are now and the awakened being you are capable of becoming. We believe that transformation isn't just about "fixing" your problems; it’s about shifting the very foundation of how you perceive yourself and the universe.

The Ten Perfections for a Modern World

In traditional teachings, these "perfections" are qualities of the heart and mind that lead to liberation. But don’t let the word "perfection" intimidate you. These aren't about being a flawless saint; they are about developing the "spiritual stamina" to stay awake in a world that wants to put you to sleep.

From generosity and ethics to patience and resolve, these qualities act as a compass. When life gets chaotic, the ten virtues provide a clear direction. They help you move from being a reactive victim of your circumstances to becoming a sovereign creator of your own experience. At Planet Dharma, we teach you how to apply these qualities to your career, your relationships, and your inner dialogue, turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth.

Facing the Hidden Self: The Necessity of Shadow Work

As we begin to cultivate these higher virtues, we inevitably encounter the parts of ourselves that feel "un-enlightened." We find our hidden anger, our secret jealousies, and our deep-seated fears. Many spiritual paths tell you to ignore these parts or push them away, but that only gives them more power. True wholeness requires honest Shadow work.

Your shadow consists of everything you’ve rejected in yourself to fit into society or to please your family. When you repress these traits, they don't disappear; they run your life from behind the scenes. By bringing these hidden aspects into the light of awareness, you stop leaking energy. You reclaim the power that was trapped in your repression. This process turns your "demons" into allies, giving you a grounded, authentic strength that isn't based on being "perfect," but on being whole.

Finding Your Structure with Spiritual Enlightenment Courses

The path to awakening is beautiful, but it can also be confusing. Without a clear framework, it is incredibly easy to get lost in the "spiritual supermarket," trying a bit of this and a bit of that without ever seeing real, lasting change in your life. This is why many seekers find immense value in structured spiritual enlightenment courses.

These programs provide a container of safety and accountability. They help you understand that your struggles aren't unique to you; they are part of the shared human experience. By following a proven curriculum, you learn how to navigate the highs and lows of the path with grace. You gain the tools to observe your mind without judgment and to stay steady when the "storms" of your ego begin to surface. At Planet Dharma, we offer these resources to ensure that your growth is balanced, grounded, and integrated into your actual daily life.

Breaking the "Auto-Pilot" Habit

Most of us spend our days reacting to the world. Someone cuts us off in traffic, and we get angry. A coworker gets a promotion, and we feel jealous. We are like leaves blowing in the wind of our circumstances. Awakening is the process of realizing you are not the leaf; you are the tree.

Through consistent practice and study, you develop a "gap" between a stimulus and your reaction. In that gap, you find your freedom. You realize that you don't have to follow every thought or emotion that enters your mind. You can choose to stay steady. You can choose to respond with wisdom instead of reacting with habit. This is the ultimate freedom—the realization that your inner peace is not dependent on the world being a certain way.

The Role of Community and Lineage

The path to awakening is steep, and it is easy to get lost. The ego is incredibly clever and will often try to turn your spiritual practice into another way to feel "special" or superior to others. This is why having a community of peers and a trusted lineage of teachers is essential.

Planet Dharma provides that sanctuary. Being part of a "Sangha" means you have people who will call you out on your ego-trips and support you during your dark nights of the soul. We lean on a lineage that has been tested for centuries, ensuring that the tools we give you actually work. You aren't reinventing the wheel; you are following a map that has led countless others to freedom.

Turning Your Life into a Sacred Dojo

The goal of our work isn't to make you a "good meditator." It’s to make you a more awake human being. If your practice doesn't make you a kinder partner, a more ethical business person, or a more present parent, then what is it for?

We teach that your daily life is your "dojo"—your place of practice. Every difficult conversation, every financial stress, and every moment of joy is an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned. When you view life this way, there is no such thing as a "distraction." Everything becomes "grist for the mill." You start to see that the world isn't happening to you; it’s happening for your growth.

The Courage to Be Seen

Transformation requires a radical honesty. It requires you to be willing to be seen—both by yourself and by others—without your masks. This vulnerability is where true power lies. When you no longer have anything to hide, you no longer have anything to fear.

By integrating your shadow and arising as your highest self, you become a "sovereign" being. You are no longer looking to the world for validation because you have found a source of value within yourself. This sovereignty allows you to lead with integrity, love with depth, and live with a sense of purpose that transcends your personal desires.

Developing a Resilient Mindset

Resilience is the ability to meet life’s challenges without losing your center. In an era of global uncertainty, resilience is no longer a luxury—it’s a survival skill.

When you train in an integrated way, you develop a "non-reactive" awareness. You notice the anxiety or the fear rising in your body, but you don't have to be a victim of it. You can acknowledge the feeling, breathe into it, and then choose a response that is based on wisdom rather than panic. This internal stability is the greatest gift you can give yourself and the people you love. You become the "calm in the storm," a source of steady presence for everyone you encounter.

Final Thought

The journey toward wholeness is the greatest adventure you will ever embark upon. It is a path of profound discovery that requires bravery, discipline, and an open heart. Whether you are mastering your character, diving into the depths of your own mind, or reclaiming the hidden parts of your soul, remember that you are not alone. Planet Dharma is honored to provide the map and the company for your evolution. The brilliance you are seeking is not somewhere else; it is hidden behind the very things you’ve been afraid to look at. Step into the light and discover the wholeness that has been waiting for you all along.

FAQ

What are the Paramis exactly?

They are ten spiritual qualities (like generosity, ethics, and patience) that serve as a foundation for a stable and awakened life. They are practical tools for character building.

Is shadow work dangerous?

When done within a supportive structure like the ones provided at Planet Dharma, it is a safe and incredibly liberating process. It’s about integration, not destruction.

How long does an enlightenment course take?

While awakening is a lifelong journey, our courses are designed to provide significant shifts in perspective and behavior within a few weeks to a few months of consistent study.

Do I need to be a Buddhist to join?

Not at all. While our roots are in Buddhist lineage, the principles we teach are universal human truths that apply to anyone seeking more clarity and meaning in their life.

Can I do this work while working a 9-5 job?

Have you ever had a moment where the world suddenly felt a little sharper, a little brighter, or more connected than it was just a second before? Most of us spend our lives moving through a bit of a fog—worrying about the bills, the kids, or the next deadline. We operate on autopilot, reacting to the same triggers and repeating the same habits. But every so often, there is a "glimmer." You might ask yourself, "what is awakening" in a practical, grounded sense?

At Planet Dharma, we see this process not as a destination where you sit on a cloud and ignore the world, but as a profound shift in how you relate to reality. It is about waking up from the "dream" of your own ego and seeing things as they truly are. It’s the difference between watching a movie and realizing you are the one sitting in the theater holding the projector. It is a journey of clarity, and it starts exactly where you are right now.

Moving Beyond the Surface of the Mind

When people first start looking into spiritual growth, they often think it’s just about feeling calm. While calm is a wonderful side effect, true insight involves a deep internal housekeeping. To move forward, we have to address the parts of ourselves that we’ve ignored for years. This is where the work of shadow work becomes essential.

Your "shadow" consists of all the traits, emotions, and memories you’ve pushed away because they felt uncomfortable or socially unacceptable. Maybe it’s a hidden talent you were told was "unrealistic," or a deep-seated anger you were told was "impolite." Real transformation happens when we stop treating these parts as enemies and start integrating them into our whole selves. Planet Dharma provides the guidance to do this safely, ensuring that as you "wake up," you aren't just floating away, but becoming a more complete and powerful version of yourself.

Building the Foundation with the Paramis

If awakening is the goal, how do we actually get there without losing our minds in the process? The path requires more than just a desire for change; it requires a set of qualities that act as a compass. These are known as the Paramis, or the "perfections" of the heart.

Think of these qualities—like generosity, patience, and wisdom—as spiritual muscles. You wouldn't expect to run a marathon without training your legs, and you shouldn't expect to navigate the complexities of your own psyche without training your heart. By cultivating these traits in your daily life, you create a stable foundation. You become less reactive to the ups and downs of life, allowing you to see through the illusions of the ego with much more ease.

The Courage to See the Truth

Awakening isn't always "love and light." Sometimes, it involves seeing truths about ourselves or the world that are difficult to swallow. It might mean realizing that a career path we’ve followed for twenty years doesn't actually align with our values. It might mean seeing how our own insecurities have hurt the people we love.

This is why clarity is such a vital part of the process. Without clarity, we just replace one set of illusions with another. But with insight, even the difficult truths become a source of strength. Once you see things clearly, you can no longer be fooled by the old dramas of the ego. You become a "sovereign" being, capable of making choices that lead to genuine happiness rather than temporary pleasure.

Breaking the Cycle of Reactivity

One of the clearest signs of spiritual progress is a change in how you react to stress. Before we begin this work, we are often like dry tinder—one little spark of criticism or one bad traffic jam, and we burst into flames. We lose our peace instantly and blame everyone else for our discomfort.

As we progress, that "gap" between a stimulus and our response starts to grow. You notice the anger or the anxiety rising, but you don't have to follow it. You can see it as just another "weather pattern" passing through the mind. This internal space is the birthplace of freedom. You realize that while you can't always control what happens in the world, you have total authority over how you meet it.

Why Planet Dharma Focuses on Real Life

Planet Dharma was founded on the belief that spirituality should make you more effective in the world, not less. We don't want you to retreat from your career or your family; we want you to bring the light of awareness into those spaces.

If your growth doesn't make you a kinder partner, a more patient parent, or a more ethical professional, then what is it really for? Our brand is dedicated to bridging the gap between ancient meditative depth and the messy reality of modern life. We believe that the highest "monastery" is the life you are currently living, and every interaction is a chance to practice.

The Role of Discipline and Joy

There is a common misconception that spiritual practice is a grim, serious affair. While it requires discipline, the ultimate goal is a deep, unshakeable joy. This isn't the kind of joy that depends on things going your way. It’s a joy that comes from the simple fact of being alive and aware.

Think of it like training for a marathon. The training can be hard, but the feeling of strength and the "runner's high" make it worth it. In the same way, the discipline of meditation and self-inquiry builds a "spiritual muscle." Eventually, you find that you can stay upright and centered even when the storms of life are blowing at full force.

Transforming the Collective Spirit

When we do this work, we aren't just doing it for ourselves. We live in a world that is struggling with massive collective burdens—greed, division, and fear. By doing our own internal work, we stop contributing to that collective darkness.

When you heal your own anger, there is one less angry person in the world. When you find your own peace, you become a "station" that broadcasts peace to everyone you meet. This is the ultimate "insight" of the path: that our individual growth is inextricably linked to the well-all of the entire planet. By healing ourselves, we help heal the world.

Practical Steps for Your Daily Journey

How do you actually start? It begins with honesty.

Observation: Watch your reactions. What makes you angry? What makes you jealous? These are the breadcrumbs leading to your inner truth.

Contemplation: Use daily wisdom to shift your frequency. Don't just read words; feel them in your body.

Action: Bring your insights into your relationships. If you realize you’ve been suppressing your voice, practice speaking your truth in small, kind ways.

The Intersection of Tradition and Modernity

We live in a fast-paced world, but the human soul moves at a different speed. It moves at the speed of breath, of seasons, and of quiet contemplation. By bridging the gap between ancient traditions and modern psychological techniques, we create a holistic path to freedom.

The beauty of this work is that it is never finished. There is always a deeper layer of peace to find, a more profound level of compassion to experience, and a clearer way to see the world. We are here to provide the tools, the maps, and the community to make that journey possible.

Final Thought

Your journey toward wholeness is the most important work you will ever do. It doesn't require you to be anyone other than who you are right now. By honoring the wisdom of the heart, connecting with a lineage of truth, and turning your daily actions into a sacred offering, you unlock a life of profound meaning and unshakeable peace. Remember, the light you are looking for is not at the end of the tunnel; it is the very energy that allows you to see the path today. Planet Dharma is honored to walk that path with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the simplest way to explain awakening?

Awakening is the shift from being lost in your thoughts to being the aware observer of your thoughts. It is "waking up" to the present moment and seeing reality without the filters of your ego.

Is integrating the shadow the same as therapy?

While they overlap, this work focuses specifically on integrating suppressed parts of the psyche into your spiritual path. It aims for "wholeness" rather than just symptom management.

What are the perfections of the heart?

Known as the perfections, these are qualities like generosity, patience, and ethics that one cultivates to create a stable and compassionate mind capable of reaching higher states of awareness.

How long does it take to experience a shift?

Awakening isn't a one-time goal; it's a gradual process. You can experience moments of clarity almost immediately, while full integration into your personality is a lifelong and rewarding journey.

Why does Planet Dharma focus on modern life?

Have you ever felt like you’re standing at the edge of something vast, yet you can’t quite figure out how to jump in? We all seek a life filled with more meaning, less stress, and a deeper sense of connection to the world around us. But often, the "how-to" of spiritual growth feels like a tangled web of complex terms and unattainable goals. If you've been searching for a roadmap that feels both ancient and refreshingly practical, understanding the Paramis might be the most important discovery you make this year.

