• Nyungnay Purification & Fasting Retreat

This special fasting and purification practice is traditionally done by Kadampa Centers worldwide on Buddha’s Enlightenment Day, which is celebrated on April 15. The practice is performed in conjunction with prayers to the Buddha of Compassion, 1000-Armed Avalokiteshvara, and is very powerful in purifying negative karma of body, speech and mind as well as pacifying strong delusions such as desirous attachment and hatred. It is also a special method for receiving blessings and improving our experience of love, compassion and the supreme good heart of bodhichitta. 

Please note: Attendance at Precepts at 6:45am is required on each day you plan to attend retreat sessions.  

What to Expect

Precepts at 6:45am 

Each morning of this retreat, we take Precepts, a traditional ceremony in which we set the compassionate intention to refrain from harming ourself or others for a period of 24 hours.

Fasting

We also fast from food, eating at most only lunch on each day. (One may have water all day.) This moral discipline creates the foundation for effective and powerful purification during the retreat sessions, therefore attendance at Precepts is required each morning you plan to participate in the retreat.

Retreat Sessions

We will be chanting a special prayer called Drop of Essential Nectar to 1000-armed Avalokiteshvara. Within that prayer, we will collectively make physical or mental prostrations on behalf of all living beings for about 20 minutes while chanting a verse of praise to Avalokiteshvara. Comfortable clothing is recommended.

AVAILABILITY

🕙 This retreat is available live online only. It will not be recorded or available afterward.

SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 13

7 - 8:30pm: Introduction to Nyungnay Purification & Fasting Retreat

Wednesday, April 14

Precepts 6:45-7:15am (attendance is required to participate in any retreat sessions today)

Retreat Session 1: 7:30-9am

Retreat Session 2: 10:30-12pm

lunch break 12-3:30pm

Retreat Session 3: 3:30-5pm

Thursday, April 15

Precepts 6:45-7:15am (attendance is required to participate in any retreat sessions today) 

Retreat Session 1: 7:30-9am

Retreat Session 2: 10:30-12pm

lunch break 12-3:30pm

Retreat Session 3: 3:30-5pm

TEACHER

(for April 13) Gen Kelsang Zamling

BOOKS & RESOURCES

This retreat will use the following traditional prayers. It's recommended to have your own copy. Click the link to order a printed, e-book, or audio copy from Tharpa Publications; or contact us using the form below to arrange pickup from our Oak Park location.

Precepts: A Pure Life

Nyungnay: Drop of Essential Nectar

COST

By donation

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