Winter Retreat 2023
Darkroom Retreat & Pi Gu Detox

In-Depth Taoist practices

Workshops Series from January to March

Tao Garden classes with legendary Taoist Master Mantak Chia

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About Mantak Chia



Grandmaster Mantak Chia is the world’s foremost Taoist Master. He is the only Qigong Master who received The Qigong Master of the Year Award twice. He is the author of 60 books and has 49 years of teaching experience —online and onsite. Students of Master Chia especially like the clarity of the explanations, the many repetitions of practice, and his slow pace.

The classes with Mantak Chia are unique, thanks to his ability to transmit energy to his students, online or in the classroom. Many students practicing with Master Chia not only witness the wisdom of primordial violet light during his Energy Transmissions but also begin their initial healing processes.

Grandmaster Mantak Chia welcomes you to Tao Garden for the Winter Retreat in January – March 2023

It is the most awaited event for anyone willing to try and experience in-depth Taoist practices. Learn to reduce stress and create harmony and balance in all aspects of your life – physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Can’t come to Tao Garden?

Check the our online event.

               

During the Retreat, you will get:

  • Powerful practices guided by Master Chia from over 50 years of deep practice and teaching,
  • The chance to experience the legendary Darkroom and Master Chia’s energy transmission.
  • The opportunity to ask Master Chia all your questions during a Q&A session,
  • Lifetime access to recordings of the workshop.

This Retreat is for you if you are:

A beginner looking to transform your health, vitality, emotions, and sexual energy under the guidance of a legendary Taoist teacher (Weeks 1-4)

Wishing to become an Associate or Certified Instructor (Weeks 1-4, see certification steps below)

Looking to experience Advanced Taoist meditations and spiritual transformation through higher level practices (Weeks 5-8)

Looking to experience complete stillness in the darkness to reset your biological clock and to access higher states of consciousness and wisdom (Weeks 5-8)

Certification steps: Learn more

About the Winter Retreat and Darkroom Retreat

 

Weeks 1-4 are Taoist Fundamentals – the internal work of Taoist practitioners called Inner Alchemy. You will learn how to awaken Healing Energy through the Tao practices: breath work, meditation, and energy cultivation practices. Weeks 1–4 aid the development of a powerful energetic flow for psychological and spiritual health and balance.

Weeks 5-8 are for those who wish to experience Advanced Taoist Practices. It is traditionally taught by Grandmaster Chia as a Darkroom Retreat and Pi Gu Detox. 

In the darkness, you can enter a primordial state —accessing spiritual and psychic realms of consciousness and reuniting with your true self. You become a conductor of universal energy as the darkness activates the deepest centers of the brain, the glands in the Crystal Palace.

Pi Gu Fasting Diet includes Qigong practices, energy meditations, and specific ways of chewing food. This Darkroom Pi Gu state gives tremendous healing power.

Translation

We will provide LIVE online translation to several languages if there are more than 10 students requesting a translation at the special field during the checkout. To request a translation for a group of students please contact us at [email protected] You will be offered a full refund in case your language group is not complete and canceled. Mantak Chia will teach in English. Translation confirmed:
Russian: Week 1-3
Spanish: Week 2-3
Chinese: Week 2
Hungarian: Week 3

Program

Week 1. 12-17 January | In-Depth Inner Alchemy Practices | Awakening Healing of the Tao | Beginner-friendly

Schedule

  • - Thu 12 January, Tao Garden | Introduction
  • - Workshop: Fri 13 – Mon 16 January
  • In-Depth Inner Alchemy Basics | Awakening Healing of the Tao
  • - Tuesday | Review class with Instructor

You will learn such foundational practices as Inner Smile Meditation, Six Healing Sounds Meditation, Microcosmic Orbit, Three Fires and Six Directions and Passing Energy. They will bring you back to your body wisdom and awaken your Qi (Life Force).

