Buddhist Fasting Practice by Wangchen Rinpoche

Nyungne is a profound two-and-a-half day practice, a length of time especially helpful for people whose schedules cannot accommodate long-term retreat. It involves the keeping of strict vows; the second day is devoted to complete silence and fasting. The meditation centers on the recitations, mantras and guided visualizations of the Thousand-Armed Chenrezig, the embodiment of all the buddhas' loving-kindness and compassion. Translated as "abiding in the fast", Nyungne is said to be effective in the healing of illness, the nurturing of compassion, and the purification of negative karma.