The resident sangha of PTC will be practicing 8 consecutive sets of Nyungne (the Fasting Ritual and Meditation of Thousand-Armed Chenrezig). This retreat will be held during the auspicious month of Saga Dawa, the month commemorating the birth, enlightenment and parinirvana of Shakyamuni Buddha. It is said that, during this time, the merit accumulated through performing virtuous activity is multiplied 100,000 times.

The Nyungne practice is a profound kriya tantra meditation ritual based on loving-kindness and compassion in the form of Thousand-Armed Chenrezig.  The practice involves maintaining strict vows and meditating while reciting mantras and prayers, and performing prostrations and visualizations. Undertaken in sets of two days, the first day includes one vegetarian meal at noon, drinking water throughout the day as needed. The second day is a complete fast performed in noble silence. The Nyungne is renowned as a superior means to purify negative karma and accumulate great merit.

Chenrezig himself declared that completing even one Nyungne prevents rebirth in the lower realms, and the practice of eight consecutive Nyungne leads to birth in Amitabha’s pure land of Dewachen.

The dates for each set are as follows:

Set 1   Begins May 8 (Wednesday) at 5:30 am.  Ends May 10 (Friday) about 8:00 am.
Set 2   Begins May 10 (Friday) at 5:00 am.  Ends May 12 (Sunday) about 8:00 am.
Set 3   Begins May 12 (Sunday) at 5:00 am.  Ends May 14 (Tuesday) about 8:00 am.
Set 4   Begins May 14 (Tuesday) at 5:00 am.  Ends May 16 (Thursday) about 8:00 am.
Set 5   Begins May 16 (Thursday) at 5:00 am.  Ends May 18 (Saturday) about 8:00 am.
Set 6   Begins May 18 (Saturday) at 5:00 am.  Ends May 20 (Monday) about 8:00 am.
Set 7   Begins May 20 (Monday) at 5:00 am.  Ends May 22 (Wednesday) about 8:00 am.
Set 8   Begins May 22 (Wednesday) at 5:00 am.  Ends May 24 (Friday) about 8:00 am.

This event is in-person only.  It will not be accessible remotely.

Guests are welcome to participate in any or all of the Nyungne sets but please note – it is necessary to arrive at PTC by 8:00 pm the evening before any set as the practice begins as early as 5:00 am every day throughout the retreat.

Guests attending a nyungne for the first time must speak to Lama Dechi before doing this practice. Please contact her by email or call 845-297-2500 (leaving both your name and phone number so that she can get back to you).

We do suggest that guests try to come for the 1st day of any given nyungne set, but if that is not practical, it is still possible to participate any day of the retreat. For further details for how to participate in this way, please follow the contact instructions above.

Please note that accommodations are only open to program participants.

The price for each nyungne set includes all meals and accommodations. Prices per set and per person are:

Type of Accommodation                                      Non-Member / Member

Dormitory                                                                   $50 / $30
Double Occupancy Room Guest House                   $70 / $50
Private Room Guest House                                       $90 / $70
Double Occupancy Room Maitreya Center               $110 / $90
Private Room Maitreya Center                                  $130 / $110

TO REGISTER PLEASE CLICK HERE

Deadline for Registration is May 1

There are many ways to share in the merit of this retreat through sponsoring the chanting, and meals or the tea served on non-fasting days.   Be sure to include a prayer with your donation which will be read aloud to the assembly.

You may also simply mail your tax-deductible contribution to:
Palpung Thubten Chöling
Attn: Office
245 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590.

Please make checks payable to Palpung Thubten Choling or PTC.

Please send your prayer request and sponsorship information 48 hours before the first day of chanting to guarantee that we receive it in time to announce your prayer. If you are not able to do that, please leave a short but clear message of your prayer on 845-297-2500 and we will do our best to have your prayer announced.

Please do not visit the monastery if you feel unwell and/or have a fever.

We urge all program participants to take precautions against the ongoing risk of COVID-19 through protection such as having up-to-date vaccinations, wearing a good-quality mask indoors, washing hands and maintaining physical distance.

Masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all entryways.

Many thanks to all of you for your support in keeping this event as safe as possible!