The Nyung Nä retreat is a two-day intensive practice that includes taking the 24-hour Mahayana precepts with the addition of complete fasting and silence on the second day. Doing even one Nyung Nä or "abiding in retreat" for just two days is said to be as effective as three months of other purification practices and is extremely powerful for healing illness, purifying negative karma, and opening the heart to compassion.
(Nyung Nä is undertaken over two days; Saturday and Sunday, and finishes Monday morning) Read here for an entertaining and informative article on one of Tara Institute's member's first experience of doing the Nyung Nä retreat.
no killing
no stealing
no lying
no sexual misconduct
no intoxicants
no singing
no make up or ornaments, etc
no sitting on high or luxurious seats
And to only eat Pure Food; the following foods are not permitted
no meat
no eggs
no radishes
no garlic or onion
no intoxicants
The Definition of 'No Drinking'
Nyung Nä falls under the Kriya Tantra, of which the precept of 'no drinking' allows the practitioner to wash and keep the body clean. Therefore, on the second day of the retreat, the practitioner can wash the mouth but not drink any fluids of any kind.
The First Day of the Retreat
- taking the vow of the eight Mahayana Precepts
- only one meal is allowed and must be of pure foods and eaten before midday
- after noon time, only drinks are allowed (either water, tea, coffee or beverages made up with 2/3 water)
- reciting prayers, chanting the Chenrezig mantra and dharani
- doing prostrations at intervals
The Second Day of the Retreat
- continue to abide with the eight Mahayana Precepts taken on the first day
- taking additional vows of no eating, drinking and talking for the next 24 hours
- continue reciting prayers, chanting mantra and dharani
- continue doing prostrations
Advice on Practising Nyung Nä
When doing Nyung Nä, keep in mind and remind ourselves as much as possible that we are doing the retreat not for ourselves but for all sentient beings, and that by doing the retreat, all sentient beings will:
- be free from suffering
- achieve ultimate and peerless happiness
- attain omniscient mind
Try to keep these in mind throughout the retreat, including break time.
- learn to destroy the inner enemy, the self-cherishing attitude
- learn to destroy the cause of samsara-craving
- helps us to have a better understanding of the feelings of the beings in the lower realms
- (ie animals and hungry ghosts)
- helps us to have a better understanding of those in the same realm who are in the third world
countries - helps us to develop compassion for all beings
- helps us to develop renunciation of samsara
Benefit of Being Silent
- remove all distractions and focus only on practice
Benefit of Prostration
Every prostration that we make accumulates unbelievable and immeasurable merit, therefore when we do prostrations, we give heartfelt dedications of our merits to all sentient beings.
Benefit of Pursuing Nyung Nä Retreat
Through devotion, faith and determination, practising Nyung Nä can purify one's past negative
karma as well as accumulates merit.
Nyung Nä Participant Consent Form
Full Name (Please Print) .....................................................................................................
Address Street ....................................................................................................................
Suburb ..........................................................................................................................
State ......................................... Postcode ............................................
Phone # ..........................................................................................................................
Date of Birth .......................................................................................................................
Have you a ever participated in a Nyung Nä Before? ............................................................ Y/N
Were there ever any health issues in the past during or after the Nyung Nä? ......................... Y/N
Please explain if yes.
Do you have any of the following medical conditions (which could be worsened by fasting and dehydration)?
Cardiovascular disease in general, eg cardiac failure, moderate to severe hypertension, ischemic heart disease (angina) Y/N
- Diabetes.......................................................................................................... Y/N
- Epilepsy.......................................................................................................... Y/N
- Renal Impairment (kidney disease)..................................................................... Y/N
1.
I am or will be participating in the Nyung Nä offered by Tara Institute during which I will participate in eating only one meal on Saturday and no fluids or food from Saturday midnight until 6am on Monday morning. I understand that the Nyung Nä involves many prostrations over Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning. I recognize that such fasting and abstinence from fluids, physical activity and exertion may be difficult and may cause or aggravate a physical injury or medical condition. I am fully aware of and accept the risks and hazards involved.
2.
I understand that it is my responsibility to consult with a physician prior to and regarding my participating in the Nyung Nä, and to receive prior approval to participate. I represent and warrant that I am physically fit and I have no medical condition or injury which would prevent my full participation in the Nyung Nä.
3.
In consideration of being permitted to participate in the Nyung Nä, I agree to assume all full responsibility for any risks, conditions, injuries or damages, known or unknown, which I might incur or aggravate as a result of my participating in same.
4.
In further consideration of being permitted to participate in the Nyung Nä, I knowingly, voluntarily and expressly waive any claim I may have or acquire against Tara Institute or the FPMT for any injury, condition or damages that I may sustain as a result of entering or being on the premises or participating in the Nyung Nä sessions.
5.
I accept that Tara Institute will call an ambulance should it be deemed I need medical attention and I accept that I shall be liable for any expenses incurred.
6.
I, my heirs or legal representatives forever release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue Tara Institute or FPMT, for any injury, condition, or death which arises, is caused by or is aggravated by reason of my participation in the Nyung Nä.
7.
In understand that it is my continuing responsibility to inform the Centre Manager and Leader of the Nyung Nä of any previous medical conditions, injuries or surgeries prior to my first session and at such other times as I acquire information as to same.
8.
I also understand that, except for a monetary refund, I have no claims against Tara Institute or FPMT (except for monetary refund) by reason of their refusal to allow me to participate in the Nyung Nä.
I have read the above Release and Waiver of Liability and fully understand its contents. I voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions stated above.
Date ....................................................................................................................................
Signature of Participant..........................................................................................................