At Planet Dharma, we don’t believe that spirituality is about escaping life. It’s about engaging with it more fully. We are a brand dedicated to helping modern seekers bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and a busy, high-pressure world. Our mission is to provide the tools that allow you to turn every challenge—whether it’s a difficult boss, a strained relationship, or personal self-doubt—into fuel for your evolution.

What Are the "Perfections" of the Heart?

The word "Paramis" (often translated as "perfections") refers to a set of ten qualities of the heart and mind that we can cultivate to navigate the ups and downs of existence. Think of them as spiritual muscles. Just as you wouldn't expect to run a marathon without training, you can't expect to stay calm and compassionate in a crisis without exercising your inner strength.

These qualities include things like generosity, morality, patience, and wisdom. But here’s the twist that Planet Dharma emphasizes: these aren't just "good ideas." They are active practices. When you practice generosity, you aren't just giving money; you are training your mind to let go of the fear of "not having enough." When you practice patience, you aren't just waiting; you are observing the urge to control everything and choosing to remain steady instead.

Navigating the Path of Awakening

Many people think that spiritual growth is a straight line—that you start at "Point A" (confusion) and walk directly to "Point B" (bliss). In reality, the path of awakening is more like a spiral. You will encounter the same lessons over and over, but each time, you meet them with a little more clarity, a little more grace, and a lot more humor.

The path is designed to strip away the "ego-armor" we’ve built up over decades. This can feel vulnerable. It can even feel scary. But on the other side of that vulnerability is a profound sense of freedom. When you no longer have to protect a false image of yourself, you are free to actually be yourself. Awakening isn't about becoming someone else; it's about finally meeting the person you've always been beneath all the noise.

Why Structure Matters in a Modern World

We live in an age of "information overload." You can find a million quotes about peace on social media, but quotes don't change your life—practice does. This is why structured learning is so vital. If you really want to see a shift in your mental and emotional well-being, engaging with dedicated spiritual enlightenment courses provides the container you need to stay committed.

At Planet Dharma, our courses are designed to be "lived." We don't just want you to watch videos or read texts; we want you to take the teachings into your kitchen, your office, and your relationships. By following a structured curriculum, you ensure that you aren't just "spiritual shopping," but actually building a foundation that will support you for the rest of your life.

The Power of Generosity and Ethics

Let’s look at the first two perfections. Generosity (Dana) is the foundation. Why? Because it breaks the "me-first" habit. Most of our suffering comes from a sense of lack. By giving—whether it’s time, attention, or resources—we prove to our subconscious that we are abundant.

Then comes morality or ethics (Sila). In a world that often rewards "getting ahead" at any cost, living with integrity is a radical act. It’s not about following a set of rigid rules; it’s about understanding the law of cause and effect. When you act with kindness and honesty, your mind becomes naturally quiet. You have nothing to hide, nothing to defend, and nothing to worry about. This "freedom from remorse" is the essential ground for deep meditation.

Patience: The Antidote to Modern Anxiety

If there is one quality the modern world needs more of, it’s patience (Khanti). We are used to instant gratification—one-click shopping, instant messaging, and high-speed everything. But the soul moves at a slower pace.

Patience is the ability to stay present with discomfort without trying to "fix" it or run away from it. When you feel that itch of boredom or the sting of a criticism, can you just sit with it? This is where the real transformation happens. By developing this muscle, you become "unshakeable." You realize that feelings are just clouds passing through the sky of your awareness.

Finding Wisdom in the Ordinary

Wisdom (Panna) isn't about knowing a lot of facts. It’s about seeing things as they are. Most of us see things as we are—filtered through our biases, fears, and desires. Wisdom is the clarity that comes when the dust of the ego settles.

At Planet Dharma, we teach that wisdom is found in the "marketplaces" of life. It’s found in how you handle a long line at the grocery store or how you listen to a friend who is hurting. When you apply the perfections to these ordinary moments, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. This is the secret of a lived spirituality: there is no "off-duty" time. Every moment is an opportunity to practice.

The Role of Community and Guidance

The journey of self-discovery is deep, and sometimes the terrain gets rough. Having a community (Sangha) and experienced guides makes all the difference. Planet Dharma provides that sanctuary. We are a global community of seekers who are all doing the work together.

When you see others facing their shadows with courage, it gives you the strength to face yours. When you hear a teacher speak a truth that resonates in your very bones, it clarifies your direction. We are here to ensure that you don't have to walk the path alone.

Embracing the Full Human Experience

One of the biggest mistakes people make on the spiritual path is trying to "transcend" their humanity. They want to stop feeling angry, stop feeling sad, or stop having desires. But at Planet Dharma, we say: "Bring it all."

