Nyungnay 2025 – Kailash International Retreat Centre

nyungnay

Nyungnay

Purifying Ritual Practice

In each session we engage in chanted prayers and prostrations

guided by Gen Kelsang Devi

Nyungnay is a special annual purification and fasting retreat, traditionally around Buddha’s Enlightenment Day (April 15). It is practiced in conjunction with Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of Compassion, making praises, prostrations and offerings. Through fasting we can better understand the suffering of others and increase our compassion for them; we also purify our own negative karma.

Wrapped within the practice of Mahayana Precepts, it involves fasting and making three sessions of prostrations, with the Sadhana “Drop of Essential Nectar”, over two days. Usually the second day is accompanied by a full fast, although strongly recommended, this is not compulsory. Everyone is welcome to join us for this special retreat.

To participate in the Nyungnay sessions, it is necessary to take the Mahayana precepts in the morning at 6.30am.

Programme

Friday 11 April
18:00 – 18:45 Supper
19:30 – 21:00 Introduction

Saturday 12 April
06.30 – 07.00 Mahayana Precepts Ceremony
07:00 – 08:15 Session 1
11:00 – 12:15 Session 2
12:30 – 13:30 Precepts lunch
16:00 – 17:30 Session 3
19:00 – 20:00 Wishfulfilling Jewel Puja

Sunday 13 April
06.30 – 07.00 Mahayana Precepts Ceremony
07:00 – 08:15 Session 1
11:00 – 12:15 Session 2
12:30 – 13:30 Precepts lunch (optional)
16:00 – 17:30 Session 3
19:00 – 20:00 Wishfulfilling Jewel Puja with Tsog

Monday 14 April
Breakfast, cleaning, departure

DETAILS >>

Venue >>

Enjoy the natural surroundings
In the meditation session breaks throughout the retreat there is time to relax and walk in the beautiful surroundings. Also, each person on a group retreat will help out in the breaks with a small job to ensure the retreat runs smoothly.

the teacher

Gen Kelsang Devi is the Resident Teacher of Kailash International Retreat Centre and Kadampa Meditation Center Switzerland. She is a Buddhist nun and senior teacher of the New Kadampa Tradition, having studied and practiced Kadampa Buddhism for over 25 years under the guidance of Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche. During this time Gen Devi has engaged in extensive silent meditation retreat and has also taught and skilfully guided numerous group retreats around the world. Gen Devi’s experience makes her teachings and guidance in retreats very powerful, clear and practical and her joyful warmth and humour make them accessible to everyone.

booking + fees

Choose your accommodation preference and click below for prices:

Retreat Only
(no room)

Retreat only (no accommodation):

Whole retreat: CHF 100.-

Main House:
Quad Room

Cost for bed in a Quadruple Room in the Main House with Shared Bathroom:

Whole retreat: CHF 190.-

Main House:
Twin Room

Cost for bed in a Twin Room in the Main House with Shared Bathroom:

Whole retreat: CHF 240.-

Main House:
Single Room

Cost for bed in a Single Room in the Main House with Shared Bathroom:

Whole retreat: CHF 280.-

Temple:
Single Room

Single Room in the Kadampa Temple with shared bathroom.

Whole retreat: CHF 300.-

Temple:
Single Ensuite

Single Room in the Kadampa Temple with ensuite bathroom.

Whole retreat: CHF 320.-

Temple:
Large Ensuite

Large Single Room in the Kadampa Temple with ensuite bathroom.

Whole retreat: CHF 330.-

Temple:
Ensuite Studio

Luxury Studio Room with ensuite bathroom (includes bath/shower):

Whole retreat:

Cost for 1 person: CHF 340.-

Cost for 2 persons: CHF 500.-

booking + fees

FAQs

Can I attend part of the retreat?

This short weekend retreat will be a guided journey through mediations and teachings, with each session building upon the one before. Therefore the retreat is designed as a complete package, so as to experience maximum benefit.

Why attend a retreat?

In retreat we take the time to step away from the busyness and distractions of daily life, creating the space in which we can take the teachings to heart and cultivate a deep experience of inner peace and further our spiritual practice.

If I'm a complete beginner, can I attend?

Yes this retreat is designed for beginners, as well as those with meditation experience.

What do I need to bring?

You may find it useful to bring comfortable clothes, indoor shoes/slippers, toiletries, notepad and pen, books relevant to the course or retreat, swiss francs (or they accept cards in most shops/public transport), water bottle, plug adapter.

Is the Centre easy to get to?

Despite its remote location, Kailash IRC is very easy to get to by public transport, as well as driving. Please visit the Directions >> page for further details.

Do you cater for special diets?

All the meals we provide are vegetarian or vegan and use fresh and local produce where possible. Please specify your dietary requirements when you book so we can best accommodate you.

booking + fees

Choose your accommodation preference and click below for prices:

Retreat Only
(no room)

Retreat only (no accommodation):

Whole retreat: CHF 30.-

Main House:
Quad Room

Cost for bed in a Quadruple Room in the Main House with Shared Bathroom:

Whole retreat: CHF 100.-

Main House:
Twin Room

Cost for bed in a Twin Room in the Main House with Shared Bathroom:

Whole retreat: CHF 120.-

Main House:
Single Room

Cost for bed in a Single Room in the Main House with Shared Bathroom:

Whole retreat: CHF 140.-

Temple:
Single Room

Single Room in the Kadampa Temple with bathroom nearby.

Whole retreat: CHF 180.-

Temple:
Single Ensuite

Single Room in the Kadampa Temple with ensuite bathroom.

Whole retreat: CHF 190.-

Temple:
Large Ensuite

Large Single Room in the Kadampa Temple with ensuite bathroom.

Whole retreat: CHF 190.-

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Give us a call

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Ask us a question

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