Hi All,
I think I've gotten as much detailed information about the Nyungne retreat as will be available until next week, so...
Here's what we know -
Retreatants will be staying at the sangha residence from Friday evening the 21st until Monday morning the 24th. You will be taking vows during this retreat, and in order to keep these vows properly, it is necessary to sleep at the place of the retreat.
Friday evening Rinpoche will talk about the merits of the practice, we will register those who
are planning to sit for the retreat, and we will throw the torma to eliminate obstacles.
Beginning at approximately 6:00 AM on Saturday morning, we will take the vows. We will have lunch on Saturday, after which no food will be taken until Monday morning at the end of the retreat. After Saturday lunch until bedtime water and tea are permitted, but after Saturday at bedtime, no further liquids will be taken until Monday morning. Monday morning practice will begin at 4 AM so we can complete the practice by about 8 AM, when breakfast will be served to all.
On Sunday we will all be following a strict vow of silence, except for chanting the puja.
Please plan to bring any necessary personal hygiene items for use on the first day, a sleeping bag and a pad or air mattress to sleep on at the sangha, and a cushion and a shawl for practice.
To defray the costs of the retreat, including airfares, translation fees, and accomodations including two meals, we are requesting a donation of $120 to cover all three days.
If you plan to attend the retreat, please pre-register with your name and e-mail address by responding to this e-mail as soon as possible.
If you have already expressed interest in the retreat, please re-confirm so we have an accurate count.
6 to 10 people have expressed interest in participating at this point. 14 is the most we can fit.
If you cannot attend the retreat, but would like to volunteer to help with meals or transporation to and from the airport, please contact us. The merit accumulated by those who support a retreat, or the retreatants, is equal to those who participate in the retreat.
We look forward to seeing many of you there for this joyous and auspicious event!!
Please contact me with any questions I haven't answered at this email address or 312.933.6824
Bill Pope
Bill Pope
billpope.enteract@rcn.com
