Nikini Poya Day of Practice
MN 33: The Mahāgopālaka Sutta
A Nikini Poya Day of Practice
Date: Thursday, August 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Event type: Hybrid
Timezone: Asia/Colombo
Short Summary
A full Poya Day of precepts, meditation, chanting, quiet practice, and study of MN 33, the Mahāgopālaka Sutta.
Event Description
You are warmly invited to join us for a Nikini Poya Day of meditation, Dhamma practice, and spiritual community.
During the day, we will study and reflect upon MN 33, the Mahāgopālaka Sutta—the Greater Discourse on the Cowherd.
Using the example of a skilled cowherd, the Buddha first describes eleven ways in which a bhikkhu fails to grow in the Dhamma and Vinaya. He then presents eleven corresponding qualities through which a bhikkhu grows, develops, and reaches fulfilment in the practice.
The discourse offers a practical framework for examining how we understand the teachings, care for the mind, make wise use of the requisites, relate to teachers and fellow practitioners, and cultivate the conditions needed for steady spiritual growth.
The programme will include taking the Five or Eight Precepts, chanting, guided sitting and walking meditation, Dhamma reflections, sutta study and discussion, quiet personal practice, personal interviews, and fellowship.
Whether you are new to meditation or have an established practice, you are warmly welcome. Participants may attend the whole day or whichever portions of the programme they are able to join.
Day Programme
8:30–9:30 a.m.
Opening chanting, Five or Eight Precepts, and Dhamma Talk
9:30–10:15 a.m.
Walking meditation
10:15–11:00 a.m.
Guided sitting meditation
11:00 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
Lunch and rest
1:15–2:00 p.m.
Walking meditation
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Guided sitting meditation
3:00–3:45 p.m.
Personal interviews, walking meditation, or quiet personal practice
3:45–5:00 p.m.
Dhamma talk, Q&A, closing chanting, and sharing of merits
What to Bring
Please bring any meditation cushion, shawl, water bottle, personal medicines, or other practice items you may require.