Sakya Monastery and Tibetan Association of Washington 16th Annual Saka Dawa Retreat

Please RSVP by Monday, May 20th: https://forms.gle/grRTCEHkgcvccqng7

1,000-Armed Chenrezi and Nyung Nye Vows
Led by Ven. Khenpo Jampa Rinpoche

The fourth month of the Tibetan Buddhist calendar is called Saka Dawa. The full moon day (15th day) of the fourth month marks the holiest day in Tibetan Buddhism: the Buddhas Conception, Enlightenment, and parting into Nirvana. It is auspicious to perform meritorious activities on this specific day. The merit generated from these virtuous activities increases 10 million fold. This year, we will celebrate Saka Dawa on May 22nd and May 23rd, led by Venerable Khenpo Jampa Rinpoche and hosted by Sakya Monastery and Tibetan Association of Washington. The practice for this retreat is the 1,000-Armed Chenrezi.

Participants may take Nyung Nye vows for increased merit. In Tibetan, the word “Nyung” means less. “Nye” means remaining. This means that we reduce our negativity and, ideally, eliminate it entirely. Nyung Nye is a practice of fasting and purification. Each morning, one may take vows by which to abide for the whole day. On the first day, in accordance with a partial fast, a vegetarian lunch is eaten at noon as the only meal, though liquids can be consumed the rest of the day. On the second day, no food or drink at all is consumed*. In addition, on the second day, there is no talking except for the recitation of the practice.

*Important Precaution: Fasting can cause weakness, tiredness and on rare occasion, fainting. If you aren’t sure how fasting affects your body, proceed with caution. Seniors, and those on medication, should check with a doctor before fasting, and consider a less stringent form of fasting. Retreat also involves many prostrations which can be taxing on the body. Keep in mind that fasting can affect your capacity to do prostrations or other physical activity. All practices during the retreat are flexible and practitioners should pay attention to their limits and alter their practice as needed.

There is no registration fee for the retreat, but offerings to the Lamas and the Monastery are welcomed. If you would like to support this event, you may donate at www.sakya.org/donate/

Join us in person:
In-Person COVID Protocol:

1. If you have any symptoms such as nasal congestion, scratchy throat, headache or other cold symptoms, kindly refrain from entering the Monastery.
2. All visitors must be masked with an approved surgical, KF-94, KN-95 or N-95 mask (best protection), covering the mouth and nose at all times, regardless of test results. This is best practice to protect yourself and others. Sakya Monastery provides these at the main entrance.
3. Full vaccination is not required, however it is highly recommended.

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