Rest for the Fortunate is
the name of a traditional Tibetan commentary
on Nyungne written by the Ninth Situ Rinpoche
(1774-1853), a major lineage holder of the
Karma Kagyu tradition. It tells of the history
of Nyungne, starting with the Buddhist princess
Lakshminkara who overcame terrible illness
through practice and became the first holder
of the Nyungne lineage. Bardor Tulku Rinpoche's
new book of the same title analyzes the original
text, and makes its teachings accessible to
modern readers by providing commentary and
answering practical questions from students.
There is also a detailed explanation of
how the practice integrates the Hinayana,
Mahayana, and Vajrayana levels of Buddhist
practice. The benefits of Nyungne are explained
in detail through many stories and extensive
scriptural references concerning its power
in the purification of karmic obstacles
and wrongdoing and the accomplishment of
enlightened qualities. The book is appropriate
for those just learning about Nyungne, as
well as those already practicing it. The
book concludes with a special teaching on
dying, death, and the bardo (intermediate)
states based on the instructions of Padmasambhava
(Guru Rinpoche). Bardor Tulku Rinpoche’s
teaching on death and dying provides a clear
explanation of the Tibetan Buddhist view
of these states.
What is Nyungne?
Nyungne (pronounced NYUNG NAY) is a special
fasting practice of purification and renewal
practiced by all the major traditions of
Tibetan Buddhism. Traditionally, the practice
is conducted as part of a meditation retreat,
although once practitioners have participated
in such a retreat, they are able to perform
the practice on their own. It is extraordinary
both for its profound spiritual qualities
and for its practicality in application.
The Nyungne includes two full days of practice
and a short concluding session on the morning
of the third day. Participants take a set
of strict vows on the morning of each day.
On the first day, they eat one meal at noon
and unlimited liquids throughout the day.
The second day is a strict and complete
fast with no food or liquids, and is conducted
in silence except for liturgical recitations.
The meditation is centered around the liturgy,
mantras, and visualization of 1000-Armed
Chenrezig, the embodiment of the compassion
of all enlightened beings.
The Nyungne was originated by Gelongma
Palmo, an ancient Indian princess. She overcame
severe illness through devoted and extensive
practice of 1000-Armed Chenrezig, and passed
the methods and blessings of this practice
down through a lineage of practitioners
that continues to this day.
Venerable Bardor Tulku Rinpoche
is a resident lama at Karma Triyana Dharmachakra
Monastery (KTD) in Woodstock, New York.
KTD is the North American seat of His Holiness
Urgyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa,
head of the Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism.
Bardor Rinpoche was recognized as a tulku
(reincarnate lama) by His Holiness the 16th
Gyalwa Karmapa, and trained at Rumtek Monastery
in Sikkim, India. Rinpoche has been instrumental
in the building and development of KTD,
and an active teacher of Buddhism for many
years.
Meditation/Vajrayana
Buddhism
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