Seminar Survey Results

Here are the results from the seminar survey. A big thanks to everyone who answered the survey. In total we received 44 replies.

1. Overall, how satisfied were you with the seminar?
		%	votes
Very satisfied		75,0%	33
Satisfied		22,7%	10
Not satisfied		0,0%	0
Very unsatisfied		2,3%	1

2. How satisfied were you with the number of teaching and practice sessions?
		%	votes
Very satisfied		59,1%	26
Satisfied		38,6%	17
Not satisfied		2,3%	1

3. Did the audio system function well?
		%	votes
Yes		97,0%	32
No		3,0%	1

4. (For Danes) did you enjoy the translation into Danish?
		%	votes
Yes, I enjoyed it a lot		62,2%	23
Yes, it was good		32,4%	12
No, I prefer to listen to teachings in English		5,4%	2

5. (For international participants) How would you rate the English translation via headphones?
		%	votes
It worked very well		54,5%	6
It was ok		36,4%	4
I did not like it		9,1%	1

6. Were you satisfied with your sleeping arrangements?
		%	votes
Yes		94,7%	36
No		5,3%	2

7. Were you satisfied with the meals?
		%	votes
Yes		82,9%	34
No		12,2%	5
Not sure		4,9%	2

Out of 11 comments regarding the meals:

- 3 people asked for non-vegetarian meal options

- 2 people asked for vegan meals

- 2 people asked for meals without garlic

- 4 people were happy with the meals

8. What did you think of the daily tasks?
		%	votes
I enjoyed it		65,9%	27
It was ok		29,3%	12
I did not like it		4,9%	2

9. Do you prefer to help out with tasks such as washing dishes and cleaning bathrooms or should Gomde hire people for such jobs?
		%	votes
I am happy to help with those jobs - we save money and have fun together		62,8%	27
I prefer to pay a little extra to avoid such jobs		23,3%	10
It is not important		14,0%	6

Retreats at Gomde 2012

Here is a preliminary list of retreats taking place at Gomde in 2012. Registration will soon be available at www.gomde.dk

----------------------------

Lama Tenzin

Tara Retreat

30 March - 8 April

----------------------------

Khandro Rinpoche

The Awakened Heart: Teachings on our innate qualities of kindness and wisdom

April 14-15

----------------------------

Erik Pema Kunsang

Padmasambhavas Direkte Vej I

May 17-20

--------------------------

Erik Pema Kunsang

Meditations Retreat

May 21-28

---------------------------------

Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche

July 29-6

----------------------------------

Erik Pema Kunsang

Padmasambhavas Direkte Vej II

August 17-19

-----------------------------

Erik Pema Kunsang

Dø fredeligt med kærlighed og indsigt

August 24-26

--------------------------------

Tsoknyi Rinpoche

A Dzogchen Approach to an Open Heart and Open Mind

October 13-19

------------------------------

Phakchok Rinpoche

October 22-27

-------------------------------

Erik Pema Kunsang

Padmasambhavas Direkte Vej III

November 23-25

A Note on the Finances at Gomde

Strandgaarden

Dear Friends,

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

Operating Budgets 2012

Tornbjerggaard - Budget for 2012

Projected Income

Seminars
Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche seminar	390000
Tsoknyi Rinpoche seminar	190000
Erik Pema Kunsang retreats	90000
Antonia Sumbhundu seminar	75000
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche	55000
Phakchok Rinpoche retreat	45000
Khandro Rinpoche	35000
Lama Tenzin Easter Retreat	35000
Other
Individual retreats and rental	50000
Monthly donations	40000
EU farming subsidy	20000
Ratna Shop	20000
Total income	1.045.000

Projected Expenses

Buildings
Mortgage	110000
Heat and electricity	83000
Repair	40000
Property tax, insurance, garbage	30000
Seminars
Seminar meals	160000
Kitchen salaries	125000
Travel cost for teachers	80000
Other seminar expenses	40000
PR	30000
Other
Admin, repair, and cleaning salaries	90000
Smaller purchases	43000
Accountant and lawyer fees	42000
New garden tractor	30000
Office equipment, postage, telephone, internet	20000
Apple orchard	10000
Total expense	933.000

Expected Result for Tornbjerggaard in 2012:  profit of 112.000 kroner

-----------------------

Strandgaarden - Budget for 2012

Projected Income

Rental during large Gomde seminars	70000
External seminars (based on 60 days)	150000
Holiday rental	20000
Other rental	30000
Farmland rental	70000
Total income	340000

Projected Expenses

Buildings
Mortgage	170000
Salaries for admin, cleaning, and garden work	75000
Property tax, insurance, garbage	32000
Heat, electricity and water	35000
Repair and maintenance	30000
Accountant fees	25000
Phone and  internet	5000
Total expense	372000

Expected Result for Strandgaarden in 2012:             - 32.000 kroner

Ny Dharma Gruppe på Fyn

Vi har en ny Dharma Gruppe i Danmark og den hedder Rangjung Yeshe Dharma Gruppe Fyn.

Vi mødes første gang lørdag den 7 januar fra 11 til 13 hos Erik.

Derefter sker det hver første lørdag i måneden.

Vi sidder, chanter og Erik svarer på spørgsmål.

