Saturday 13th – Sunday 14th April
Nyungne Fasting & Purification Retreat – unguided
This two day retreat, which is done in conjunction with Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara practice, is very powerful for purifying negative karma of body, speech, and mind, and for pacifying strong delusions such as desirous attachment and hatred.
This practice involves taking the Mahayana precepts (see below) conjoined with the practice of prostrations. Through this we improve our mind of compassion.
In order to participate in this retreat, you must take precepts each morning you participate. You may engage in one or two days of the retreat.
Booking is essential so please contact the Centre to book, ph 03 3322076 or info@meditateinchristchurch.org.
Retreat details
This practice is done over two days, with the eight Mahayana precepts being taken at the beginning of each day. On the first day it is customary to abstain from all meals apart from lunch. On the second day we engage in a complete fast, abstaining from all food and drink for 24 hours. On both days, we do three sessions of meditation, combining prostrations with chanted meditation. Those who are unable to engage in a complete fast can participate in the sessions on the second day, provided they take the Mahayana precepts on that day. We will be observing silence until 11.45am each day.
The sessions in this retreat do not contain teachings, but guidance will be given to you on how to engage in the retreat.
Session Times
Friday 12th April
Introduction with Kelsang Luma 8.15 – 9.15pm
Saturday 13th April
Mahayana Precepts 6.30am – 7.15am
Ses 1: 7.30 – 8.45am
Ses 2: 10.30 – 11.45am
Lunch 12.00pm (on Saturday only)
Ses 3: 4.00 – 5.15pm
HJ Puja 6.00 – 7.00pm
Sunday 14th April
Mahayana Precepts 6.30am – 7.15am
Ses 1: 7.30 – 8.45am
Ses 2: 10.30 – 11.45am
Ses 3: 4.00 – 5.15pm
HJ Puja 6.00 – 7.00pm
Please note that session times vary. Please check our calendar on our homepage for updated session times.
Cost
Introduction $10. Free for Centre Members.
Retreat $10 per day. Free for Centre Members.
Eight Mahayana Precepts
Precepts is a special practice of moral discipline that is performed with bodhichitta motivation.
The essence of the practice is to take eight precepts and keep them purely for a period of 24 hours. On this special day we take vows to abandon: killing; stealing; sexual activity; lying; taking intoxicants; sitting on a high or luxurious throne or seat; wearing jewellery, perfume, or make-up; singing or dancing; and eating more than one special meal at 12.30pm.
There are many benefits to practicing moral discipline in this way. It helps us solve our day to day problems and creates good karma to take us to a fortunate rebirth in the future. It is a powerful method both for purifying negative karma and accumulating merit or good fortune and brings us closer to the happiness of Enlightenment.