

Talking about Dark Retreat, Part 2 with Andrew Holecek
34 snips Aug 1, 2025
Andrew Holecek, an interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner in Tibetan Buddhism, discusses the transformative power of dark retreats. He explores the surge of interest in darkness practices as a counter to patriarchy and shares insights from Tibetan Vajrayana traditions. The conversation delves into the relationship between fear and personal growth, emphasizing how confronting fears can lead to profound transformation. Holecek highlights the unique sensory experiences and the importance of integrating insights gained from darkness into daily life.
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Darkness as Primordial Essence
- Darkness holds an archetypal, primordial essence representing origins and depth.
- This elemental quality makes it magnetizing as a profound metaphysical experience.
Darkness Represents the Feminine
- Darkness embodies the feminine principle and provides a counterbalance to runaway patriarchy.
- Surrendering to darkness is like embracing a primordial maternal energy, crucial for restoration.
Surrender, Don't Conquer Darkness
- Dark retreat is an extreme, non-negotiable practice that demands surrender.
- Approaching it as a challenge or conquest only strengthens the ego instead of transforming it.