The Cosmic Inner Smile teaches you how to get in touch with your internal organs, smiling to them, and transforming them into love, kindness, gentleness, and healing energy. The Six Healing Sounds cools down the body releasing excess heat, cleans toxins out of the organs and transforms negative emotions into positive emotions. Each sound relates to a vital organ and has a color, body posture and emotions. Microcosmic Orbit meditation is the ancient foundation for healing by awakening and opening the body centers, and drawing the Universal, Cosmic and Earth Forces from the Six Directions into the body. The students will learn to activate the Three Fires (Tan Tiens) circulating this Life Force Energy (Qi) as it will be passed through their body channels.

You will learn Passing Energy — the unique practice of activating the student's Microcosmic Orbit by the teacher. It is taught only during the Winter Retreat’s Week 1.

Week 2. 19-24 January | Sexual Alchemy, Loving Energy That Heals + Iron Shirt Basics | Beginner-friendly

qiqong meditation photo love healing

Schedule

  • - Thu 19 January | Introduction.
  • - Workshop: Fri 20 – Mon 23 January | Sexual Alchemy
  • - Tuesday | Review class with Instructor

Sexual Alchemy (Healing Love): Learn how to cultivate, circulate and store sexual energy. Men learn how to control ejaculation, transform sexual energy into Qi (life force) and then transform it into spiritual force. Women will learn to control menstruation and transform the blood into Qi.

The Single and Dual Cultivation practices in the Aroused & Unaroused State conserve and transform sexual energy while refreshing and rejuvenating the body’s vital functions. Ovarian and Testicle Breathing techniques, Scrotum and Ovarian Compression, Power Lock, Big Draw, and Valley Orgasm enhances sexual fulfillment and physical improvement as vital energy is exchanged with one’s partner with the indiscriminate loss of emotional and sexual energy.

Iron Shirt I is a transformative practice that strengthens the internal organs, and unifies physical, mental and spiritual health. It is one of the most important practices to master on the physical plane. It gives you grounding and stability on all planes by rooting and connecting you to the Earth energy.

Week 3. 26-31 January | Fusion I and Tan Tien Qigong

qiqong meditation photo

Schedule

  • - Thu 26 January | introduction
  • - Workshop Fri 27 – Mon 30 January
  • - Fusion I, Tan Tien Qigong
  • - Tuesday | Review class with Instructor

Fusion means mixing and fusing things to create something new. In our Taoist practices, we combine emotions, natural forces, life forces, etc., into one energy we can use.

Fusion of the Five Elements 1 allows you to control the energy of your inner universe to facilitate the connection with the energy of the Grand Universe. You will learn how to capture negative emotions and merge them. You will then learn how to bring in all the positive emotions and combine everything to create a better energy balance.

You will learn how to read the Inner Alchemy Astrology personal charts and understand the wide range of energy patterns. It will also deepen their knowledge of the Five-elements and the Five-element cycles, which are essential for understanding Taoist practices.

Tan Tien Qigong is the art of cultivating and condensing Qi in the lower abdomen — the Tan Tien — the fundamental power storehouse of the body. You will learn breathing and movement exercises that develop the power of Qi storage in the body for increased vitality, internal organs' strength, and self-healing.

Week 4. 2-7 February | Fusion II, III

meditation photo

Schedule

  • - Thu 2 February | introduction.
  • - Workshop: Fri 3 – Mon 6 February | Fusion II and III
  • - Tuesday| Review class with Instructor

Fusion II and III the Good Virtue Energies forming a Compassion Pearl in the Creation Cycle using the organ colors. You will learn how to detoxify the organs and glands by opening up the Thrusting Channels and protecting yourself by forming psychic Belt Channels drawing in the Heavenly and Earthly forces.

Cosmic Fusion II is an advanced level of Inner Alchemy that teaches how to bring the physical body into balance with the energy body and the positive energy to detoxify, nourish, and integrate the physical and the energy bodies with the forces of nature.

