From May 7-10, 2026, Tashigar Norte hosted an online/zoom retreat with Enzo Terzano on The Chod and The Four Demons. This is the practice that helps us to be free from fear, from ego, from grasping/attachment, from complacency. We met twice daily for two hours in each session.
We viewed and listened carefully to Chögyal Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche giving the lung of the practice. Enzo explained that according to Yeshi Namkhai, we can receive introduction and lung by video, but only if an authorized Santi Maha Sangha instructor is present as part of the process. He made it clear that this is a precious, precise and serious practice that must be understood clearly if one is to engage in it.
Moving forward, Enzo presented a clear and insightful history of this particular version of Chod, the nature of the four demons, the benefits of the practice, and the importance of deepening our understanding. We learned visualizations and melodies. We learned the significance of the ritual instruments and the basics of their use. It was noted that the instruments are not easy to use, that it takes patience and time to learn the beats and sound and to co-ordinate more than one instrument at the same time. We were advised to keep the practice secret and to do it quietly if we live near a lot of people.
We did Chod together several times during the retreat, with Enzo employing the bell and damaru. Enzo patiently answered questions from attendees, and encouraged us to be patient with ourselves as we learn and go deeper into this practice. A new edition/text, compiled by Enzo, will be available later this summer through Shang Shung Institute.
The retreat ended with a short Ganapuja and many many thank-yous from attendees. It was a wonderful occasion!
As always, the deepest gratitude is for our Master – Chögyal Namkhai Norbu.
Diane Campbell
