Dark retreat

Dark retreat (Wylie: mun mtshams [1]) is a solo retreat in a space that is completely absent of light, which is an advanced practice in the Dzogchen lineages of the Nyingmapa, Bönpo, and other schools of Tibetan Buddhism. The time period dedicated to dark retreat varies from a few hours to decades. Dark retreat in the Himalayan tradition is a restricted practice only to be engaged by the senior spiritual practitioner under appropriate spiritual guidance. This practice is considered conducive for navigating the bardo at the time of death and for realising the rainbow body. The traditional dark retreat requires stability in the natural state and is only suitable for advanced practitioners. Ayu Khandro and Dilgo Khyentse are examples of modern, if not contemporary, practitioners of significant periods of dark retreat sadhana.

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Tibetan Buddhism

History


Czech Television reporter Silvie Dymáková (winner of the main prize for documentary filmmaking in the Czech Republic, "Czech Lion award") documented a week in dark retreat.

Ayu Khandro performed the Yang-Ti (Tibetan), an advanced practice of the Dzogchen Upadesha, a version of the Dark Retreat.[1]

Literature

Chia, Mantak Dark Room Enlightenment.

Martin Lowenthal Dawning of Clear Light: A Western Approach to Tibetan Dark Retreat Meditation

See also

Notes
  1. Allione, Tsultrim (2000). Women of Wisdom. (Includes transcribed interview with Namkhai Norbu) Source: (accessed: November 15, 2007)

References
  • Allione, Tsultrim (2000). Women of Wisdom. (Includes transcribed interview with Namkhai Norbu) Source: (accessed: November 15, 2007)
  • Dymakova, Silvie (2014) Week in the darkness.
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