Yarney, or the annual summer retreat, has begun at Ayang Rinpoche’s monastery in Bylakuppe, India. This is a tradition that goes back to the time of Buddha. Its purpose was to allow monks to gather and shelter from the monsoon rains and to take time to reflect, pray, meditate, and listen to the dharma. During Buddha’s time, the summer retreat was three months long: by staying in a single location for the duration of the rainy season, the monks avoided the increased likelihood of walking on and harming many insects and other small beings that reproduce during the rainy season.
During the days, there are philosophy discussions, debates and and Dharma talks, and every evening aspiration prayers (monlam) are recited. The monks also take their half-yearly examinations during Yarney.
On the morning of the last day of Yarney, the monks conclude the summer retreat by wearing their best robes and circumambulating the Amitabha and Achi Temples. Then, for the next three days, the monks have a party with games and entertainment appropriate for the different age groups. Read more here and see photos and videos on Facebook.
Another benefit of the retreat is that it gives faithful patrons an opportunity to accumulate merit. It is considered very important for lay people to participate in these virtuous activities through actions such as making offerings for shrine expenses and sponsoring tea and special meals for the sangha.
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You may dedicate your offering to loved ones, living or deceased. Please send offerings and names by August 30th to be included on the prayer list.
Make US-tax-deductible donations through the Amitabha Foundation USA by check (payable to Amitabha Foundation, mailed to P.O. Box 2572, Aptos, CA 95076), or online. Donations may also be made directly to Drikung Charitable Society or through the Amitabha Foundation branch in your own country.
