Today is the sacred day when we celebrate the return of Buddha Shakyamuni from the Divine realms. He returned to this world after liberating his mother who had been reborn among the gods. In the Buddhist calendar this is one of the four biggest celebrations of the year.
At the monastery in Nepal the monks, nuns, and Lamas all celebrate the day with intensive meditation and prayer. On behalf of all of them, Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche just called to send his love and blessings to the worldwide Sangha. Rinpoche asked us to let you know that you are all in his heart and prayers.
As today is a special day, we would like to give a brief update on some important developments.
Winter Seminar
We are excited that Rinpoche will soon be here in Denmark to teach on the nature of mind. Preparations for the seminar are well underway and currently more than ninety people have signed up. There are still a few more spaces before we reach our limit of 108 participants. So do make sure to make your booking soon if you plan to attend.
Seminars 2012
In the coming year lots of seminars will take place at Gomde. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche (early July), Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche (TBA) Khandro Rinpoche (TBA), Tsoknyi Rinpoche (Oct. 15-21), Phakchok Rinpoche (Oct. 22-27), and Lama Tenzin (Mar. 31–Apr. 9) will all visit Gomde in 2012 and share their wisdom with us.
Our resident dharma teacher, Erik Pema Kunsang, will continue his guided retreats and dharma seminars throughout the year, presenting the Dharma in his characteristic straightforward, humorous and insightful style. We look forward to a year ful
l of exciting opportunities at Gomde. Further details will soon be available at our website.
Future plans
This month an application was sent to the local government requesting formal recognition of Gomde as a Buddhist retreat center. If approved, our Sangha will be able to improve and expand the existing facilities at Gomde and open our doors to the public as the first officially recognized Buddhist retreat center in this region. At the same time, the Rangjung Yeshe Association in Denmark has just applied to the government for official recognition as a religious community. We hope to have these applications approved by the fall 2012. Please support this process with lots of good wishes!
Strandgaarden
As many of you know, since 2002 Gomde has owned the neighboring farm, Strandgaarden - an idyllic, waterfront property right next to the original retreat land. This summer Rinpoche shared his vision of this unique place as a Sangha holiday resort and conference center. Since August we have been busy renovating Strandgaarden to fulfill Rinpoche's vision and this December the place will be ready for everyone to enjoy.
Our community
Gomde is for everyone and belongs to everyone. The more we are, the more we can achieve. If you would like to be involved, to help ensure that the Dharma is kept alive right now and in the future, please join us. If you have a skill, an idea, or a vision for the Dharma that you would like to share, visit us at Facebook, send us a mail, or drop by to chat.
With best wishes,
Everyone at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde
