Coming Fall 2026: Cedar Cohort
Foundations of Planetary dharma - Year 1 Curriculum
Awaken the Bodhisattva Within - Applications open summer 2025!
We are now accepting applications! Join us for a transformative journey taking place over two semesters in 2026: Winter/Spring Semester, and Fall Semester - with a short break over the summer. This course is designed to support the awakening of the Bodhisattva within you. In a world marked by profound challenges and opportunities, the Fourth Turning of the Dharma calls for a renewed commitment to sacred humanism through psycho-education, and spiritual practice that meets the needs of our time.
Level 1: Foundations of Planetary Dharma is a two semester program that merges ancient Indo-Tibetan wisdom with contemporary psychology, offering a pathway to healing, self-knowledge, growth, and compassionate engagement with the world.
This course is led by John and Nicole Churchill, who are each notable for their pioneering work in understanding the full spectrum of human development, designing Planetary Dharma’s transformative curriculum, advancing integral psychology into the mainstream, and for their contemplative leadership.
John, a respected dharma teacher with a Psy.D. in contemplative psychology, has dedicated his career to integrating Eastern wisdom traditions with Western developmental psychology, providing unique insights into personal and spiritual growth.
Nicole, a seasoned curriculum designer for human development initiatives and integral psychology expert, brings her compassionate approach to contemplative practices and embodiment work, supporting students in exploring new dimensions of self-awareness and resilience.
Together, they have created a holistic approach to Planetary Dharma, bridging ancient teachings with contemporary psycho-education to cultivate a deeper, more interconnected experience of learning and personal transformation.
What You’ll Learn in This Course
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A Planetary Perspective on Human Transformation
Gain insight into the Fourth Turning of the Dharma, a shift in collective consciousness that highlights humanity’s potential for growth and healing. Discover how this planetary shift supports a more harmonious and connected world. -
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Psychological Attachment as a Foundation for Growth
Understand the role of psychological attachment in emotional and mental resilience. This foundation supports all other psychological processes, helping you cultivate secure, balanced relationships and inner stability. -
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Integrative Pathways for Healthy Development
Explore how Planetary Dharma and integral frameworks like AQAL provide pathways for human development, integrating ancient contemplative practices with modern psychology to foster a healthy civilization. -
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The Five Processes of Transformation
Discover the five central processes of Ken Wilber’s theory—Growing, Cleaning, Opening, Waking, and Showing Up—that lead to integral unfolding. Together, these practices guide you toward Radical Wholeness, awakening the Bodhisattva within. -
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Contemplative Practices through Maitreya’s Path
Engage with Maitreya’s Nine Stages of Calm/Staying, a contemplative path that develops inner calm, focus, and resilience, forming the foundations for steady spiritual practice. -
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Healing Multi-Generational Trauma and Cultivating Wholeness
Study the 12-linked Wheel of generational trauma from contemplative psychology, a model for understanding and healing trauma across generations. Through guided meditations—such as body-based awareness, breath work, and kundalini kriya—you’ll experience practices designed to harmonize body, mind, and spirit, supporting a greater sense of Wholeness.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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All live classes and sessions are scheduled in Mountain Time (MT). Be sure to adjust for your local time zone if you’re joining from outside MT.
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No problem! All classes will be recorded and available in the course membership area of the Planetary Dharma website for replay until May 31, 2027, so you can catch up or review the material at your convenience. Please let your small group facilitator know when you will be absent.
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Yes, absolutely! This course is designed to be accessible to students of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners.
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The course tuition is $4,300 for a single upfront payment. Alternatively, we offer a 10-month payment plan for $3,700 total, with monthly installments. This tuition includes all course materials, live sessions, recordings, and access to small group work with experienced facilitators throughout the six-month training.
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The Level 1: Foundations of Planetary Dharma is a nine-month program running from September 2026 to May 2027. The course includes:
Monthly Practice Days: Each month, we gather for a full practice day focused on new content and skills.
Weekly Group Learning Sessions: You’ll participate in weekly 90 minute classes from September to May. These sessions offer a deep dive into the curriculum, along with small group discussions and meditative practices.
Online Retreat Intensive: Date TBD.
This structured schedule is designed to support sustained growth and engagement, allowing you to build skills, deepen your practice, and connect with your cohort over the six months.
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To preserve the integrity of the training space, all participants must be registered and paid for the course (no stowaways!). We kindly ask that each student maintains a private and focused learning environment.
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We have dedicated sangha leaders in Europe and Oceania to support students in various time zones. These groups often hold additional meetings to replay class videos and facilitate group work together, allowing everyone to stay connected and engaged.
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Dr. John Churchill will lead the majority of the course, guiding students through the core teachings of the Level 1 curriculum. He will be joined by guest teachers, including his wife and course co-designer, Nicole Churchill, as well as two other senior students: Michael McSwain & Alyx Mikulski who bring their unique insights and experience to the program. In addition to John, Nicole and their guest teachers, the cohort is supported by a dedicated team of 30 facilitators-in-training (FIT), senior students who assist with the small group work and provide guidance throughout the six-month training. This structure ensures a comprehensive, supportive learning environment, enriching the experience for all participants.
Course Structure & Payment Information
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Eight Practice Days
Participate in immersive Saturday sessions, one per month, that focus on different core modules, merging dharma teachings with practices you can bring into daily life. -
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One 3-Day Online Meditation Retreat
Engage in a 3-day online retreat to deeply practice the Nine Stages of Maitreya, also known as Calm Staying, designed to cultivate inner calm and resilience. -
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Weekly Classes
Attend weekly classes led by John, Nicole, and the Planetary Dharma team. These sessions build community, deepen your understanding of each module, and include small group meditations and guided discussions. -
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Application Process
Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed, and you’ll receive a registration and payment link via email. Our team will be in touch to guide you through the enrollment process and ensure you’re prepared to begin the program. -
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Payment Options
Select from two payment options: a single payment of $4,300, or a 10-month payment plan for $4,700. -
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Expert Guidance and Supportive Community
Study under the expert guidance of John and Nicole Churchill, whose extensive experience in dharma, psychology, and integral development provides a nurturing environment for transformative learning and growth.