Avalokiteshvara Fasting & Purification Retreat ~ Nyungnay

This special fasting and purification retreat is performed in conjunction with the meditation practice of thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. 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.

On both days Kadam John will grant Mahayana precepts at 6.30am where we take vows to abstain from certain actions for 24 hours. Everyone attending the retreat will need to take precepts at 6.30am. For Mahayana precepts we use the sadhana called A Pure Life, available from Tharpa UK.

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 24 hours. On both days, we will do three sessions of meditation, combining prostrations with chanted meditation. Those who are unable to engage in a complete fast can still participate in the sessions on the second day by abstaining from all meals apart from lunch.

For each session we will engage in the Drop of Essential Nectar sadhana with time for visualizations and mantra recitation as explained in the sadhana. We have some copies of the sadhana to borrow, but you might like to consider buying your own.

About the retreat leader

Kadam John McBretney is the Resident Teacher of Heruka KMC and has been studying and practising Kadampa Buddhism for over 30 years. Known for his joyful and down-to-earth style, he has a rare ability to make even the deepest subjects clear and accessible, guiding students effortlessly to develop lasting inner peace and wisdom.

Session times, both days
Mahayana Precepts: 6.30 to 7.15am
Session 1: 8am – 9.15am
Session 2: 10.30am – 11.45am
Session 3: 3.00pm – 4.15pm

This is an in-person event.

Free for Silver, Gold and Platinum members. Become a member.

Prices: £15 each day or £20 for whole weekend.
Lunch on the first day: £6