Dark Retreats

Can light deprivation lead us to the light?

The Tibetan Buddhist esoteric practice of a dark retreat, in which practitioners remove all light stimuli for 49 days, has long been shrouded in secrecy. The practice is a simulation of the bardo, the transitional consciousness state at the time of dying. Esteemed Tibetan medical practitioner and teacher Dr. Nida Chenagtsang has become an advocate for selectively bringing this practice to the fore as part of his healing practice. In this exploratory conversation he guides multidisciplinary artist Laurie Anderson, whose interest in the bardo state has long been a preoccupation of hers, through the process of inner exploration.

The talk will be preceded by a 6:15 PM guided tour of the tantric Lukang Murals on the 2nd floor, which provide visual context for the discussion through images of practitioners preparing for dark retreat.

Dark Retreat Workshops are being offered on April 22 and May 6 in connection to this talk led by Dr. Nida’s student and former Chaplain to Rikers Corrections Facility Justin von Bujdoss.

About the Speakers

Dr. Nida Chenagtsang, founder of the Sowa Rigpa Institute: School of Traditional Tibetan Medicine, is a traditional Tibetan physician and international teacher of Tibetan Medicine (Sowa Rigpa), Buddhism, and yogic practices. Born in Amdo, in North Eastern Tibet, Dr. Nida completed his medical studies in Lhasa, while training in all lineages of Vajrayana Buddhism, especially in the Longchen Nyingthig, Dudjom Tersar, and the Yuthok Nyingthig, the unique spiritual tradition of Tibetan Medicine. His extensive research and revival of ancient Tibetan healing methods has gained him high acclaim in the East and West. In addition to his work as a physician, he trains students in Sowa Rigpa and the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition in over 40 countries around the world.

Laurie Anderson is one of America’s most renowned, daring creative pioneers. She is best known for her multimedia presentations and innovative use of technology. As a writer, director, visual artist, and vocalist she has created groundbreaking works that span the worlds of art, theater, and experimental music. Her recording career, launched by “O Superman” in 1981, includes the soundtrack to her feature film Home of the Brave (1986) and Life on a String (2001). Anderson’s live shows range from simple spoken word to elaborate multimedia stage performances such as Songs and Stories for Moby Dick (1999). Anderson has published seven books, and her visual work has been presented in major museums around the world. In 2002, Anderson was appointed the first artist-in-residence of NASA, which culminated in her 2004 touring solo performance The End of the Moon. Her film Heart of a Dog was chosen as an official selection of the 2015 Venice and Toronto Film Festivals and received a special screening at the Rubin Museum, where Laurie was joined in conversation with Darren Aronofsky. She is currently at work on an opera commissioned by the Manchester Festival. Laurie has made many appearances at the Rubin, the last of which was with Lakota native Tiokasin Ghosthorse.