6:30am 14th Annual Saka Dawa Retreat (Zoom)

1,000-Armed Chenrezi and Nyung Nye Vows
Led by Khenpo Jampa Rinpoche

Tuesday, June 14: 6:30 am to 10:00 am, and
Wednesday, June 15: 6:30 am (vows only) on Zoom

Please sign-up by June 10: monastery@sakya.org

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 May 26, 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.

Once again, 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 Tuesday will be livestreamed on Zoom for registrants. Wednesday morning only the vows will be taken via Zoom. Digital copies of the texts will also be provided.

*Important Precaution: Fasting can cause weakness, tiredness and on rare occasion, fainting. If you aren’t sure how fasting affects your body, proceed with caution. Seniors, and those on medication, should check with a doctor before fasting, and consider a less stringent form of fasting. Retreat also involves 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. All practices during the retreat are flexible and practitioners should pay attention to their limits and alter their practice as needed.

There is no registration fee for the retreat, but offerings to the Lamas and the Monastery are welcomed. If you would like to support this event, you may donate at www.sakya.org/donate/