Buddhist Fasting Practice

The Tibetan Buddhist practice of Nyungne ("nyoong-nay") has been gaining increased attention in Buddhist centers across North America. Participants say the practice purifies them both physically and spiritually. This volume is the only comprehensive treatment in English of these powerful teachings.

Nyungne is a profound, two-and-a-half-day practice, a length of time especially helpful for people whose schedules cannot accommodate long-term retreat. It involves the keeping of strict vows; the second day is devoted to complete silence and fasting. The meditation centers on the recitations, mantras, and guided visualizations of the Thousand-Armed Chenrezig, the embodiment of all the buddhas' loving-kindness and compassion. Translated as "abiding in the fast," Nyungne is said to be effective in the healing of illness, the nurturing of compassion, and the purification of negative karma.