17th Annual Winter Vajrasattva Retreat 2027

Gomde’s Annual Winter Retreat focuses on the deity Vajrasattva—an expression of the ultimate purity of our intrinsic nature. Vajrasattva is the essence of all the Buddhas, so all deities are included within this single deity and all practices within this one sadhana. When you practice this short liturgy of Vajrasattva, it is as if you practice every sadhana of every deity.

This profound practice of the Sangtik Dorsem was revealed by the great master, Chokgyur Lingpa, as part of the Sangtik cycle of instruction. It purifies the afflictions that arise due to our past negative actions, clears our mental obscurations, and reveals our stainless essence, the ultimate Vajrasattva.

This year our program will take place in person at Gomde California (no Zoom attendance). Participants will receive access to recorded teachings given by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo during a previous year’s program, which can be listened to in advance. Therefore, at the start of the program, we will move right into genuine practice together onsite for the length of the retreat.

Attendees should commit to remaining for the full length of the retreat. We offer a number of teachings and programs available via Zoom, but with this program in particular we would like to give participants the special opportunity to gather and practice in a true retreat away from technology with Gomde’s many sacred inner supports—blessed statues, siddhi substances, and holy texts—all in a peaceful setting with fellow sangha members. This is a precious opportunity to return to deep practice in a group setting. If it’s your first time to Gomde, or you haven’t visited in a while, we sincerely welcome you to an environment of warmth, care, and practice support!

Accommodation

Due to limited winter housing, most of our facilities will be organized as multi-person lodging spaces. If you prefer a single-person space, we encourage you to look at off-site lodging options.

Please note that Gomde California in the winter is essentially a rainforest. For this reason, we cannot offer the usual Tent Cabin accommodations that are available during the summer months. If you opt to bring your own camping gear, please be fully prepared for a winter camping experience. We will not be able to accommodate you in indoor facilities at the last minute due to weather or other circumstances.

To learn more about each lodging option available for the program, click “Register Now.”

If you would like to stay on-site but your preferred lodging option is not available, please write to coordinator@gomdeca.org and you will be added to our on-site lodging waitlist on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you choose to stay off-site, we encourage you to check with local AirBnB’s and hotels around Gomde California as soon as possible. Here are links to several hotel options:

• Big Bend Lodge (about 9 minutes from Gomde)
• Redwood River Resort (about 11 minutes from Gomde)
• Benbow Historic Inn (about 25 minutes from Gomde)
• Budget Inn in Laytonville (about 25 minutes from Gomde)

Local AirBnB’s:

• Redwood Castle Single Room
• Redwood Castle Master Bedroom
• Redwood Castle’s Dorgi’s Suite
• Redwood Castle’s Tiny House in Leggett
• Redwood Castle Luxury 2 Bed Vacation Home

Additional off-site options are available in the bottom half of the accommodations page on our site.

Work-Exchange and Scholarships

A lot of work and generous financial support go into running and developing a retreat center of Gomde California’s size. Despite Gomde California’s significant operating costs, the we continuously strive to create conditions for everyone to be able to connect with and study the authentic Dharma. We have Work-Exchange and Scholarship opportunities for sangha members who wish to attend the teachings, but who can only do so with a discounted rate. If you are interested in a work-exchange please fill out this form:

https://forms.gle/mbDLNLGb5AbSd5DP6

If you are in need of a scholarship for these teachings, please write to coordinator@gomdeca.org.

We look forward to warmly welcoming our sangha members, and new folks from all backgrounds, to the retreat land of Gomde California.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the retreat, please contact coordinator@gomdeca.org.