First Winter Seminar in Gomde Germany-Austria
Reflections from the Gomde Germany - Austria Sangha
With an air of excitement, we began our first winter seminar in Gomde Germany-Austria on December 27th. It was wonderful to welcome Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche to our now winter-proof center. Rinpoche, himself, mentioned jokingly after his first night here that this was the first time he slept really well in Gomde because now he knows that everyone has a warm, cozy bed and all facilities are not only inviting and aesthetically pleasing, but also well heated.
Each morning of the seminar, Rinpoche taught “The Mahamudra Aspiration Prayer of the Definite Meaning.” This was combined with meditation sessions in both the early and late morning.
In the afternoons, Thomas Doctor, an expert in Madhyamaka philosophy and a close student of Rinpoche for more than 20 years, elucidated the main verses of the "Root Knowledge of the Middle Way" with his usual straightforward and highly accessible style. The teaching included very direct question and answer sessions that allow the participants to deepen their insight and clarify their understanding.
Highlighting the late afternoons were Khenpo Jampa Dönden’s brilliant teachings on the Heart Sutra. Rinpoche introduced Khenpo as one of those very special scholar-practitioners, extremely learned but also constantly applying the teachings. For a number of years, Khenpo has been one of the foremost professors residing at Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, teaching advanced Buddhist classes for both the international students at Rangjung Yeshe Institute as well as the monks enrolled in the monastery's monastic college.
As the first step in manifesting Rinpoche's vision of Gomde Austria-Germany as an important venue, not only for meditation and retreat, but also for intensive courses in Buddhist studies, this year's seminar participants were able to receive college credits for this course.
The festive celebration of New Year’s Eve made everyone feel at home and part of one big family. Rinpoche invited everyone to offer the gathering any special talent, so participants were treated to calming meditative chants, a mind-boggling magic show, lively salsa dancing and much more. As the night wore on, everyone gathered around the big bonfire to enjoy delicious fruit punch, entrancing music and spectacular fireworks. At midnight, Rinpoche joined in the cheers and laughter as the gathering wished one another "Happy New Year!" In a pensive moment, Rinpoche compared the crisp clear night to wisdom and the luminous white moon to compassion as he welcomed the new year with auspicious wishes.
Our heartfelt wish for the New Year 2010 is that, whomever reads this message and rejoices in its contents, will soon visit Gomde and put the centre to good use! Gomde now has lovely, warm comfortable and quiet rooms available for either closed or open retreats, especially during the months of January through April. We wish all of you perfect health, happiness, long life and profound success in your Dharma practice. We look forward to welcoming you here - your home away from home for study and practice.
The Gomde Team