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

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Lama Tenzin

Tara Retreat

30 March - 8 April

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Khandro Rinpoche

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

April 14-15

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Erik Pema Kunsang

Padmasambhavas Direkte Vej I

May 17-20

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Erik Pema Kunsang

Meditations Retreat

May 21-28

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

Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche

July 29-6

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Erik Pema Kunsang

Padmasambhavas Direkte Vej II

August 17-19

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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

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Phakchok Rinpoche

October 22-27

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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.