Nyungne Compassion and Fasting Retreat

This special fasting and purification practice is traditionally done by Kadampa Centers worldwide, beginning on April 14 and concluding on Buddha’s Enlightenment day, which we celebrate on April 15.

Thousand-Armed (eleven-faced) Avalokiteshvara – “Mahakaruna” – is the nature of our Guru’s great compassion. Making exquisite offerings, praises, and prostrations to Avalokiteshvara, we accumulate huge merit, purify vast negativity for ourselves and others, and receive powerful blessing to propel ourself swiftly along our path to enlightenment.

Beginning each day we promise to engage in the practice of Mahayana Precepts, with fasting and three sessions of prostrations using the sadhana “Drop of Essential Nectar” over two days. Nyungne is held over two days, but participants can chose to attend only one day.

Usually, the second day is accompanied by a full fast; although strongly recommended, this is not compulsory. The practice culminates in a tsog puja, Offering to the Spiritual Guide, at 5pm on the 15th, Buddha’s Enlightenment Day. Everyone is welcome to join us for this special retreat! ** Please read details about the retreat below. **

FASTING: On the first day it is customary to abstain from all meals except lunch. The second day is a complete fast, abstaining from all food and drink until 6:30am on the following day. Those who are unable to engage in fasting can participate to the extent they are able.

PRACTICE: On both days, participants take Mahayana Precepts at 6:30am and do three sessions of chanted meditation and prostrations (physically or mentally) with the practice of Drop of Essential Nectar.

Cost: $20 for whole retreat/$15 for Each Day of Retreat – Free for Monthly Members

To practice this retreat one must engage in Mahayana Precepts at the start of each day, 6:30am. If you haven’t taken precepts before, please click here to learn about the commitments of precepts. 

Sunday, April 14

6:30 – 7:00AM Mahayana Precepts

7:00 – 8:30AM Session 1

9:00 – 10:30AM Session 2

12:30 – 2:00PM Lunchtime

3:30 – 5:00PM Session  3

Monday, April 15

6:30 – 7:00AM Mahayana Precepts

7:00 – 8:30AM Session 1

9:00 – 10:30AM Session 2

11:00AM – 12:30PM Session  3

6:00 – 8:00PM Special Offering to Spiritual Guide Prayers