NYUNGNAY PURIFYING RITUAL PRACTICE
Held most months at Losang Dragpa Kadampa Buddhist Centre. See online calendar for upcoming dates here
This special fasting and purification retreat is performed in conjunction with the meditation practice of thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara. Engaging in this retreat is very powerful for purifying negative karma of body, speech and mind and for pacifying strong delusions such as desirous attachment and hatred. It is also a special method for receiving the blessings of Buddha and improving our experience of love, compassion and bodhichitta (the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all).
Usually this practice is done over two days, with the 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 twenty-four 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 either day, provided they take the Mahayana precepts on that day.
*The Mahayana precepts are vows we take to abstain from certain actions for the duration of twenty four hours. Please email or phone the centre for more information, there is no charge for this retreat.
The general timetable for the retreat is as follows (subject to slight variation, please contact the centre if you intend to attend).
Day 1 (partial fast, one meal and liquids): Thursday 15th April
Precepts: 6:30am
Session 1: 7:05 – 8.20am
Session 2: 11.00am – 12.15pm
Session 3: 2.15 – 3.30pm
Offering to the Spiritual Guide meditation 4.00-5.45pm (Buddha’s Enlightenment Day)
Day 2 (full fast, no meals or liquids): Friday 16th April
Precepts: 6:30am
Session 1: 7:05 – 8.20am
Session 2: 11.00am – 12.15pm
Session 3: 2.30 – 3.45pm
Day 3 (partial fast, one meal and liquids): Saturday 17th April
Precepts: 6:30am (if you have not taken precepts before and would like to take them to participate in the retreat on this day please email teacher@
Session 1: 7:05 – 8.20am
Session 2: 11.00am – 12.15pm
Session 3: 2.30 – 3.45pm
Day 4 (full fast, no meals or liquids): Sunday 18th April
Precepts: 6:30am (if you have not taken precepts before and would like to take them to participate in the retreat on this day please email teacher@
Session 1: 7:05 – 8.20am
Session 2: 11.00am – 12.15pm
Session 3: 2.30 – 3.45pm
Wishfulfilling Jewel with TSOG chanted meditation 5.00 – 6.15pm
How to attend:
1) In person: at Losang Dragpa Kadampa Buddhist Centre. Numbers are strictly limited. Please call ahead to reserve a place.
Cost: Free
Please note: social distancing rules apply. Hand sanitiser supplied and to be used upon entry.
2) Live Streaming: Sessions are streamed live. Please click on the links in the Timetable to access sessions.
Cost: Free
The online classes/events are open to those who live in the following areas:
-Lake Macquarie
-Newcastle
-Hunter Valley
-Port Stephens
-Mid North Coast up to and including Coffs Harbour
If you live outside these areas, please use the live streaming service of your nearest Kadampa Centre.