Nyungne Retreat

The Nyungne purification retreat is a  special fasting and purification practice traditionally done by Kadampa Centres worldwide on Buddha’s Enlightenment Day (April 15).  The practice is performed in conjunction with prayers to Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara and is very powerful in purifying negative karma of body, speech and mind and also pacifies 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 bodhichitta.

The practice purifies negative karma of body, speech, and mind, and clears the mind of delusions such as anger and desirous attachment. It is a special method for improving minds of love, compassion and bodhichitta, the wish to become enlightened to benefit everyone. Nyungne is held over two days, but participants can chose to attend only one day. Each day begins at 7am with Mahayana precepts, which is a commitment to observe pure moral discipline throughout the day. Come for retreat and cleanse your mind.

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 7am on the following day. Those who are unable to engage in fasting can participate to the extent they are able. You are only able to attend the second day if you have attended the first day of retreat. 

PRACTICE: On both days, participants may take Mahayana Precepts at 7am and do three sessions of chanted meditation and prostrations (physically or mentally) with the practice of 1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion.

To engage in this practice it is necessary to take the Eight Mahayana Precepts in the morning.  Please see schedule below for details.
Everyone is welcome regardless of background and previous experience.

Each session is by donation. We encourage you to pre-register for this retreat.