Nyungne in Menlo Park 2016

A Nyungne Retreat is a special two-day meditation, fasting and purification retreat based on the practice of Thousand-Armed Chenrezig and is known for its power in the purification of negative karma and the accomplishment of enlightened qualities. 

This practice was originated by Gelongma Palmo, (Bhikkuni Lakshmi), who was one of the greatest masters of the 1,000-armed Chenrezig practice. 

The Nyungne is a retreat of body, speech and mind from non-virtuous actions, focusing on keeping strict vows for a two-day period, generating the Bodhisattva attitude, and reciting the sadhana of the 1000-armed Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of compassion. 

The vows to be observed include refraining from: 

* Killing. 
* Stealing. 
* Lying. 
* Sexual activities (celibacy). 
* Drinking alcohol, taking drugs, smoking cigarettes. 
* Using perfumes, wearing make-up or ornaments, singing, playing music, dancing and other forms of entertainment. 
* Eating in inappropriate times. 
* Sitting in high seats. 

A set of Nyungne consists of 2 days of strict practice. On the first day, we took one light meal in the morning and one meal at noon, and fast the rest of the day while engaging in three sessions of practice. Like other Vajrayana sadhanas, the Nyungne sadhana involves visualization of the deity, accompanied by prayers, offerings and prostrations, and extensive recitation of the mantra. The sessions begin early in the morning and conclude in the late afternoon. 

On the second day, we observed complete fasting from food and water, and also maintained strict silence, except for the recitation of the Sadhana.

Nyungne is a practice of yidam from Kriya-tantra tradition which not only helps to purify a lot of negative karma in a short time and accumulate merits but also aids in healing illness and opening the heart to compassion. It is said that pure practice on one pair of Nyungne closes the gates of rebirth in lower realms, and the pure completion of eight pairs of Nyungne's leads to rebirth in the Dewachen Pure Land.

In addition, reciting the six syllable Mani Mantra during the retreat, not only purifies the six seeds of the six realms within oneself, it also pacifies the sufferings of all beings. In this way, the practice brings peace to the entire world and can be a cause for World Peace, very appropriate and timely in these degenerate times. 

I attended all four pairs of Nyungne's and concluded early in the morning of the ninth day with a short practice session. It was lead by Lama Jampa and Ani Yangchen. Felt quite complete at the very end!