Resources for journalists, podcasters, and researchers writing about Acraya and dark retreat practice.
Acraya is a global network of technology-enabled dark retreat sanctuaries. Founded in 2023 by entrepreneur and contemplative Ian Gardner, Acraya integrates private, purpose-built dark rooms into established retreat centers, combining centuries-old darkness practice from the Bön and Tibetan Buddhist traditions with non-contact monitoring technology, experienced facilitation, and formal scientific research. Its first sanctuary is open at Holos in the Diamante Valley of Costa Rica, with locations in Nepal and Bali in development. Acraya is partnered with the Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies on the first study of its kind documenting the physiological effects of dark retreats.
Ian Gardner is the founder and CEO of Acraya. A serial entrepreneur, he has founded and exited five companies across biotech, renewable energy, and electric vehicles in the private and public markets. His contemplative life runs equally deep: introduced to yoga and meditation while earning his MBA at UCLA, he went on to study Transcendental Meditation, the Self-Realization Fellowship, Eckankar, and the Mudrashram tradition. In 2001 he traveled to Allahabad, India for the Maha Kumbh Mela, then spent a year in seclusion meditating up to eight hours a day. His first book, “Voices of Ancient Bethlehem,” was published in 2003, followed by five further books on esoteric teachings. He spent two years at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, and in 2023 founded the Church of the Acraya to support the creation of dark meditation retreat centers worldwide. He lives in Scottsdale, Arizona with his family.
For the Acraya media kit — logos, photography of the Holos sanctuary, and founder headshots — or to arrange an interview, contact ian@acraya.global.
Podcast episodes, interviews, and press coverage featuring Acraya will be listed here.