NYUNGNAY PURIFYING RITUAL PRACTICE with Gen Kelsang Mila

In-depth Retreat

Nyungnay is a beloved practice engaged in every year to honor and remember Buddha’s enlightenment, April 15th. This special purification and fasting practice is performed together with prayers and prostrations to the Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion.

Every year we celebrate this event with a traditional two-day fasting purification practice known as Nyungnay, using the practice known as Drop of Essential Nectar. 

During this practice, we emphasize compassion, the very heart of enlightenment, by engaging in prostrations to 1,000 armed Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion.

It 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 blessings and improving our experience of love, compassion, and Bodhichitta.

Wrapped within the practice of Mahayana Precepts, it involves fasting and making three sessions of prostrations, with the sadhana “Drop of Essential Nectar,” over two days. Usually, the second day is accompanied by a full fast, although strongly recommended, this is not compulsory. 

We will be using the prayer booklet Drop of Essential Nectar, which is available for purchase in our shop if you wish.

Day 1 Guidelines: No breakfast, only 1 meal 12 – 1pm, no food after. You can drink water/tea for the day.

Day 2 Guidelines: You have a choice to do a complete fast on the second day (no food or water) until day 3 at dawn. Or repeat the same as Day 1.

Programme of events:

(NB If it is your first time, it is essential that you attend the introduction to this Retreat, Friday 17th April 2026, 1800: – 19:00 as no explanation will be given during the Retreat )

Friday 17th

Introduction 18:00 – 19:00

Saturday 18th  Silent retreat till lunch time

Precepts: 06:30 – 07:00

Session 1: 07:00 – 08:30

Tea Break

Session 2: 10:00-11:20

Precepts Lunch 12:00 if appropriate, you are welcome to bring your own

Session 3: 14:00-15:20

Tea Break

Wishfulfilling Jewel with a food offering: 16:00 -17:00

Sunday 19th Silent retreat till lunch time

Precepts: 06:30 – 07:00

Session 1: 07:00 – 08:30

Session 2: 10:00 – 11:20

Precepts Lunch 12:00  if appropriate, you are welcome to bring your own

Heart Jewel Prayers: 14:00 -14:45

Tea Break

Session 3: 15:30 – 16:50 

Everyone is welcome to join us for this precious retreat.

About the Teacher:

As a student of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, Gen Kelsang Mila is a modern – day Kadampa Nun and the resident teacher of Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Centre. She has been a student of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche for 20 years and ordained for fifteen years. Her teachings are always practical and easy to apply to everyday life.

How to join in?
In Person at Vajrapani Kadampa Buddhist Center

The Woods Shopping Centre, 345 Jan Smuts Ave, Upper level, Craighall Park, 2196

Please arrive a few  minutes before the event starts to register and settle in.  We have a book shop to browse, water on sale. There is secure and ample parking.

Take advantage of our Early Bird ticket offer ending 3 days before event starts.

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All donations contribute to the operation and development of the center, providing opportunities for the public to learn and understand the precious Dharma (teachings).

Refund Policy

If you cancel within 24 hours, no refund. If you cancel anytime before 24 hours, 75% refund. Please contact epc@meditation.org.za