About Us
Located in the beautiful forested mountains of Northern California, Gomde California was founded by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. This remote retreat center offers the perfect environment for both new students and long-time practitioners to deepen their understanding of the Buddha’s teachings through study, contemplation, and meditation.
With an emphasis on the Chokling Tersar lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, Gomde California’s diverse programs present the complete Buddhist path, including the foundational teachings of the Buddha, the Mahayana teachings on emptiness and compassion, and the profound instructions of the Vajrayana.
Our Sangha
Though primarily serving the North American Shedrub Mandala of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Gomde California’s community extends across the entire world.
A residential community of practitioners maintains a flow of continuous study and meditation at Gomde throughout the year, while also organizing onsite programming, online programming, volunteering and other Dharma opportunities for visiting sangha members.
2500 years ago, the Buddha taught on the intrinsic equality of every single being without exception. Gomde California upholds this view, welcoming students of any race, color, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, or sexual orientation. We wholly embrace students from underrepresented groups and seek to make the liberating teachings of the Buddha available to anyone who wishes to study and practice them.
Our Land
Located three and a half hours north of San Francisco, Gomde California sits on 250 acres of woodlands, meadows and bluffs. The Eel River winds its way through our property, forming several swimming holes along its course. Peaceful walking trails meander through forests of fir, madrone, redwood and oak, opening onto stunning vistas of rugged beauty.
Gomde California’s remote and wild land is blessed with a natural serenity that provides inspiration for the heart and mind. This setting of extraordinary natural beauty combines with the blessings of the lineage masters and the profundity of the teachings to create a “sublime support” for the practice and study of Dharma.