Fusion of the Five Elements II allows you to learn to move the “pearl of radiant energy” (created in Fusion l) through your internal organs, multiplying the natural virtues that reside there. With this vital energy, you can open the Thrusting Channel Routes, which run through the center of your body, linking the “energy centers”, and open the Belt Channels, which spiral around the whole body, strengthening the auric field and providing a form of psychic protection.

The Fusion III meditation opens the Greater Bridge and Regulator Channels, Spinal Cord, Head, and Heart, using cutting and drilling techniques to clean out any energy blockages. The student learns to protect the body from external energies by Sealing the Senses and Aura and receiving the higher frequencies of the Universal Force.

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Weekly Schedule for weeks 1-4  (Thailand time)

 

Thursday

  • — 19:00-20.00 Evening Introduction

Friday-Monday:

  • — 08:00 – 09:00 Morning Qigong
  • — 09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
  • — 10:00 – 12:00 Pakua clinic treatments, spa and Thai massage
  • — 12:00 – 14:00 Lunch
  • — 14:00 – 18:00 Classes with Mantak Chia (4 hours)
  • — 18:00 – 20:00 Dinner
  • — 20:00 – 21:00 Evening Tao Yin (Taoist Yoga)

Tuesday

  • —10:30-12:30 Review class with a Senior Instructor

Wednesday: no workshops

Certification hours: 18 hours

Darkroom retreat: Weeks 5-8

 

Recommendations for the of Darkroom Retreat: basic knowledge of Fundamental practices such as Cosmic Inner Smile, Six Healing Sounds, Fusion of the Five Elements, Microcosmic Orbit, Iron Shirt Qigong, and Tao Yin, which bring the body into a state of balance and tuning. A physically fit vehicle is the foundation stone from which to launch astral travel into multi-dimensional orbits and higher cortical activity. If you haven’t already taken Fundamental Practices earlier, we recommend doing so at the start of the Winter Retreat.

During the darkness retreat, you will be completely free from any external light source and all types of animal and dairy protein except for egg-whites to cover your body’s protein and calcium needs. Chlorophylle will be provided daily. Juices, sesame, herbal detox teas, vegetable broth and fruits will be provided to you 3 times per day.

We recommend eating less food 1 week before arrival and check-in at the Tao Garden at least 2 days before the retreat (for additional fee, please contact [email protected]) to prepare the body, clean the colon and do the recommended blood tests (optional).

  • Out of the Darkroom for those who booked 1 week: check out from Darkroom on Tuesday evening at 19:00
  • Guests who continue more weeks can stay in the Dark or out for relaxation, personal work or clinic & spa treatments.

Darkroom retreat Program

Week 5. 9-14 February | Lesser Kan & Li and Pi Gu Energy Fasting

qiqong meditation photo

Schedule

  • - Thu 9 February | introduction
  • - Fri 10 – Monday 13 February | Lesser Kan & Li
  • - Tue 14 February | Review class and out of darkness

Lesser Enlightenment of Kan & Li involves cleansing and rejuvenating the glands and organs using neutral energy (steam) generated by the inverting and coupling of the primal polarities of Fire and Water. The higher Inner Alchemy Formulas, which traditionally were practiced in caves, are taught in a complete darkness environment, which has been specially created to facilitate the teaching and practice of higher-level Taoist Alchemical Meditation.

Pi-Gu is an ancient Taoist/Chinese fasting method used during higher spiritual retreats. It literally means “to stop eating grains”. The need for food decreases but the body’s energy increases.

Price: 1,075€

To pay for this week and stay, please contact us by this email [email protected]

Prices for Weeks 5-8 (Darkroom retreat) include Tuition fee, meals according to Pigu fasting and accommodation in a double room per person.

