Future vision

Future Vision

The Garland of Sustainability

Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche´s vision for Gomde, Lindholme Hall is that it becomes a place of refuge for authentic study, reflection and meditation of the Buddha Dharma which has at its heart a monastic and lay community.

Gomde lies at the heart of a National Nature Reserve with British and European proteted status. The estate itself is formed of an unusual blend of sandstone, limestone and peatlands creating its own unique habitat. We are therefore the holders of a precious environmental resource which needs to be protected and sustainably managed.

Much has happened to the buildings and land since we moved here including the refurbishment and adornment of our meditation hall which accommodates up to 150 people. All has been accomplished through Rinpoche´s wisdom, kindness and blessing linked to the efforts of committed volunteers, generous sponsorship, specialist advice and essential private loans.

The timing now seems right to consider a blueprint, a foundation upon which Rinpoche´s vision can grow, come to fruition and be sustained.

Principals to guide our endeavours have unfolded over the last two years:

Being ´in tune´ with the vision and spiritual direction of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
Creating a rhythm of life, work and practice that sustains people and has at its core authentic Buddha Dharma.
Producing energy equivalent to our needs from renewable resources.
To thoughtfully manage the estate to enhance the landscape and the biodiversity of this rare habitat. To make Gomde a refuge for all beings.
Sustainably harvest the natural resources available on the estate in line with our conservation policy.
For all building and development undertaken at Gomde to be energy efficient to minimise energy load now and in the future; reducing costs and caring for the environment
Utilise some of the land to produce our own food.
Create an open management structure with commitment to thoughtful action; essentially a dynamic ´can do´ approach. This facilitates inclusivity as well as assimilating new initiatives and making them a reality.

Our foundation plan needs be achievable, sustainable and aspirational, with flexibility to grow and incorporate ideas. An image which brings this together is a garland, a garland which surrounds, protects and inspires. New pearls of projects, and ideas, can be strung when causes and conditions are ripe- in short a Garland of Sustainability.

A plan of purpose entitled The Garland of Sustainability is currently being prepared. It will be a a dynamic plan which will be open for comment and contributions.

In mean time ........... PEARL has manifested for your urgent consideration....

Aspiration or Action?

The Pearl of Sustainable Electricity

Some pearls have easily been identified and made a reality- such as the Pearl of Group Practice and the Pearl of Heat- sustainably harvesting wood to use on the wood burning stove.

Some Pearls require multiple causes and conditions to come into place and have exceptional potential- for example the Pearl of Sustainable Electricity.

Gomde has significant and increasing running costs. Amongst its biggest expenses are heat and electricity.

Currently the government are offering subsidies to individuals, businesses and charities to encourage the creation of Micro Generating Systems (MGS). These MGS generate electricity from renewable sources and the electricity produced is either used by the owner themselves or is exported to the national grid.

The government guarantees payments to MGS´s for 25 years, in the form of a guaranteed payment (linked to the retail price index) for each KW of electricity generated, whether used or exported to the grid. The government scheme is to be reviewed in April 2012 with likely significant reductions in payments for systems installed after 2012.

With this in mind, and with Chokyi Nyima Rinp[oche´s kind permission and encouragement, we have contracted to install, (prior to April 2012) a 9.9 KW peak, photo- electric array on the south facing roof of the meditation hall (44 panels in all) with a cost to Gomde of £20,900 (inc VAT).

The estimated savings on electricity bills and government subsidy payments are between £3,500- £4000 per year. In the course of the 25 year agreement the benefit to Gomde will be approximately £125,000 in energy saving and government subsidy.

Given the importance of timing in respect of this venture we have arranged a short term bridging loan to enable the installation to take place prior to April 2012. This is extremely useful in so far as timing is concerned but because of costs involved it is only a short term solution.

We need your help to make the aspiration to make a greener Gomde a reality. We have a opportunity right now to achieve this in a way that greatly benefits Gomde.

There are several ways in which individuals can enable this pearl to fully manifest-

Good wishes
Donations
Interest Free Loans of £500 or more. Loans would be for 5 years. Each year 20% of the loan would be repaid e.g £1,000 loan would be repaid in 5 annual instalments of £200. This option enables people to significantly help Gomde now and for many future years and have their original donation returned.

If you have any interest in helping please contact one of the trustees at Trustees@gomde.org.uk or call Gomde direct on 01302842 503.