Nyungne Retreat -: September 7 through September 9, 2012
Nyungne is the most effective course of practices for purification of unvirtuous actions and generation love and compassion. The practice was revealed by Bhikshuni Phalmo, a practitioner who suffered from leprosy. She performed this practice for 12 years in conjunction with the Avalokitesvara practice and became a great siddhi. The retreat course involves powerful practices of purification such as periods of fasting, prostrations, and silence. Practitioners will also recite the short six syllables Mani Mantra OM MA NI PE ME HUNG. This mantra purifies the six seeds of the six realms within oneself and, furthermore, has the effect of pacifying the suffering of all beings. The purification practices increase positive energies and so in and of themselves are causes for happiness and harmony for the entire world.
The traditional Nyungne purification retreat consists of maintaining eight vows and repeating practices of purification for a set number of days. This retreat is scheduled for 7th through 9th September, 2012.
The vows to be kept for the practice include:
l. No killing
2. No stealing
3. No sex
4. No telling lies
5. No drinking alcohol
6. No idle chatter, singing or dancing, makeup or ornaments
7. No evening meals
8. No sitting in high seats
The morning session will include a teaching and the remaining day will consist of intensive practice. If you have any doubts about your health and your ability to physically handle this retreat, please consult your doctor. The prostrations are strenuous but it is possible to perform them at a slow speed. The retreatants from previous retreats have found the fasting and prostrations easiest to maintain. Many have observed that silence is the most difficult of all the vows!
For more information about accommodations please contact our office.
