Enlightenment Through Darkness
Beginner-friendly course in Tao Garden with legendary Taoist Master Mantak Chia
22-26 August Fundamental meditations
27-31 August In-depth meditations of Fusion of 5 Elements
Welcome to the first beginner-friendly workshops in the darkroom with Grandmaster Mantak Chia! These workshop practices take place in the Darkroom designed according to Taoist traditions. During the workshop, you will be completely free from any external light source (except Day 1) and you will have 3 meals a day according to Taoist Pi Gu diet.
In the darkness, your mind and soul begin to wander freely in the vast realms of psychic and spiritual experience. Complete darkness profoundly changes the sensory sensibilities of the body/brain. When you enter this primordial state or force you are reunited with the true self and divinity within. You literally ‘conduct’ the universal energy. You may see into the past and future, understand the true meaning of existence, and begin to understand the order of things.
You will get step-by-step explanations and guidance on meditations to quieten your mind and give your body an incredible rest, supporting its natural rejuvenation.
Join us for 5 or 10 days in Tao Garden, Chiang Mai (Thailand).
During the Workshop, you will get:
- The chance to experience the legendary Darkroom and Master Chia’s energy transmission
- 3 meals a day, herbal detox tea and supplements according to Taoist Pi Gu diet
- The opportunity to ask Master Chia all your questions during a Q&A session
- Pre-recorded class “Fusion of 5 Elements” (if you book full course)
- Ebook “Darkness Technology”
- E-booklets
- Lifetime access to all provided videos and materials
This Workshop 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
- Looking to experience complete stillness in the darkness to reset your biological clock and to access higher states of consciousness and wisdom
- Willing to deepen your meditation practice and start to see the Primordial light
- Looking to experience Advanced Taoist meditations and spiritual transformation through higher level practices
Tao Garden Darkness facility
Master Chia researched modern Darkness technologies for many years. He made visits to darkness retreats in other countries, to gain insights on the best designs for meditation and for comfort. Eventually, the Tao Garden Darkness building was constructed, based on all available information and latest technologies. The facility is the perfect Inner Alchemy Chamber, conducive to meditation and providing comforts and necessities for up to 60 people.
The Tao Garden Darkness is enclosed and encased in a light and sound-proof sheath. The building is constructed of bricks made from the red earth of Thailand, containing all of the properties of natural rock in a cave. The earth was mined and hydraulically pressed into bricks, thus preserving the constituent elements and minerals of the parent materials. The Mother Earth power is retained in the modern structure.
The facility consists of a large, central meeting room for meditation and for dining. Two tiers of bedrooms surround the central area, each with a private bath. The entire facility is ventilated with fresh air intakes and air conditioning systems.
What is Pi Gu?
Pi Gu is an ancient Taoist method of fasting for spiritual and healing purposes. It translates from Chinese as “stop eating grain.”
Used by ancient Taoist masters during their months or years of solitary retreat in pursuit of enlightenment, the practice centers on a simple diet of fruits, teas, nuts, and eggs paired with special chewing techniques.
During the Pi Gu state, the need for food decreases yet the body’s energy levels actually increase. The body gathers Qi (Life force) not from food but from Taoist practices and the “golden elixir” produced by the special chewing practices. This Qi charges your internal organs, activating the body’s natural healing abilities and enabling you to draw energies from the Earth and Universe. In the pi gu state the body automatically balances itself, the mind is more relaxed, and sleep improves.
During the workshop you will be served with specially prepared food to meet the particular requirements of the body, mind, and spirit in attaining the goals of darkness enlightenment. Fresh juices and soups are served for breakfast and a light organic meal is served in the afternoon. You will also get special herbal detox tea and supplements prepared according to Taoist Darkroom traditions.
Program
22-26 August
Darkroom Fundamental meditations, such as:
— Inner Smile and Six Healing Sounds meditations
— Tan Tien meditation
— Microcosmic Orbit meditation
— Grounding practice
— Sexual energy transformation
— Light meditation
27 August
2 h practice class with a Senior Instructor
28-31 August
Darkroom In-Depth meditations:
- Fusion of Five Elements meditations
- Energy channels clearance
- Creating Pearl of Consciousness
- Creating energy body
- Connection with planets
Daily Schedule
— 10:00 – 14:00 Room check-in
— 14:30 – 15.00 Darkroom introduction
— 15:00 – 18.00 Lecture with Grandmaster Mantak Chia (lights on)
— 18:00 – 19:00 Dinner according to Pi Gu fasting
— 20:00 – 21:00 Tao Yin session
— 21:30 – Lights off
― 8:00 – 9:00 Morning Meditation with Instructor
― 9:00 – 10:00 Breakfast according to Pi Gu diet
― 10:00 – 12:00 Massage and treatments (optional, for additional fee)
― 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch according to Pi Gu diet
― 14:00 – 18:00 Darkroom Classes by Grandmaster Mantak Chia (4 hours)
― 18:00 – 19:00 Dinner according to Pi Gu diet
― 20:00 – 21:00 Evening Meditation
― 21:30 – Bedtime
― 8:00 – 9:00 Morning Meditation with Instructor
― 9:00 – 10:00 Breakfast according to Pi Gu diet
― 10:00 – 12:00 Review class with Instructor
― 12:00 – 13:00 Lunch according to Pi Gu diet
― 18:00 – 19:00 Dinner according to Pi Gu diet
― 20:00 – 21:00 Evening Meditation
― 21:30 – Bedtime
!! Week 1 check out 7pm on 26th August, Week 2 check in on 27th Aug.
Tickets
Prices include Classes with Master Mantak Chia, accommodation, morning meditation and Review class with Instructor, supplements and meals according to Pigu fasting.
Early Bird prices till 20 July 2025.
All days: 22-31 August Private (single) room
10 nights with meals and accommodation
Private (single) room
Original price was: 2,990€.2,690€Current price is: 2,690€.BOOK NOW
All days: 22-31 August Shared (double) room
10 nights with meals and accommodation
Shared (double) room
Bundle: 200 off
Original price was: 2,190€.1,790€Current price is: 1,790€.BOOK NOW
All days: 22-31 August Shared (triple) room
10 nights with meals and accommodation
Shared (tripple) room
Bundle: 250 off
Original price was: 1,850€.1,440€Current price is: 1,440€.BOOK NOW
22-26 August Fundamental meditations Shared (tripple) room
4 days of workshops, meals and accommodation
Shared (tripple) room
Original price was: 900€.720€Current price is: 720€.BOOK NOW
27-31 August In-Depth meditations Shared (tripple) room
4 days of workshops, meals and accommodation
Shared (tripple) room
Original price was: 800€.720€Current price is: 720€.BOOK NOW
Testimonials
FAQ
How many days should I stay in the darkness?
For those who have never done a dark retreat before but have either spent extensive time alone, have a solid daily meditation practice, or feel deeply at peace & comfortable within themselves, we recommend taking all 10 days of the workshop.
What is the price in dollars/other currency?
Will you be spiritually safe from dark/evil entities when sitting in darkness?
What is included in the Tao Garden workshop price on the site?
Can I attend Workshops in Tao Garden if I stay in a hotel/room outside of Tao Garden?
I am a total beginner in Tao practices. Can I take only In-Depth meditations workshop (6-9 September)?
Will I get a certificate of attendance?
Can I come to Tao Garden without attending a workshop?
You can also buy a one-day pass to enjoy our facilities.