Edge of Mind Podcast

David Germano and Michael Sheehy Discuss the History, Diversity and Modern Relevance of Dark Retreat

36 snips
Jul 22, 2024
David Germano and Michael Sheehy discuss the history, diversity, and modern relevance of dark retreat practices in Tibetan Buddhism. They explore the Kalachakra and Dzogchen traditions, traditional secrecy, challenges of adapting practices for Western audiences, and advice for those interested in exploring dark retreats. Emphasizing sincerity and self-awareness, the speakers highlight the transformative potential of dark retreats for personal healing and growth.
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INSIGHT

Two Main Tibetan Dark Retreat Streams

  • Tibetan Buddhism has two main streams of dark retreat practices: Kalachakra and Dzogchen traditions.
  • These streams differ significantly in approach, tradition, and interpretation of darkness meditation.
INSIGHT

Secrecy Protects Practitioners from Harm

  • Secrecy in dark retreats historically protects practitioners from unexpected, potentially destabilizing experiences.
  • It requires teacher presence to dynamically navigate unpredictable meditation states, which can't be fully captured by instructions.
INSIGHT

Darkness Alters Perception Deeply

  • Darkness deprivation profoundly alters perception by removing sensory stimuli and disrupting predictive cognitive processing.
  • This deprivation heightens unpredictability and anxiety, creating unique challenges for practitioners.
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