Nestled in the tranquil Ukrainian forest, Gomde retreat center humbly embraces the simplicity of nature. As we step into a season where the sun takes a back seat, our reliance on our mini solar power plant has become even more apparent.

Buddhist Practices For Support And Recovery In Ukraine

$2,300 collected of $30,000 The Rangjung Yeshe Ukraine community is excited to announce a new project for the Ukrainian Gomde retreat center. As a place of Buddhist practice for many people, the center has long recognized the need for improved hygiene facilities. To address this issue, a small sanitary-hygienic block will be created near the first renovated house, where all group practices take place year-round. The block will include toilets, showers, sinks, and a compact bath, providing increased comfort and health for guests, and ensuring proper hygiene. The creation of this block will not only improve the comfort and health of guests, but it will also help to increase the number of guests participating in the center's retreats and programs. The center has a lot of experience in conducting various retreats, but it cannot complete this project without the help of others. The community is calling on everyone to join the initiative and help in the implementation of this urgent project. Both benefactors who can provide financial assistance for this project and volunteers who are ready to help with the work are welcome https://gomdeua.org/en/donation/ As a comparison to what our nearest European neighbors have, the Gomde Germany-Austria center offers accommodation in various categories, including single, double, and shared rooms. The rooms are decorated in a simple and comfortable style, with shared bathrooms and showers. In addition, Gomde Germany-Austria has spacious meditation and study rooms, a library, a stupa, a fountain, a cafe, a dharma shop, a flower garden, greenhouses, a swimming pool, a pond, lawns for relaxation and meditation, and much more. At Gomde Germany-Austria, guests are treated to delicious vegetarian meals made with fresh and organic ingredients, with an emphasis on sustainability and healthy eating. The center also offers a variety of retreats and workshops throughout the year, covering topics …

Gomde Ukraine is a serene Buddhist retreat center nestled within a lush forest. Maintaining this unique location requires attention and care, and the volunteers who commit to this task face numerous challenges. However, for those who are dedicated and motivated, it can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding experience. The responsibilities of Gomde Ukraine volunteers are diverse and include tasks such as cleaning, cooking, building, gardening, forestry, dog handling, beekeeping, while also attending to their own Dharma practice. Despite the remote location and lack of modern amenities, our center attracts and retains volunteers due to its unique setting. Nevertheless, many people are unable to sustain the rigorous workload for more than a week, with the nearest grocery store, post office, and hospital located several kilometers away and the city 60 kilometers away. In spite of these challenges, there are individuals like Serhii and his mother, who have devoted themselves to the practice of Dharma and the growth of the retreat center. Serhii left his professional career in Kyiv to fully commit himself to this place. In addition to performing tasks around the center, he serves as the organizer and chairman of Gomde Ukraine. This year, his mother Francheska joined him here to support the work and begin her own Buddhist practice. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Serhii, his mother Francheska, and the other volunteers, Gomde Ukraine is thriving. For different Dharma programs the center regularly hosts guests, including both seasoned students of Chokya Nyima Rinpoche and newcomers. Practice groups visit on weekends to deepen their Dharma practice. The volunteers maintain the flower garden, greenhouse, and five hectares of forest. We have great aspirations for the future growth and flourishing of Gomde Ukraine, but the current situation in Ukraine is far from ideal, with the ongoing Russian war causing immense …

Dear friends, we extend our deep gratitude to all of you who keep our Ukrainian Buddhist community in your hearts and prayers. Please, support this fundraising project, it will help our center remain open and survive the war