Since 1980, Nyungne retreats—the meditative practice of Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion with eleven faces and one thousand arms—have been a feature of Dhagpo’s program in the first month of the Tibetan year, a period considered to be very propitious for Dharma practice.
The practice—a powerful means of purification—is based on the observance of vows of fasting and silence; partial on the first day, complete on the second day, and ending on the morning of the third day. These vows restore the precepts of ethical conduct of body, speech and mind that have been damaged, and purify previous faults and harmful acts. Moreover, the practice of the vows helps to pacify situations of conflict and tension in the world.
This practice combines all aspects of the Dharma as well as the essence of the three vehicles; the observance of vows of ethical conduct, bodhisattva mind training—development of love and compassion, and application of the skillful and deep means of Vajrayana, including the recitation of mantras and visualisations.
The Buddha stated that Nyungne practice closes the door of rebirth among the six classes of beings and enables rebirth in the pure land of Dewachen.
According to our records, the first Nyungne took place from February 29 to March 2, 1980. The first retreats were guided by Lama Zimpenla, the Karmapa’s intendant, accompanied by Lama Purtsela. On February 18, 1983, the Venerable Kalu Rinpoche conferred the empowerment of Chenrezig with eleven faces and one thousand arms before the Nyungne retreat. In 1986 and 1987, the practice was guided by Anila Tsewang Tcheudreun, who had completed a retreat of 108 Nyungnes. Following this, Lama Purtsela conducted the practice from 1988 to 1990, and from 1991 on, lamas coming out of retreat began to guide them.
Thaye Dorje, his Holiness the 17th Karmapa, regularly encourages his disciples to follow this practice. On the occasion of his birthday on May 6, 2018, he invited everyone
to consider participating in the Nyungne practice. This profound practice of the Thousand-Armed Chenrezig, the Buddha of Compassion, has great benefit—not only for the practitioner, but also for the Buddhadharma in general, and our Kagyu lineage in particular.”
Then, on January 29, 2020, less than two months before the beginning of the worldwide wave of lockdowns due to Covid-19, Karmapa wrote with a tone of urgency,
At present, a large number of people in the world find themselves in a situation in which there is serious danger to their lives. For this reason, I appeal to all practitioners and devotees to pray one-pointedly to the noble Chenrezig, and accumulate the fasting practice of Nyungne. This will be of benefit here and now, as well as in future lives.”
This year, the Nyungne retreat takes place over eight sessions at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling from March 14 to March 30.
This year, the Nyungne retreat takes place over eight sessions at Dhagpo Kagyu Ling from March 14 to March 30.
These photos come from our archives or were collected as part of the research for Dhagpo Kagyu Ling’s 50th anniversary. We have not been able to identify all the authors. The use of these photos is solely for informational purposes within the context of Dhagpo Kagyu Ling’s 50th anniversary celebration. Their use is limited to this event and our website and is not for commercial purposes.
