Tao Tantric Darkness Retreats
"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious."
Carl.G. JUNG
Carl.G. JUNG
To enter darkness for extended periods of time has been a practice used in many traditions. In Tao Tantra it is seen as a time to sink into the deep yin, or mysterious feminine aspect of life. Like returning to the womb, we let go of the activities and stimulations of normal daily life and rest in the deep peace from whence we came. When we see in daylight, the concept of separateness is continually enhanced. "you" and "me" look separate. When we are in darkness, these boundaries disappear and we shift perception into our energy body. Instead of feeling like a particle, a separate entity we feel like more a wave of energy, part of the whole of existence.
This is a journey. This is a vision quest.
After extended time in darkness, is known that the brain releases DMT. This is a chemical that is also released in birth and death or after ingesting powerful substances such as ayhuasca (a shamanic power plant). Darkness can create this chemical naturally and thus we shift perception. We are enabled to enter our depths and the depths of life. t is also deeply restorative, as we have a break from stimulation and sink back into the world of non-doing.
These retreat will be a series of guided meditations and practices all conducted in darkness. The rooms will also be in darkness. Participants will be guided from the practice hall to their accommodation whilst blindfolded and at night time.
Practices include:
This is a journey. This is a vision quest.
After extended time in darkness, is known that the brain releases DMT. This is a chemical that is also released in birth and death or after ingesting powerful substances such as ayhuasca (a shamanic power plant). Darkness can create this chemical naturally and thus we shift perception. We are enabled to enter our depths and the depths of life. t is also deeply restorative, as we have a break from stimulation and sink back into the world of non-doing.
These retreat will be a series of guided meditations and practices all conducted in darkness. The rooms will also be in darkness. Participants will be guided from the practice hall to their accommodation whilst blindfolded and at night time.
Practices include:
- Inner Alchemy Taoist Meditations (drawing darkness into the pineal gland, building the energy body, opening the heart)
- Restorative Practices (supporting the detoxfication of the body and entering deep relaxation)
- Breath Meditations (relaxing breathwork and also rebirthing breathwork)
- Sound Healing and Chanting
- Osho Nadabrahma Meditation
- Osho Kundalini Meditation
- Osho Chakra Sounds Meditation
- Meditations from the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra (Kashmiri Shaivism)
- Death Day: a day without food, structure or talking in which we can really let go on a very deep level, releasing what no longer serves us and touching into the Source. We take several days to prepare for this experience (don't worry: you won't really die! just you get to let all experience and all that is manifest die)
These retreats happen every year (in October/November) in Zorba the Buddha, New Delhi. Please add your email address below to get notification of this retreat.
This is a very deep process so please read the application form first. It is not suitable for those who are mentally unstable or on any kind of essential medication. You need to be physically and mentally healthy for this journey!
This is a very deep process so please read the application form first. It is not suitable for those who are mentally unstable or on any kind of essential medication. You need to be physically and mentally healthy for this journey!
If you are ready to apply for this workshop, then please click on this link and fill in the form.
Articles
by Shashi Solluna
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How Can Darkness Awaken You?
A look at the physiological effects of darkness on the brain, especially the pineal gland and the release of DMT in the brain.
Click here to read. |
A personal account of entering a Darkness Retreat, including the practicalities of eating in the dark and navigating, as well as the inner journey and spiritual insights.
Click here to read. |
Some ancient texts suggest that Darkness is the Creator and light is the Creation. Dark is eternal and light comes and goes.
This article examines this concept related to Darkness retreats. http://shashisolluna.com/about-dark-enlightenment-and-god/Click here to read. |
Darkness Resources
Music and MeditationsWe use music in the Darkness Retreat to facilitate the slowing down of thoughts, the relaxation of the body and a shift in vibration from fear to presence. Here is some of the music that we use:
The Moses Code: this is a frequency of music created to resonate with the words "I Am That I Am" (as spoken by God to Moses when Moses asked "who are you?". This music is intended to align your brain frequency with that of this mantra. You can listen and say inwardly "I Am That I Am".
Holy Harmony
by Jonathan Goldman One of the world's greatest sound healers, Jonathan Goldman makes music infused with healing intentions and using special frequencies and harmonics. This piece is deeply stirring and evokes nostalgia in the heart. 
Seven Metals
Benjamin Iobst One of the world's leading Tibetan Singing Bowl players, this album leads you on a journey of deep meditation and relaxation. Used by Tibetans to still the mind and facilitate the journey of the soul. 
A Choir of Angels
This is music that was slowed down by 800 times to create a powerful angelic vibrations. We use this for the rebirthing breathwork in the Darkness Retreat. 
Om Namo Shivaya
led by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda Find out more about Gurumayi Chi by clicking here. Listen to the chant This is the chant used in the Darkness Retreat. Click below to listen. Listen to the chant
Om Namo Shivaya led by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda The chant used in the Darkness Retreat. Click below to listen. |
Video: Creating a Darkness RetreatA video made at Zorba the Buddha in Delhi where Shashi runs Darkness Retreats every year. This video gives a guided tour of the Darkness Meditation Hall and one of the bedrooms.
Video: Luca talks about DarknessPrem Luca Firewolf co-facilitated the latest Darkness Retreat with Shashi Solluna. Here he is talking about overcoming fear with the healing power of darkness.
Osho speaks on Darkness Meditation
In the Vigyan Bhairav Tantra there are some practices in darkness. Osho speaks about these practices in this wonderful discourse, which was part of Osho's great work "The Book of Secrets". You can read the whole article here. |