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| Strandgaarden |
On behalf of everyone at Gomde, we would like to wish you a very happy new year.
This year many of us had the fortune of celebrating New Year at Gomde together with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and all the participants in the winter retreat. This was a very special time for all of us to deepen our practice and understanding of the Dharma and we thank Rinpoche and all of you for making this possible. We already look forward to the next gathering.
With the beginning of a new year, we would like to give you a brief overview of the financial prospects for Gomde in 2012. In the past year many of you contributed to Gomde by participating in seminars and retreats, and through your gifts of individual and monthly donations, as well as many volunteer activities.
Acknowledging your generosity we wish to share, not only the spiritual plans for our retreat center, but also the financial developments. We have therefore posted 2012 operating budgets for our two properties, Tornbjerggaard and Strandgaarden at this blog below.
There you can find the projected income and expenses for maintaining our two properties and their many retreats and seminars in the coming year. Please take a minute to look at these budgets as they relate to all of us. Please also let us know if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions by writing to gomde@gomde.dk
As you can see, the two budget projections break even, more or less, when combined.
However, for this projection to become reality, we all must contribute with our positive energy. There are many unknown factors in these budgets and it is especially hard to forecast the number of participants at the various events. In particular, the budget for Strandgaarden is based on 80 days of rental with a minimum of 10 guests per day. For the first year of running since we renovated this property, this is a very ambitious goal and whether it is even possible, remains to be seen.
On the other hand, if we are to succeed in keeping Strandgaarden past 2012, we do need guests for at least 80 days. Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche mentioned several times that our two properties are like Yin and Yang and can benefit each other greatly. So we should all do everything we can to keep both properties for the future.
Moreover, currently Gomde has a combined mortgage on the two properties of 3.6 million Danish kroner and every year we must pay the bank 280,000 kroner in interest alone. To ensure the stability of Gomde in the years ahead, we must strive to pay back these loans quickly.
So, in short, we look towards the coming year with a great deal of hope and optimism, but also with an understanding that it will take a big effort on everyone's part to emerge successfully from this coming year. For that to, there are four specific ways where Gomde needs your help:
1. Spread the word.
Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about Gomde and our programs. The Dharma is for everyone - but people need to know about our many retreats and seminars in order to benefit from them.
2. Book Strandgaarden for your next holiday or seminar.
In our freshly renovated beachfront property you will find the perfect place for relaxation, inspiration, and creativity. Visit Strandgaarden at: www.strandgaarden.org or on Facebook. And remember to tell your friends.
3. Come and join us.
Having two properties is a lot of fun - but also a lot of work. Every year Gomde is forced to hire help to complete all necessary tasks. But if we join hands as a community and each offer a couple of days per year of our time, we can save a lot of money. Those funds can then be used to develop Gomde further and ensure the future of our beautiful retreat land. When you come to help at Gomde, your room and board is always free. When you come to help, please call our caretaker, Knud Wienand (86356835).
4. Become a benefactor.
Currently, Gomde has a community of approximately 30 sponsors who each donate between 50 and 500 kroner per month. If you are able, please consider making a monthly donation to Gomde. All monthly donations are directed to paying the mortgage, so by making a monthly gift, you directly ensure a place for the Dharma in Denmark. Please direct donations to Rangdjung Yeshe Fonden: Reg. no. 6810. Account no. 1334941.
Also, please do not forget to think of Gomde as your place. The beautiful Buddha, the quiet lakes, the rolling hills and the pristine beach all belong to you - and everyone else, of course :-)
When we work together, we can accomplish great things in service of the Dharma.
Wishing you all success, health, and happiness for 2012!
The Board at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde
