The practice of Nyung-ne is a fundamental traditional Buddhist practice that combines discipline and meditation to help us purify our negativities and develop wise compassion. In the Buddhist context, compassion is a positive response based on a deep understanding of suffering and the causes of suffering.

The basic aim of the practice is to purify negative karma by abstaining from (1) killing, (2) stealing, (3) sexual activity, (4) telling lies and (5) drinking or taking any intoxicants - these are the five Buddhist precepts. In addition to these five, one also abstains from (6) eating meat and eating after midday, (7) singing, dancing, playing music, wearing perfumes and (8) sitting on high seats. Noble silence is also observed even though it is not one of the precepts.

Mahayana stresses the importance of dedicating one's fasting and prayer for the benefit of all sentient beings. When Vajrayanists observe the eight precepts for two days, together with the compassion meditation of Avalokiteshvara practice, they call it 'Nyung-ne'.

In skilfully combining devotional practices with the eight precepts, Nyung-ne accentuates the effective restoration of wholesome qualities and purification of unwholesome deeds. One takes the precepts in combination with twelve or more hours of devotional practices including prostrations, meditation and chanting of mantra and long dharani of Avalokiteshvara. In terms of the three remedies taught by the Buddha, observing the eight precepts is the discipline component; meditating in the form of Avalokiteshvara is the meditation component; and coming to understand the merit in following these practices is the wisdom component.

One whole Nyung Ne is completed over two days. In Tibetan Buddhism there is a popular tradition of practicing Nyung Ne to honour the most month in the Buddhist calendar, Saga Dawa.

The first set of Nyung Ne starts on Friday 18 May and finishes on Monday morning 21 May. Those taking part in the first Nyung Ne set are welcome to stay on the complete more sets of the Nyung Ne. Eight sets of Nyung Ne will be completed which will conclude on the morning of Sunday 3 June 2018. 

This retreat is free but particants must register to attend.