Dark Retreat

[AlyssaModerator]

Full-blown dark retreat is a big part of bardo yoga, but entry-level time in the dark can be fruitful. Aaron Rogers seems to think so. I know the director of the center where Aaron is going, great guy doing really good things. - Andrew

Rodgers to contemplate future during 'darkness retreat'

[_Barry]

NFL Quarterback Goes on Dark Retreat to Contemplate His Future

Andrew occasionally mentions doing dark retreats and how difficult, but beneficial they have been. I thought it noteworthy that Aaron Rogers, one of the greatest football players of all-time, is confounding critics and fans by going on a dark retreat to find out about himself and to contemplate his future. Not sure how this compares to Andrew’s retreats, but the idea has really spooked some people in the sports world.

[_Barry]

Living 5 DAYS in Complete Darkness

There is a promo for guided meditations with Headspace.

[Bucket]

Thanks for sharing. I’d love to be able to do a dark retreat sometime. I’ve done a DIY dark retreat at home with a facemask and earmuffs but my responsibilities only allow me to do it for about 4 hours at a time. Even that is transformative in it’s only little way. A good reboot from the constant stimulation that’s every day life today.

[NightHawk999]

Great video, thought it was reallyncool how he commented on how vivid the colors were after. Kind of like what happens with taste after you fast.

[KhyungMar]

Buddhist teachings emphasize that for longer dark retreats preparatory exercises are strongly recommended and that one should have a knowledgable person checking up daily during the retreat. The opportunity of dark retreat is used for specific practices of dzogchen. As one lama once mentioned, otherwise it’s kind of like watching tv.

[_Barry]

@KhyungMar

The opportunity of dark retreat is used for specific practices of dzogchen. As one lama once mentioned, otherwise it’s kind of like watching tv.

Andrew mentions his dark retreats as being much longer, but I like the idea of people thinking more about looking towards the dark and away from constant light, stimulation and distraction. Much like the T.M. explosion led to many exploring meditation in the '60s and beyond, perhaps some folks may go further into looking for less stimulation and pay more attention to engaging their minds.