Dark Retreat by Chaphur Rinpoche
(teachings from the Zhang Zhang Nyen Gyud)
May 16th-18th 8PM-10PM (PST)
(The hours of the retreat have been changed and it is on Zoom only. The retreat will be recorded.)
The Bönpo Dzogchen traditions divide Dzogchen practice into two parts – trekchöd (cutting through), and tögel (leaping over). The latter comprises methods to enhance and elaborate on the inherent clarity of the natural state. The dark retreat is one of those methods.
It is usually done over 49 days. While abiding in the natural state is the basis of practice during this retreat, there are different methods which are specific to each week. The practice of dark retreat is useful in deepening one’s experience of the natural state by becoming more familiar with the visions that self arise from the natural mind. It will also help the practitioner to eventually see the Bardo (after death) visions as a manifestation of one’s own basic awareness. This is also one of the main reasons that the retreat is traditionally 49 days in length – it is the same length of time that one spends in the intermediate state.
Rinpoche will relay his own experience with this retreat and give advice to those who wish to practice a dark retreat on their own.
This retreat is open to students that have any level of familiarity with the Bön teachings. All are warmly invited to attend.
Please register at least one hour before class begins. There will be a recording for those who cannot join us on May 16-18 8pam-10pm (PST)