Week 6. 16-21 February | Greater Kan & Li and Pigu Energy Fasting

greater kan & Li

Schedule

  • - Thu 16 February | Introduction
  • - Fri 17 – Monday 20 February | Greater Kan & Li
  • - Tue 21 February | Review class and out of darkness
  • Prerequisites: Lesser and Greater Kan & Li

Taoists believe that the soul and spirit come from the stars and ultimately must return to them to find their origins. To do this, one must first gather and refine the energies of the soul and spirit until they are as pure as the Original Force. By harnessing energy from the Earth, the planets, the Big Dipper and the North Star, we gain spiritual power and the ability to merge with stellar forces. These meditation practices are targeted upon strengthening the body and the spirit on all levels.

You will learn to activate the cauldron at the Solar Plexus and increase the amount of energy that may be absorbed into the body directly from Heaven and Earth.

Price: 1,075€

To pay for this week and stay, please contact us by this email [email protected]

Prices for Weeks 5-8 (Darkroom retreat) include Tuition fee, meals according to Pigu fasting and accommodation in a double room per person.

Week 7. 23rd — 28th February | Greatest Kan & Li and Pigu Healing

Greatest Kan & Li

Schedule

  • - Thu 23 February | Introduction
  • - Fri 24 – Monday 27 February | Greatest Kan & Li and Pigu Healing
  • - Tue 28 February | Review class and out of darkness

The Greatest Kan & Li meditation connects us with the Solar Body using the Sun, Moon, Planets, and Stars to expand your Conscience with the Original Force, the Wu Chi. You will learn how to build an Internal Steaming Cauldron inside the body reversing the Fire Energy and Water Energy at the Heart. You will then steam and purify the Organs, Spinal Cord, Lymphatic and Nervous Systems, 12 Channels, Crystal Room and the Three Tan Tiens closing with the Pulsing and Turning the Wheel.

The Greatest Kan & Li II meditation focuses on the 4 Heart Chambers connecting with the 4 Constellations, Big Dipper’s 7 Stars and North Star. You will activate the Inner Eye and practice Self Intercourse marrying the 3 Lights by forming pakuas at the navel, crown, mid-eye, and Palms, condensing the Light into an Embryo (Immortal Fetus) and pulsating it with the Solar Body working with their Outer Bodies and their Personal Star closing with Turning the Wheel & Bone Breathing.

Price: 1,075€

To pay for this week and stay, please contact us by this email [email protected]

Prices for Weeks 5-8 (Darkroom retreat) include Tuition fee, meals according to Pigu fasting and accommodation in a double room per person.

Week 8. 2-7 March | Sealing of the Five Senses and Pigu Energy Fasting

Advanced Practices for Becoming a Taoist Immortal

Schedule

  • - Thu 2 March | Introduction
  • - Fri 3 – Monday 6 March | Sealing of the Five Senses
  • - Monday 6 March | Sealing of the Five Senses ** All have to check-out from Master Chia darkness 12:00
  • - Tue 7 March | Review class at Immortal meditation hall

The Sealing of the Five Senses formula consists of: Sealing the five thieves: ears, eyes, nose, tongue and body. Controlling the heart and seven emotions (pleasure, anger, love, hate and desire); uniting and transmuting the inner alchemical agent into life-preserving true vitality; purifying the spirit; raising the spirit; stopping the spirit from wandering outside in quest of sense data. Eliminating decayed food and depending on the undecayed food, the Primordial force, is the True Breatharian.

Price: 1,075€

To pay for this week and stay, please contact us by this email [email protected]

Prices for Weeks 5-8 (Darkroom retreat) include Tuition fee, meals according to Pigu fasting and accommodation in a double room per person.