The perfections aren't about being a "perfect" robot. They are about being a fully integrated human. It’s okay to feel anger—as long as you use the perfection of "Truthfulness" to see it and "Patience" to hold it. When you stop fighting your emotions, they lose their power over you. They become just more energy to be used for your awakening.

Building Resilience for Global Change

We live in uncertain times. The world is facing massive shifts, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or helpless. However, a person who has cultivated the inner qualities of the perfections is a person who can be a light for others.

When you are grounded in your own practice, you don't get swept away by the collective panic. You become the "calm in the storm." This is the ultimate goal of Planet Dharma: to create individuals who are so rooted in their own awakening that they naturally become a source of healing for the world around them.

Final Thought

Your life is the greatest classroom you will ever enter. The challenges you face today are not obstacles to your spiritual growth—they are your spiritual growth. By practicing the perfections and staying committed to your own journey, you unlock a version of yourself that is resilient, compassionate, and deeply at peace. Remember, the path isn't somewhere else; it is right beneath your feet. All you have to do is take the next step with awareness and an open heart.

FAQ

What are the Paramis in simple terms?

They are ten qualities of the heart—like generosity, patience, and wisdom—that we practice in daily life to develop inner strength and spiritual maturity.

How does the path of awakening actually work?

It works by slowly stripping away the illusions of the ego through meditation, ethical living, and self-inquiry, allowing your true, natural state of peace to emerge.

Are spiritual enlightenment courses hard to follow?

Not at all. Planet Dharma’s courses are designed to be accessible and practical, breaking down deep wisdom into manageable steps that you can apply to your modern lifestyle.

Do I need to be a Buddhist to practice these things?

No. While these teachings have roots in ancient traditions, they are universal human truths. Anyone, regardless of their background, can benefit from cultivating more patience, kindness, and clarity.

Why is Planet Dharma different from other spiritual schools?

How to Find Peace in a F’d Up World

Would you like to find peace in a F’d up World? Thankfully, there are time-tested spiritual tools you can practice for transformation and wisdom. Watch this video to hear Doug and Catherine Sensei share their thoughts on why we struggle and what we can do to find true peace. Practice the Perfections (Paramis) The Paramis, also known as the perfections, are specific practices that lead one out of suffering towards the shore of awakening. It is on that shore, that one is no longer subject to the struggles of the world.

Buddhist teacher Ayya Khema on the highest level of generosity: dedicating one's own life to the service of others.

“The more one gives out of compassion, the more compassion one necessarily has to have. It’s obvious and logical, yet hardly anyone considers this aspect.”– Ayya KhemaTweet German-born Ayya Khema was a Buddhist teacher and a nun in the Theravada tradition. She was a dedicated advocate of women’s practice in the tradition, setting up her own monastery in Australia. In this excerpt from her book,…

How do you act in the world with compassion, clarity and kindness? Discover the ‘Pārami’ or ‘Pāramitas’, ancient qualities or ‘perfections’ that open the gateway of freedom in one’s being. This weekend course and retreat is offered in-person at Clear Sky Meditation Center, as well as online from your home.

How do you act in the world with compassion, clarity and kindness? Discover the ‘Pārami’ or ‘Pāramitas’, ancient qualities or ‘perfections’ that open the gateway of freedom in one’s being. This weekend course and retreat is offered in-person at Clear Sky Meditation Center, as well as online from your home.

Why Study the Pārami?

The Pārami are Practices for Freedom

We all have habits. Habits are comfortable! We do them every day, usually on auto-pilot. The difficulty with habits is that we’re not present. True freedom and well-being come from the degree to which we are present in each moment. By practicing the Pārami, or the ‘Perfections’, we experience new ways of engaging with the present moment that bring greater awareness and clarity. This interrupts our habits, which tend to be self-focused and unconscious.

When practiced in earnest, and with curiosity, we learn to apply the perfections in more and more situations.  Over time, our experience of them deepens and we grow into richer states of freedom year by year. The pārami serve us well for our entire lifetime, and beyond. 

In this course we will study the Six Pārami of Mahayana Buddhism.

There are countless translations of the Paramis, and they can be practiced in any order:

1.     Generosity (Dāna)

2.     Ethics (Śīla)

3.     Patience (Kṣānti)

4.     Effort (Vīrya)

5.     Concentration (Dhyāna)

6.     Wisdom and Insight (Prajñā)

 This weekend retreat is available online as well as in-person. Video recordings will be available for one week after each class.

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