Gomde is a Place for You
Gomde is a sanctuary for nurturing timeless qualities of love and insight. It’s a place for everyone—Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, people of any belief or background. Here, we explore practical ways to meet life’s challenges, nurture inner freedom and compassion to become a support for the world around us. This opportunity is for everyone, like a basic human right.
The Buddha taught methods to help us discover solutions within our own lives. At Gomde, we learn meditation, but it is not simply about sitting still or keeping silent—it’s about looking at ourselves and others honestly, acknowledging both joys and sorrows, and finding that relief, freedom, and transformation for the better is in our own hands.
A Gift for Your Journey
Gomde is about you—your life and your path. It’s a gift: a place to learn and explore methods you can apply in your own way. With open skies, pristine nature, and a community of friends, Gomde offers a unique opportunity to grow and connect.
The word Gomde means sanctuary for practice. Practice is about becoming familiar with bringing meaning and love into our lives and about seeing the world with clear and open eyes. While the path is our own, having the support of a community and experienced teachers makes all the difference. Gomde is more than a place—it’s a community.
What can Gomde be for You?
Some people come to Gomde for seminars or workshops, while others make it a regular part of their lives. Some dive into the richness of philosophy and rituals, while others simply visit and draw inspiration into their existing meditation practice. Some like to help in the kitchen, orchards, or perma garden. Some prefer quiet individual retreats, while others enjoy the joys of group activities. Everyone is equally welcome, and Gomde is open for you to connect and seek inspiration.
Authentic Tradition
In a time when mindfulness and meditation are everywhere, Gomde offers something unique: authentic teachings passed down from teacher to student through an unbroken lineage for thousands of years. This tradition has been preserved since the time of the Buddha through the great meditation masters of Tibet. We honor this legacy, seeing it as a gift for all of us. You will discover that this lineage is alive and vibrant. It is not like reading an old book of ancient wisdom; it is offered with fresh words and meaning we can relate to.
Gomde is Always Open
Gomde’s temple, café, and natural surroundings are always open for you to visit. Whether you want to sit in the ocean view hills, walk the orchards, join the daily practice, help out with practical tasks or participate in a retreat, Gomde is open. You can always write us on email or browse the website for opportunities and you don’t need to contact us in advance to visit for a meditation session or walk. Check the daily temple calendar here on the website to see what’s happening.
World community
“I feel that it’s critical at the present time to invest more effort into systematically developing love and compassion. If we could advance the cultivation of love and compassion to the extent we have developed technological improvements, the entire world community would benefit immeasurably.”
– Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche
Gomde is part of a global network of retreat centers, Dharma Houses, and monastic communities dedicated to fostering love, compassion, and insight and serving those in need. Across the world, Gomde centers offer opportunities for deep study, long-term retreats, and meditation practice in unique environments. Meanwhile, the Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery and Nagi Gompa Nunnery in Nepal preserve and share authentic teachings through rigorous education, deep study, and extended meditation retreats. The Rangjung Yeshe Institute, a renowned Buddhist university based at the monastery, provides advanced studies in Buddhist philosophy, language, and practice to students from around the world.
Caring for Nature and Animals
At Gomde, we do our best to care for the earth and animals with respect. The land is tended without chemicals, allowing nature to thrive in its own way. Hillside orchards provide apples and pears each season, while many newly planted fruit and nut trees are quietly taking root for the future.
Meals are vegan and organic, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. For those new to plant-based food, it’s often a pleasant surprise to discover how nourishing and satisfying these meals can be.
Everyone is welcome to take part in small, meaningful acts—planting a tree, sharing wholesome food, or simply sitting in stillness with nature. It’s not about grand ideas or strict rules, but about moments of kindness, an open mind, and doing our best to uplift each other and the world around us.
The reason behind letting go
“Whenever you feel there’s something you absolutely must get your hands on, or something you couldn’t possibly bear to lose, just try letting it go. Release it instead of holding on. Letting go is wholesome and healing. As soon as we let go of the things we hanker after and set them free, without holding on to anything, we experience freedom and joy that are unmediated and real.”
— Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
