The Buddhist Summer Retreat (Skt. vassa; Tib. yarney) is a tradition with seasonal practicalities. Vassa literally translates as 'The Rains' and corresponds with the Sub-Asian summer monsoon season. Beginning with Shakyamuni, historically it is a time when sangha members would take shelter from torrential downpours. Because it's the season when so many tiny creatures come to life, pilgrimages would cease so the smallest animals wouldn't be harmed by careless steps. Buddhist practitioners would take to caves as isolated havens.

 

At Nyingmapa Wishfulfilling Center, yarney begins on the full moon of the sixth month according to the lunar calendar and lasts until the new moon in the seventh month. This year these dates correspond to August 16th and September 30th. Yarney is a time when monks and nuns are not allowed to leave their monasteries except with express permission. Yarney gives them more dedicated time to concentrate on their studies and meditation practices. It is a time to focus just a little bit more on what it means to be a Buddhist.

 

To spend some extra, dedicated time focusing on one's spiritual practice is not an idea limited to Buddhism, and like other spiritual traditions yarney is not exclusive to ordained practitioners. It can and should be an important, meaningful part of the laity's practice. In fact, during the three-month summer retreat in the Theravada tradition, many lay Buddhist practitioners in Thailand are temporarily ordained as monks.

 

Yarney is an opportunity for all sangha members to practice more. It's a time to deepen one's commitment to the Three Jewels -- The Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. It's a time to spend a few extra minutes or hours a day accumulating one's ngondro or sitting in one-pointed meditation. A time to abstain from lay festivals and frivolities. A time to go without eating meat, and perhaps a time to be a bit more mindful before swatting that mosquito!

 

Though separated by half a world, you are a part of NWC's sangha, so Rinpoche and I hope that you will join us for the next four weeks in yarney. No, we are not suggesting you to stay home for the next 30 days. But we would like to ask that during yarney you spend a little more time at practice -- that at work, you employ a little more compassion and tolerance towards your fellow workers. At home show a little more love with all your family members. Be a little more joyful towards all sentient beings. Be a little less judgmental, a little less prideful. This year, many of you have studied Shantideva's The Way of the Bodhisattva. Take one stanza and apply it with a little extra dedication during yarney.

 

In short, take time during the next four weeks to deepen your practice. This is what is most important. If you do, I think you will find that your efforts will become a virtuous habit and stay with you long past the end of yarney onSeptember 30th. Let us know how you do.

 

Rinpoche and I send our blessings to you. As always, I welcome your questions and comments.

 

Yours in the Dharma,

 

Tulku Jigme