Nyung Ne semi fasting retreat – May3rd to May 10th, 2026
Dear Sangha,
I would like to lead a Nyung Ne semi fasting retreat at Gaden Tashi Choling Retreat Centre in Nelson, British Columbia from Sunday 3rd until Sunday 10th May 2026 during the holy month of Vesak: Lord Buddha’s birth, attainment of Enlightenment and entering Parinirvana.
The purpose of doing Nyung Ne retreat is for the purification of negative Karma, developing compassion and accumulating much merit.
The Nyung Ne retreat is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist fasting and purification practice associated with Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara).
It is widely practiced in Tibetan Buddhism especially among the Gelug and Kagyu sects.
Nyung Ne retreat can be done in 2 days, 4 days, 6 days or 8 days.
It is an intensive retreat.
I would like to lead an 8 day retreat.
REQUIREMENT TO DO NYUNG NE:
The Empowerment of four armed Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara)
Guidance from a qualified Guru is strongly recommended.
BENEFIT OF DOING NYUNG NE PRACTICE
The benefit of doing Nyung Ne practice is purification of heavy negative Karma,
Reducing pressure and stress from work and eating too much food.
It could make you fit and healthy.
Strengthens compassion and Bodhicitta.
Helps overcome obstacles.
Creates the causes for good rebirth and ultimately; the realization of enlightenment.
IMPORTANT CAUTIONS. Not recommended for:
Pregnant or breastfeeding
Those with serious illness: such as kidney disease, heart disease, gout.
History of eating disorders.
Chronic medications (blood pressure meds, lithium, antidepressants, steroids etc.)
THE STRUCTURE OF THE RETREAT
The structure of a standard Nyung Ne 8 day retreat
Total silence is required from retreatants
Every day we will take the Eight Mahayana precepts before sunrise
We will have four sessions daily, in person and on zoom: (6:30am to 5:30pm with breaks each day)
Each session we will practice the sadhana of Chenrezig and recite the mantra.
Fasting, Silence, Prostrations and Mantra recitation
1. First day: we only eat one meal (lunch) No breakfast, no dinner.
Diet: Will be vegetarian only. No meat, eggs, garlic, onion or alcohol.
Drink water and tea.
If you attend in person in the temple, lunch will be potluck.
2. Second day is a more intense day:
No food at all
No tea or coffee
Only water and personal medication
The third, fifth and seventh days will follow the structure of the first day above
The fourth, sixth and eighth days will follow the structure of the second day above
Please read the Eight Mahayana precepts sadhana that is attached to find out details of the precepts, rules and protocol.
Also please acquaint yourself with the Four Arm Chenrezig sadhana.
Many blessings and I am looking forward to this retreat in May
Rinpoche
Registration: Please email gadenwest@gmail.com and indicate whether you plan to attend via Zoom or in person. If you wish to attend in person, please let me know, as spaces are limited.
Zoom: Each session will be recorded and saved in a folder for later viewing, if needed.
Retreat Fees: Fees depend on the duration of your personal retreat.
Each day is $70–$80 (sliding scale).
If attending the full 8-day retreat, the total fee is $560–$640 (sliding scale).
Payment: We would appreciate the fees are due the week before the retreat.
Please email any questions to gadenwest@gmail.com. Questions for Rinpoche may be sent to the same address and will be forwarded to him.
As always Thank you for supporting our Nelson temple.
October Retreat Details
We’re happy to share that Zasep Tulku Rinpoche will be offering a Lamrim and Chittamani Tara Retreat this October. The Lamrim teachings will be held October 10–16, followed by the Chittamani Tara Retreat from October 17–31.
At this time, we have the retreat dates only. More details will be shared in the coming months.
Registration is now open. Please email gadenwest@gmail.com and let me know whether you plan to attend via Zoom or in person. In-person spaces are limited.
Please email any questions to gadenwest@gmail.com. Questions for Rinpoche may be sent to the same address and will be forwarded to him.
At this time, there are no beds available in the gompa. I’m happy to add you to a waitlist if a bed becomes available, and I recommend exploring accommodations in the surrounding area or in Nelson.
Warmly,
Sonam