Abiding in the Retreat: A Nyung Na Commentary eBook

By Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Compiled and edited by Ven. Ailsa Cameron

Nyung na means “abiding in the retreat.” In other words, you are retreating from negative karmas of body, speech and mind. When you hear, say or think of the word “nyung na” don’t think only of fasting, of the physical practices involved. Don’t think a nyung nä is only about not eating—there is a much vaster meaning to think about. Doing a nyung nä means your body is abiding in retreat, your speech is abiding in retreat and your mind is abiding in retreat. The essential meaning of retreat is retreat from nonvirtuous actions of body, speech and mind. Abstaining from negative karmas that harm others is the fundamental tantric practice." - Lama Zopa Rinpoche

Abiding in the Retreat is a commentary to a nyung nä sadhana composed by Kälzang Gyatso, the Seventh Dalai Lama. Nyung nä is an intensive two-day retreat that combines meditation on Thousand-Arm Chenrezig and recitation of Chenrezig’s mantra, OM MANI PADME HUM, with prostrations, fasting and silence.

In this ebook, editor Ven. Ailsa Cameron has skillfully combined teachings on nyung na practice given by Lama Zopa Rinpoche from 1984 through to 2009. The book contains the benefits of nyung na retreat and of various practices within the retreat, stories of Chenrezig, Bhikshuni Lakshmi and the lineage lamas, and actual instructions on how to do a nyung na.

2017 edition, 292 pages.

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