The monks and nuns of Shechen Monasteries are currently participating in the annual “summer rains retreat” (yarney), from August 2 to September 16.

This retreat practice comes from the Indian custom established by the Buddha in the Vinaya Sutra. At the time of the Buddha, the retreat was three months long and done during the summer monsoon. It was a practical response to the monsoon weather. It was also considered not appropriate to travel with the increased likelihood of walking on insects during the rains.Shechen Monastery does the Tibetan version of a one and a half month retreat. During this time none of the monks leave the monastery grounds and they observe other special vows and restrictions.

The first day of the Yarne began with the sojong vows. Sojong is a practice for purifying and restoring broken vows. “So” means “to restore”, i.e. to make broken vows and replenish positive virtues. “Jong” means “to purify”, i.e. to clear away negative karmas and harmful deeds. Traditionally, Sojong is practiced bimonthly by members of the sangha to restore any broken Pratimoksha vows. This purification practice is also observed by some lay Buddhists..

Then the “Yarkeleng vows” are taken. The special vase used for purification is called “chaab-luk”.

During Yarne the wooden monastic bell called Gendi  (used since the time of the Buddha and only for Yarney and Sojong) is beaten to call for lunch and morning prayers (this ancient implement.

Every day the monks take breakfast and lunch in the temple using the traditional monks bowl called “lungdze”. Most of the monks take a vow not to eat at night, in accordance with the Vinaya tradition.Every evening Aspiration Prayers (Monlam) are recited, which the public can also participate in.

You can also participate by contributing to food and offerings during this time:

Offering  Items:
Flowers, Incense, Rice, Serkem (Dharmapala offerings), Barley Flour, Flour for Tormas, Butter lamps, etc.      $438/for whole Yarney

Food for 400 Monks During the Yarney
Breakfast                                                            $350/per day

Lunch                                                                  $675 includes curd and fruit/per day

Evening

Dinner                                                               $2338/per day
For Monks taking dinner                              $1,722/for whole Yarney

Please note: the cost of curd and milk has increased dramatically along with general inflation in Nepal.

Thank you!

Giving permission for tea

Yarne meal time in the temple

Fasting monks with rations