Nyungne Retreat

Nyungne Retreat and Saga Dawa with Drubpon Palkyi

Tuesday, June 10 – Thursday, June 12, 2025

Participation in individual sessions is NOT possible. Full participation is required, both online and on site.

Participation is ONLY possible with registration: mail (at) garchen.de.

This year, the Nyungne Retreat coincides with Saga Dawa. Saga Dawa is the festival in honor of Shakyamuni’s enlightenment, which is always celebrated on the full moon of the 4th lunar month. This makes the Nyunge Retreat particularly auspicious.

Fasting ritual – Nyungne

A particularly precious and intense meditation practice is the “fasting ritual” (Tib. Nyungne) of the 1000-armed Chenrezig. This practice, which emphasizes purification, belongs to the Kriya Tantra. The practice is connected with silence and the so-called “Sojong” vows, which are taken every morning at sunrise: no killing, no stealing, no lying, no sexual activity, no drugs, no luxury and special jewelry, dancing or singing, and eating and drinking only at the prescribed times.

The ritual consists of two consecutive days, which can be repeated several times. The first day, the “Nyingne” day, is more relaxed, and the second day, the actual “Nyungne” day, is very strict with silence and total fasting. Through the vows, mindfulness is trained on the one hand, and on the other hand, we cannot escape into worldly activities as we are normally accustomed to. Through the practice, a lot of karma is purified and the doors to rebirth in the lower realms are closed.

H.E. Garchen Rinpoche gave this specific message regarding the Nyungne practice:

“Geshe Ngawang Phuntsok Rinpoche said, ‘The Nyungne ritual is simple, but it has great benefits.’” As stated in the benefits of the Mahayana Sojong vows, if you complete this practice even once, you can attain rebirth in the human or god realms; you can attain a precious human body that leads to temporary happiness and ultimately to enlightenment.”

Day 1: Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Breakfast, lunch, and talking are allowed. After lunch, only drinking or yogurt is allowed. Silence begins at bedtime.

7:00–8:00 a.m. CET Breakfast

8:00–9:00 a.m. CET Teachings

9:15–12:00 p.m. CET Practice

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CET Lunch

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CET Practice

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. CET Practice 

Day 2: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Strict fasting (no drinks) with silence.

Those who have health problems without fluids are allowed to drink water.

08:00 – 11:30 a.m. CET Practice

1:00 – 3:00 p.m. CET Practice

3:30 – 5:30 p.m. CET Practice

Day 3: Thursday, June 12, 2025

06:30 – 08:30 a.m. CET Final practice and light breakfast

Total retreat €70 / reduced €56 / or according to your financial means

Accommodation and meals, please book separately.