WELLNESS & HEALTH
Publisher:
Planet Dharma
January 8, 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Planet Dharma doesn't just teach meditation. We teach a system that includes:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
The journey toward awakening is the most significant adventure a human being can undertake. It isn't about escaping reality or becoming "perfect." It's about finding the courage to be fully present for your life, exactly as it is. Whether you are seeking the guidance of Dharma teachers, exploring the unique perspectives of women spiritual teachers, or simply looking to join your first dharma class, remember that the first step is always the most important one. You don't have to wait for the "perfect" time to start. The perfect time is right now. We are here to walk with you every step of the way.
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