In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Nida Chenagtsang, master of Tibetan Medicine and spiritual teacher of the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.
Dr Nida reveals why in 2021 he withdrew from public teaching to take an extended personal retreat lasting the year, and details the overall structure, daily routine, and practices that he engaged.
Dr Nida recalls the obstacles he encountered and how he overcame them, and shares the powerful experience towards the end of his retreat that caused lasting significant change in his personality and activity.
Dr Nida also discusses the danger of ego inflation and narcissism in spiritual practice, the serious psychological risks of rigorous training, and offers his advice on those who wish to embark on meditation retreat.
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Video version: www.guruviking.com
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
00:56 - Why did Dr Nida go on retreat?
04:31 - Longchenpa on life’s busyness
06:23 - Overall retreat structure
09:28 - Daily retreat routine
11:32 - 2 different styles of practice
19:20 - Pros and cons of using an altar
21:46 - Chulen retreat diet
23:52 - Facing obstacles
26:51 - Bliss interrupted
30:00 - Changes in Dr Nida after the retreat
31:25 - Clarity, public opinion, and compassion burnout
39:02 - A beautiful inner understanding
41:08 - A transformative experience during the retreat
43:07 - Exclusive specialness
46:05 - Dr Nida’s retreat reading
47:31 - Feedback from others after retreat
49:34 - The ultimate spiritual expression
51:20 - Ego inflation from retreat practice
56:26 - Psychological disorders and retreat
59:06 - Spiritual narcissism
01:00:04 - Tough retreats and when training is too hard
01:01:52 - Retreat suicides
01:05:21 - Avoiding ego inflation on retreat
01:07:18 - Dangers of demanding higher practices
01:09:45 - Strict retreat vs quality of practice
01:11:11 - Advice for those embarking on retreat
01:16:17 - Dr Nida’s plans for future retreat
01:18:17 - Stiff mindfulness vs relaxed mindfulness
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Previous Interviews with Dr Nida:
- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida
To find out more about Dr Nida, visit:
- https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/
- http://www.skypressbooks.com/
For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
