1,000-Armed Chenrezi and Nyung Nye Vows
Led by Khenpo Jampa Rinpoche
Friday, June 5: 6:30am to 10:00am (livestream)
Saturday, June 6: 6:30am (vows only, via Zoom)
Please sign-up by June 2, (registration is now closed)
The fourth month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar is called “Saka Dawa.”
The full moon day (15th day) of the fourth month marks the holiest day in Tibetan Buddhism: the Buddha’s Conception, Enlightenment, and parting into Nirvana. It is auspicious to perform meritorious activities on this specific day. The merit generated from these virtuous activities increases 10 million fold. This year, that day is June 5, when for the benefit of all sentient beings and world peace, Khenpo Jampa Rinpoche will lead the retreat. The practice for this retreat is the 1,000-Armed Chenrezi.
Participants may take Nyung Nye vows for increased merit. In Tibetan, the word “Nyung” means less. “Nye” means remaining. This means that we reduce our negativity and, ideally, eliminate it entirely. Nyung Nye is a practice of fasting and purification. Each morning, one may take vows by which to abide for the whole day. On the first day, in accordance with a partial fast, a vegetarian lunch is eaten at noon as the only meal, though liquids can be consumed the rest of the day. On the second day, no food or drink at all is consumed. In addition, on the second day, there is no talking except for the recitation of the practice.
This year, due to physical distancing guidelines and safety precautions, the Saka Dawa retreat will be hosted remotely. Retreatants can practice prayer, fasting, and silence in their homes. Vows and morning practice on Friday will be livestreamed for registrants. Saturday morning vows will be taken via Zoom. Digital copies of the texts will also be provided.
There is no registration fee for the retreat, but offerings to the Lamas and the Monastery are welcome.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Fasting is not to be undertaken lightly and should be done with careful consideration of the effects it may have on your body. Fasting can cause weakness, tiredness and on rare occasion, fainting. If you are not sure how fasting affects your body, proceed with caution.
Some individuals may be more at risk of dehydration due to factors including age, illness, medical conditions, or taking certain medications. Those who fit these criteria or have concerns for any other reason should consult with their doctor before fasting and/or consider a less stringent form of fasting.
Sakya Monastery recommends that all participants take plenty of fluids during the first day of the retreat to prepare for the second day and reduce the risk of dehydration.
Sakya Monastery also recommends you review medical resources which outline the warning signs of dehydration and be aware of these symptoms during retreat.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000982.htm
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
Retreat includes many prostrations which can be taxing on the body. Keep in mind that fasting can affect your capacity to do prostrations or other physical activity. Excessive sweating due to physical exertion can also put you more at risk of dehydration.
All practices during the retreat are flexible and practitioners should pay attention to their limits and alter their practice as needed. And again, if you have any concerns whatsoever about this retreat, please consult with your doctor.
In short: This retreat is not a contest! Please take care of yourself and do not overexert yourself. It is your intention that counts.
Registration Form: (now closed)