Nyungnay Purification & Fasting Retreat – Buddhist practice

Apr 13, 7:00 PM – Apr 15, 5:00 PM CENTRAL
Online Retreat
Info & Registration: https://www.meditateinchicago.org/event-details/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 ** ALL TIMES IN CENTRAL!!**
– 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.

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
Gen Kelsang Zamling