Nyung Nä is a practice based on the deity, 1,000 armed Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion. This practice involves making offerings to Chenrezig, prostrations and mantra recitations. It purifies negative karma and opens up our potential for compassion. Precepts are taken each day and the second day is a day of complete fasting and silence. As a retreat experience, this practice is very effective, but also physically demanding. It is important that you are aware of your own health limitations, please read the information below very carefully.
Nyung Nä is held annually.
The 2013 Nyung Nä retreat will be held from June 7 - 10.
For details and bookings refer to our calendar
Click here >>
What to expect when taking Nyung Nä
Participants undertake to observe The Eight Mahayana Precepts
- no killing
- no stealing
- no lying
- no sexual misconduct
- no intoxicants
- no singing
- no make up or jewellery, ornaments, etc
- no sitting on high or luxurious seats
And to only eat Pure Food; the following foods are not permitted
- no meat
- no eggs
- no radishes
- no garlic or onion
- no intoxicants
The Definition of 'No Drinking'
Nyung Nä falls under the Kriya Tantra, of which the precept of 'no drinking' allows the practitioner to wash and keep the body clean. Therefore, on the second day of the retreat, the practitioner can wash the mouth but not drink any fluids of any kind.
The First Day of the Retreat
- taking the vow of the eight Mahayana Precepts
- only one meal is allowed and must be of pure foods and eaten before midday
- after noon time, only drinks are allowed (either water, tea, coffee or beverages made up with 2/3 water)
- reciting prayers, chanting the Chenrezig mantra and dharani. Click here to download these prayers and mantras
- doing prostrations at intervals
The Second Day of the Retreat
Continue to abide with the eight Mahayana Precepts taken on the first day taking additional vows of no eating, drinking and talking for the next 24 hours; continue reciting prayers, chanting mantra and dharani; continue doing prostrations.
Advice on Practising Nyung Nä
When doing Nyung Nä, keep in mind and remind ourselves as much as possible that we are doing the retreat not for ourselves but for all sentient beings, and that by doing the retreat, all sentient beings will:
- be free from suffering
- achieve ultimate and peerless happiness
- attain omniscient mind
Try to keep these in mind throughout the retreat, including break time.
Nyung Nä helps us to:
-
learn to destroy the inner enemy, the self-cherishing attitude
-
learn to destroy the cause of samsara-craving
-
have a better understanding of the feelings of the beings in the lower realms (ie animals and hungry ghosts)
-
have a better understanding of those in the same realm who are in the third world countries
-
develop compassion for all beings
-
develop renunciation of samsara
Benefit of Being Silent
Remove all distractions and focus only on practice.
Benefit of Prostration
Every prostration that we make accumulates unbelievable and immeasurable merit, therefore when we do prostrations, we give heartfelt dedications of our merits to all sentient beings.
Benefit of Pursuing Nyung Nä Retreat
Through devotion, faith and determination, practising Nyung Nä can purify one's past negative karma as well as accumulate merit.
For details and bookings refer to our calendar
Click here >>