Ep150: Art of Retreat - Dr Nida Chenagtsang

Dr Nida Chenagtsang is a master of Tibetan Medicine & spiritual teacher of the Yuthok Nyingthig tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Available on Youtube, iTunes, SoundCloud & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.

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.


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   


Previous Interviews with Dr Nida:

To find out more about Dr Nida, visit:

Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James

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