An Introduction to Gomde Scotland – A Woodland Hermitage

Between Findhorn & Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland

Like a dream, a magical illusion or a rainbow in the sky. Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche has asked us to tell you about a large area of woodland, dedicated to the Dharma with the wish that it may to continue to expand his activity and blessings and provide a peaceful, harmonious sanctuary for practitioners.

You are all invited and we hope you will continue to rejoice. The land is located near the Findhorn area, which is famous for its good weather, clear skies and varied countryside. Close by are rugged hills, moors, wild river ravines, white sandy beaches and a beautiful coastline. There are many castles and historical monuments in the area and it is (of course) guarded by the Loch Ness Monster! It is within easy access of Inverness Airport which is less than 20 miles away and has good flight connections.

The Hermitage sits in 21 acres (8.5 hectares) of beautiful, secluded, woodland, planted 12 years ago with over 25,000 trees. There are more than 20 different kinds of native trees including oak, juniper, beech, elm, chestnut, rowan, birch, cherry and fruit trees surrounding rolling, grassy meadows. The land is hidden and secluded but with open views over the surrounding hills and sky.

As of Dec-10, we have made a small meditation hall and a little retreat hut for Rinpoche where he stayed during his visit. In the long term, the plan is to maintain the hermitage as a place of peace and refuge and enable people to come and do individual and group retreats.

The first attempt to buy the land was made 4 years ago. The Mo (divination) from Kyabje Trulshik Rinpoche for the woodland turned out very good and he recommended Tara practice which was undertaken in Nepal. When the decision to buy it was made a double rainbow appeared over the land.

For auspiciousness, Trulshik Rinpoche chose a wooden retreat hut that we wish to offer to him. Later, after another excellent Mo from Rinpoche, and further prayers from Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche the purchase went through in the sacred month of Saga Dawa, June 2008.

Although this is just woodland, with no proper residential facilities, it is hoped that this Dharma gift may be the seed for the woodland to blossom into one of the places where practitioners can develop their meditation in simplicity, peace and solitude. We would love to have a retreat hermatage to offer to Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and dream that one day there may be a beautiful Stupa there, which may be of great and endless benefit for all. Rinpoche is very happy about this and has asked us all to rejoice, and to pray that any difficulties may easily be overcome. Rinpoche visited, blessed and gave teachings on the land in Sep-10, and we are grateful to those of you who came to join us in celebrating this Dharma activity.

If you would like to make a donation for the development of the land (for thing like tools and equipment, we especially need a mower and small tractor urgently) or for Rinpoche’s hermitage please contact
Helen Cawley info@gomdescotland.org