Clearlight, Darkness, and Nonduality

The path to the Clearlight—or prabhāsvarā in Sanskrit—points to the indescribable essence of ultimate freedom, a nondual reality only accessible through direct experience. Enlightened beings speak of this radiant transparency as the very nature of mind.

Join Andrew Holecek and Robert Thurman for a transformative retreat where the subtle teachings of yogas, tantras, and texts like the Book of Natural Liberation (also known as the Tibetan Book of the Dead) come alive. Paradoxically, the doorway to this luminous clarity often begins with an experience of darkness.

As interest in nonduality grows, so too does the resurgence of an ancient practice: dark retreat. This immersive exploration offers one of the most powerful ways to encounter the boundary between light, darkness, and the nondual.

In this retreat, you will:

• Discover how dark retreat connects to the experience of nonduality.
• Learn the foundational teachings on the clearlight of freedom.
• Receive practical guidance for beginning dark practice at home and transitioning into formal retreat.
• Explore how darkness opens the mind to deeper reality, accelerates healing, and sparks creativity.
• Understand how dark retreat, like plant medicine, functions as a natural psychedelic—you become the medicine.
• Gain tools for integrating your experiences and preparing for a fearless encounter with death.
• Learn how this ancient practice can help us meet today’s planetary meta-crises with clarity and courage.

This retreat is a rare opportunity to engage with deep, esoteric teachings in an accessible and experiential way.

You can view a TEDx talk of Andrew talking about the power of dark retreat.

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

Schedule:

Monday, October 26

• 3 – 7 pm Arrival & Check-in
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 pm Welcome and Intro Class

Tuesday, October 27 – Saturday October 31

• 7 – 8 am Optional Yoga
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:15 am – 12:15 pm Morning Class
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch
• 1:30 – 4 pm Free Time for Spa, Hiking, R&R
• 4 – 6 pm Afternoon Class
• 6 – 7 pm Dinner
• 7:30 pm Evening Class

Sunday, November 1

• 7 – 11 am Check-out of Rooms
• 7 – 8 am Optional Yoga
• 8 – 9 am Breakfast
• 9:15 am – 12:15 pm Morning Class
• 12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change at any time.