Weekly Schedule for Darkroom Retreat, weeks 5-8 (Thailand time)

 

Thursday

  • ―14:00 – Check in to Darkroom Retreat
  • ―17:00 – Introduction by Senior Instructor
  • ―18:00 – Dinner in Darkroom according to Pi Gu fasting
  • ―19:00 – Introduction by Grandmaster Mantak Chia
  • ―22:00 – Turn off the light

Friday – Monday:

  • ―7:00 – Wake up
  • ―7:15 – Herbal Detox Tea
  • ―8:00 – 9:00 Morning Meditation & Review with Master Chia and Instructor
  • ―9:00 – 10:00 Breakfast according to Pi Gu fasting
  • ―10:00 – 12:00 Massage and treatments
  • ―12:00 – 13:30 Lunch according to Pi Gu fasting
  • ―14:00 – 18:00 Darkroom Classes by Grandmaster Mantak Chia (4 hours)
  • ―18:00 – 20:00 Dinner according to Pi Gu fasting
  • ―20:00 – 21:00 Evening Meditation
  • ―21:30 – Bedtimes

Tuesday:

―10:00 – 12:00 Review class with Senior Instructor

Class total: 20 hours with Mantak Chia + 6 hrs of classes with Instructors

Meals according to Pi Gu fasting, nutritional supplements (detox sets + Pi Gu pills) and accommodation in a double room per person included.

If you booked 1 week of Darkroom – out of darkness on Tuesday evening at 19:00.

If you follow more weeks, you can stay in darkness or outside (optional) for relaxation, clinic & spa treatments.

We recommend taking your flight NEXT day after the last Darkroom day (you will come out of the Darkroom on Tuesday evening for your eyes to adapt to light).

Tickets for Winter & Darkroom Retreat


Prices for Weeks 1-4 are tuition fees only. Please click here to chose accommodation.
Certification steps to become an Instructor: click here
Prices for Weeks 5-8 (Darkroom retreat) include Tuition fee, meals according to Pigu fasting and accommodation in a double room per person: 1,075 euro.
To book Weeks 5-8 of Darkroom retreat, please contact us by email [email protected]

Week 1. Awakening Healing of the Tao

Beginner-friendly

$420BOOK NOW

Week 2. Sexual Alchemy

Beginner-friendly

$420BOOK NOW

Week 3. Fusion I

Beginner-friendly

$420BOOK NOW

Week 4. Fusion II, III

$420BOOK NOW

Week 1-2 (bundle €81 off)

$759BOOK NOW

Week 1-3 (bundle €130 off)

$1.130BOOK NOW

Week 1-4 (bundle €250 off)

$1.430BOOK NOW

Testimonials

FAQ

What is included in the Tao Garden workshop price on the site?
The price you see on the site is tuition fee only, accommodation, treatments and meals are not included in the price (With exception of Darkroom retreat). Check the prices for accommodation here and contact us at [email protected] for booking. Note: with booking accommodation at Tao Garden you will have free access to the Saltwater Swimming Pool, Herbal Sauna Steam, Fitness Center.
Can I attend Workshops in Tao Garden if I stay in a hotel/room outside of Tao Garden?
Yes, it is possible for Winter Retreat - in this case you need to pay only the tuition fee mentioned on the site. For the Darkroom Retreat you can book only tickets with accommodation and meals included.
Will I get a certificate of attendance?
Yes, all participants of Tao Garden workshops with Mantak Chia get a certificate at the end of the Workshop. This certificate doesn’t give the permission of teaching. Learn more about certification steps to become a certified instructor: Click here
Where can I find information about restrictions for traveling to Thailand?
Thailand Pass registration is no longer required for all travelers since July 1, 2022. Travelers may now freely travel to Thailand as long as they possess a Proof of Vaccination or a pre-departure COVID test. Please note you might need a visa to enter Thailand. To learn more: click here
Can I come to Tao Garden without attending a workshop?
Yes, you can book accommodation in Tao Garden at [email protected] With booking accommodation at Tao Garden you will have free access to the Saltwater Swimming Pool, Herbal Sauna Steam, Fitness Center.

You can also buy a one-day pass to enjoy our facilities.
What are the treatments of Pakua Clinic of Tao Garden?
You can find the price list on this page.
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