Nyungnä Retreat
Purification and Fasting Retreat
11–13 April 2025
Introduction with Valentina Schweizer
Nyungnyä is a special purification and fasting retreat practiced in conjunction with the Buddha of Compassion and physical prostrations. Through fasting we can better understand the suffering of others and increase our compassion for them; we also purify our own negative karma.
On the first day of the retreat we abstain from all meals except a vegetarian/vegan lunch and drink normally. On the second day we abstain from all food and drinks for 24 hours. However, those with health concerns can repeat the first day and have the midday meal and drink normally. Traditional Buddhist prayers are chanted in all retreat sessions.
To participate in the Nyungnä sessions, it is necessary to take the Mahayana precepts in the morning. We recommend that anyone who has never attended this retreat before join the introduction on Saturday evening.
Participation in individual sessions is not possible; bookings can only be made on a daily basis.
Price
CHF 60
Language
German
Place
KMC Switzerland
What to expect
The retreat begins on Friday evening with an introduction. The introduction will explain the purification practice and the motivation with which we should engage the retreat.
This will be followed by three retreat sessions on Saturday and Sunday. See the schedule below.
During breaks, there is the opportunity to interact with other practitioners, go for a walk, or read up on the topic in our library books.
The Teacher
Valentina Schweizer has studied and practiced Kadampa Buddhism for 19 years. She worked and practiced for about seven years in an international Kadampa Meditation Center in England and gained valuable experience there. With her warm and welcoming personality, she is a living example of how we can put Buddhism into practice in daily life.
Course Information
Price
Whole Retreat: CHF 60
Introduction: CHF 20
Per day: CHF 22.50
Lunch: CHF 25
25% Discount for students, AHV/IV and social welfare recipient
Timetable
Friday 11 April 2025
18:00–19:15 | Introduction with Valentina Schweizer
Saturday 12April 2025
6:30–7:00 | Mahayana Precepts Ceremony (A Pure Life)
7:00–8:15 | Retreat Session (Drop of Essential Nectar)
11:00–12:15 | Retreat Session (Drop of Essential Nectar)
12:30pm | Lunch Break
16:00–17:15 | Retreat Session (Drop of Essential Nectar)
19:00–20:00 | Wishfulfilling Jewel with Tsog
Sunday 13April 2025
6:30–7:00 | Mahayana Precepts Ceremony (A Pure Life)
7:00–8:15 | Retreat Session (Drop of Essential Nectar)
11:00–12:15 | Retreat Session (Drop of Essential Nectar)
12:30 Uhr | Lunch break (without meal)
16:00–17:15 | Retreat Session (Drop of Essential Nectar)
19:00–20:00pm | Wishfulfilling Jewel
Language
German
Place
This retreat takes place at Kadampa Meditation Center Switzerland (KMC), Mirabellenstrasse 1, 8048 Zürich Altstetten
Frequently asked questions
Can people attend our courses even if they are not Buddhists?
Yes - Everyone is welcome at Kadampa Meditation Center Switzerland. No one is excluded, no matter what your background or beliefs are. The methods and practices taught here are suitable for everyone, no matter how much experience you have.
Do I have to wear certain clothes to attend the events at the center?
No - Please come as you are. At KMC Switzerland, chairs and meditation cushions are provided for seating. If you like to sit on the cushion, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothing. Traditionally you will be asked to take off your shoes before entering the meditation room. We have floor heating and socks if needed.
Do I need meditation experience to participate?
No - Many people who come to our events have little or no experience. It doesn't matter if you have tried to meditate before without much success. Everyone finds meditation challenging in the beginning because our mind is naturally very busy. Kadampa Meditation Center is a perfect place to train in meditation.
Is the center also accessible by wheelchair?
Yes - Our meditation room is at ground level and we lay out ramps for the few steps we have.
