Compassion and Fasting Retreat
This special fasting and purification retreat is performed in conjunction with Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion. It is a powerful practice for purifying negative karma of body, speech, and mind, and for pacifying mental negativity. It is also a special method for receiving blessings (inspiring energy) and enhancing our capacity for love, compassion, and bodhichitta (the wish to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all).
Everyone is welcome to join this special retreat.
Retreat details
Usually this retreat (Nyungne) is done over two days, with the Mahayana precepts session at 7am at the beginning of each day. (Please Note: In order to attend any of the retreat sessions during the day you will need to attend Precepts in the morning). On the first day it is customary to abstain from all meals apart from lunch. On the second day we engage in a complete fast, abstaining from all food and drink for 24 hours. On both days, we do three sessions of a ritual prayer, Drop of Essential Nectar, combining prostrations with chanted meditation. Those who prefer not to engage in a complete fast on the second day can do it the same as the first day. You can attend one day or both.
About Precepts
The practice of taking and keeping the eight Mahayana precepts is a special practice of moral discipline that is performed with bodhichitta intention, the compassionate wish to realize our spiritual potential for the benefit of all beings. The essence of this practice is taking eight precepts and keeping them purely for twenty-four hours. When we take precepts, we explicitly promise to abstain for 24 hours from eight actions which include: (1) killing; (2) stealing; (3) sexual activity; (4) lying; (5) taking intoxicants; (6) eating after lunch (meaning we only eat lunch); (7) sitting on high or luxurious thrones or seats; (8) wearing ornaments, perfume, singing & dancing.
Because this practice is motivated by bodhichitta it is especially powerful for purifying negativities, accumulating merit—a positive strength of mind—and creating the cause for us to attain the unsurpassed happiness of enlightenment.
If you have any questions about this retreat, please contact us: [email protected].
Who is Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara?
Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of the compassion of all the Buddhas. By engaging in practices related to Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara we will continually receive this Buddha’s special blessings and thereby experience inner peace, a peaceful mind, all the time. We will also make rapid progress in our spiritual practice, and gain the ability to control our anger, and other negative minds. Ultimately, we will attain the universal compassion of a Buddha and accomplish the supreme happiness of enlightenment.
About the teacher
Gen Kelsang Dorje is the resident teacher at the Kadampa Meditation Center Madison. As the resident teacher Gen Dorje is responsible for teaching and leading meditation classes, retreats, and workshops at the center and in branch locations. He has received extensive training under the guidance of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, the founder of the New Kadampa Tradition. Gen Dorje is known for his warmth and humor in making Buddha’s teachings relevant to our modern life. He is an inspiring example of how to integrate these teachings into a joyful life and is committed to helping people improve their daily lives through meditation and mindfulness.
Registration details
Cost: Free (donations appreciated). This is an in-person only event.
Location:
Kadampa Meditation Center Madison
1825 S Park St
Madison, WI 53719
