Days
Hours
Mins
Clearlight, Nonduality, and Dark Retreat - Sponsored by Tibet House US
June 30 - July 06, 2025
Andrew Holecek
Robert A.F. Thurman
Clearlight or transparency (Sanskrit – prabhāsvarā) is the way enlightened beings describe the indescribable ultimate reality of freedom, which can only be experienced nondually. In the subtle body-mind teachings of various yogas and tantras, and even in the famous Book of Natural Liberation, aka “Book of the Dead,” its doorway is an experience of darkness. We all need to know reality and verify it in experience. In this context, the ancient practice of dark retreat is finding its way back into the modern world. Nonduality is a hot topic. In this retreat, we will explore the boundary between clearlight, darkness, and nonduality. We will learn how dark retreat connects to the experience of nonduality and is one of the best ways to approach it. You will learn the overall context of clearlight of freedom and everything you need to know to get started with dark practice at home and how to transition into formal retreat. This program explores how clearlight opens the mind about reality and how dark retreat catalyzes creativity, accelerates healing, and leads to rapid psycho-spiritual transformation. Dark medicine shares much with plant medicine, acting as a form of natural psychedelic. You become the medicine. Learn how to find rest and energy in darkness, what to do when you’re in there, and how to integrate your experiences. You will learn how dark retreat is a powerful preparation for creatively overcoming fear of death, and one of the best methods for addressing the meta-crises facing our planet today.
What You'll Learn:
This program offers specially prepared dark rooms where you can explore the depths of darkness with experienced guides. We also incorporate group practice with the Manta eye mask (recommended to purchase in advance), a simple tool that allows you to experience darkness in any setting. Embark on a journey of self-discovery and unlock the extraordinary potential waiting within you.
THIS PAGE IS FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION. TO REGISTER FOR ONLINE/VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE, PLEASE CLICK HERE
ScheduleMonday, June 303 - 7 pm Arrival & Check-in6 - 7 pm Dinner7:30 pm Welcome and Intro ClassTuesday, July 1 - Saturday, July 57 - 8 am Optional Yoga8 - 9 am Breakfast9:15 am - 12:15 pm Morning Class12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch1:30 - 4 pm Free Time for Spa, Hiking, R&R4 - 6 pm Afternoon Class6 - 7 pm Dinner7:30 pm Evening ClassSunday, July 67 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms7 - 8 am Optional Yoga8 - 9 am Breakfast9:15 am - 12:15 pm Morning Class12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure*Please note that the schedule is subject to change at any time.
ABOUT THE TEACHERs
Andrew Holecek
Andrew Holecek is an author, speaker, and humanitarian who offers seminars internationally on meditation, lucid dreaming, and the art of dying. He is the author of many books, including The Power and the Pain: Transforming Spiritual Hardship into Joy, and Preparing to Die: Pr...
Robert A.F. Thurman
Robert Thurman is Professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University as well as co-founder and President of Tibet House US and it's Menla Retreat & Spa. A world-wide lecturer on Tibetan Buddhism, activist for the plight of the Tibetan people, translator of Buddhis...
MENLA
DONATE NOW