In this episode I am once again joined by Dr Nida Chenagtsang, master of Tibetan Medicine and spiritual teacher of the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Dr Nida reveals why in 2021 he withdrew from public teaching to take an extended personal retreat lasting the year, and details the overall structure, daily routine, and practices that he engaged.

Dr Nida recalls the obstacles he encountered and how he overcame them, and shares the powerful experience towards the end of his retreat that caused lasting significant change in his personality and activity.

Dr Nida also discusses the danger of ego inflation and narcissism in spiritual practice, the serious psychological risks of rigorous training, and offers his advice on those who wish to embark on meditation retreat.

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Video version: www.guruviking.com

Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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Topics include:

00:00 - Intro

00:56 - Why did Dr Nida go on retreat?

04:31 - Longchenpa on life’s busyness

06:23 - Overall retreat structure

09:28 - Daily retreat routine

11:32 - 2 different styles of practice

19:20 - Pros and cons of using an altar

21:46 - Chulen retreat diet

23:52 - Facing obstacles

26:51 - Bliss interrupted

30:00 - Changes in Dr Nida after the retreat

31:25 - Clarity, public opinion, and compassion burnout

39:02 - A beautiful inner understanding

41:08 - A transformative experience during the retreat

43:07 - Exclusive specialness

46:05 - Dr Nida’s retreat reading

47:31 - Feedback from others after retreat

49:34 - The ultimate spiritual expression

51:20 - Ego inflation from retreat practice

56:26 - Psychological disorders and retreat

59:06 - Spiritual narcissism

01:00:04 - Tough retreats and when training is too hard

01:01:52 - Retreat suicides

01:05:21 - Avoiding ego inflation on retreat

01:07:18 - Dangers of demanding higher practices

01:09:45 - Strict retreat vs quality of practice

01:11:11 - Advice for those embarking on retreat

01:16:17 - Dr Nida’s plans for future retreat

01:18:17 - Stiff mindfulness vs relaxed mindfulness

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Previous Interviews with Dr Nida:

- https://www.guruviking.com/search?q=nida

To find out more about Dr Nida, visit:

- https://www.facebook.com/DoctorNida/

- http://www.skypressbooks.com/

For more interviews, videos, and more visit:

- www.guruviking.com

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James