Send sms om at du deltager til 50497022.

Kærlig hilsen Erik Pema Kunsang

The new Rangjung Yeshe Chant Book

Click here to download the Rangjung Yeshe Chant Book

You can download the new edition of our chantbook. Many of the chants have been re-translated for the purpose of being able to chant them in either Tibetan or English.

Enjoy!

I include a precious photo signed by the 16th Karmapa, one of the master very close to Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche and all his sons.

GOMDE WINTER SEMINAR INFO

Kære deltagere / dear participants

(English version of this announcement below)

Nu er der kun 14 dage til vi ses på Gomde, og vi glæder os meget til at være sammen med jer alle derude. Her kommer lidt praktiske informationer.

PLADSER:

Der er nu fyldt helt op på sovesalene, men på grund af ombygninger og renovationer er der kommet lidt flere enkelt- og dobbeltværelser til, så der er nogle få ledige pladser der.

BØRNEPASSER:

Hvis nogen kender en som kan assistere med børnepasning i de tre formiddags-timer under Rinpoche's undervisning, vil vi meget gerne høre fra jer. Det kunne måske være et ungt menneske som gerne vil holde lidt ferie på Gomde og tjene lidt penge nogle timer om dagen.

MEDBRING:

Husk at medbringe varmt tøj til gåture, og også fodtøj som kan klare vådt føre. Også helst din egen lommelygte til at finde rundt om natten som kan blive meget mørk ude på landet. Måske lidt fyrværkeri til nytårsaften – fx en enkelt stor flot raket.

REVIDERET DAGSPROGRAM:

Det daglige program under seminaret vil være ophængt rundt omkring på Gomde. Rinpoche's undervisning vil være samlet om formiddagen (9-12), og Erik vil undervise sidst på eftermiddagen. Efter aftensmaden vil der ikke være fast program, men mulighed for at praktisere på egen hånd.

MÅLTIDER:

Da vi bliver mange, og da der ikke er de samme muligheder for være udendørs som om sommeren, bliver vi nødt til at splitte frokosten op i to hold - man får ved ankomsten et rødt eller blåt kort som viser om man spiser i hold 1 eller hold 2. Morgenmaden og aftensmaden regner vi med at klare mere løbende. Alle kan hjælpe med at få måltiderne til at forløbe glat og behageligt.

ARBEJDSHOLD:

Som altid vil alle have et lille job at passe i dagens løb, fx med servering eller oprydning. Det aftales som altid når man tjekker ind.

RINPOCHES ANKOMST:

Rinpoche ankommer til Gomde den 26. december klokken 17.00. Alle som har lyst og mulighed er velkomne til at komme og være med til at modtage ham. Kom gerne tidligt og hjæp til med at forberede. Tilmeldte til kurset kan blive og overnatte på Gomde (100 kr i sovesal og 250 på værelse med morgenmad hvis man har booket værelse til kurset). Vi har dog ikke åbnet køkkenet endnu så man bliver nødt til at have en madpakke med til aftensmad. Vi skal også bede dig sende os en email så vi ved at du kommer.

VI GLÆDER OS

til at se jer allesammen på Gomde,

Seminar team'et.

Dear Participants,

The winter seminar at Gomde Denmark is only two weeks away, and we send this email with information on the seminar to all of you who have registered:

REGISTRATION:

Basically all places are booked up, but thanks to builiding and renovation activities a few new single and double rooms have become available and can be booked.

THINGS TO BRING:

Remember warm and dry clothes for walks, and outdoor shoes or preferably boots. A torchlight can also be very handy - it can get very dark and the night comes very early at midwinter in Denmark. Maybe a little bit of fireworks for New Years Eve – e.g. a single nice big rocket.

REVISED DAILY SCHEDULE:

The daily schedule will be posted at several places in Gomde. All of Rinpoche's teaching will take place in teh morning (9 AM - 12 AM), and Erik will teach in the late afternoon. After dinner there will be no fixed program but time for individual practice.

MEALS:

As we will be many people, and will not be able to use the areas aroundt the buildings as we do during the summercamps, we expect to have to split lunch in two teams. At check-in you will receive a blue or red card showing your membership of the first og second lunch group. At breakfast and dinner there is more time and we expect a smooth, ongoing flow. Of course we will all help to make it a pleasant and stress-free experience.

WORKING TEAMS:

Every participant has a small practical job to do sometime during the day, e.g. around one of the meals. You get your job at check-in.

RINPOCHE’S ARRIVAL:

Rinpoche will arrive at Gomde on 26 December, at 17.00. If you wish to arrive early in order be there and receive him, you are welcome. It is fine if you can be here early and help preparing. You are also welcome to stay at Gomde till the seminar starts next morning. The charge for an extra night at Gomde is 100 in the dorm, 250 DKK in a room, and includes breakfast. The kitchen will not be open yet to cook dinner however, so you will need to bring something to eat for dinner. If you will arrive on the 26^th already, please let us know.

WE LOOK FORWARD

to seeing you all soon at Gomde,

Gomde seminar team

Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche Summer 2012

We just received the summer 2012 dates for Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's visit to Denmark!

Rinpoche will be teaching in Denmark from June 29-July 6. More info to follow soon.

News From Gomde

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