♥ Saturday, 26.05. – M

 
Fasting ritual - Nyungne

A particularly precious and intensive meditation practice is the "fasting ritual" (Nyungne) of the 1000-armed Chenrezig. This practice, in which purification is particularly emphasised, belongs to the Kriya Tantra. The practice is associated with silence and the so-called "Sojong" vows taken every morning at sunrise: do not kill, do not steal, do not lie, no sexual activity, no drugs, no luxuries and special jewellery, dancing or singing, and only eat and drink at the appointed 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, on the one hand, mindfulness is trained and on the other hand, we cannot escape into worldly activities as we are normally used to. Through the practice, much karma is purified and the gates to rebirth in the lower realms are closed.

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

“Geshe Ngawang Phuntsok Rinpoche said: “The Nyungne ritual is simple but has great benefits.” As said in the Benefits of the Mahayana Sojong Vows, completing this practice even just once, one could take rebirth in the human or god realm; one could gain a precious human body that leads to temporary happiness and, ultimately, to enlighttenment. “