BUDDHISTS are building a meditation retreat between Brodie and Auldearn.
Gomde Scotland, a charity established in 2009, which is now part of a worldwide network, hopes to attract more visitors to the site at Wester Hardmuir Woods to enjoy seminars, teacher visits, volunteer days, courses and retreats focused on the benefits of meditation.
One of Gomde Scotland’s founding trustee’s was Bruno Cawley, a founding member of Forres Community Woodland Trust, who passed away in 2019. Bruno’s daughter Helen is chairwoman of the trustees at Gomde.
The area currently covers 50 acres, with a central log cabin featuring a hall, library, office, gathering place and retreat facilities, including meditation huts and a toilet block, which require funds to complete.
Gomde volunteers have planted 400 native trees at the site where a vegetable garden and polytunnel is being created to supply fresh fruit and vegetable. There are also plans for a Tibetan medicinal herb garden.
Helen said: “We need to winter-proof the buildings and upgrade the electrics and septic tank system.
“Longer term, we plan to build more retreat huts and grow the centre.
“Gomde has been funded by donations and money generated from seminars and retreats but, because of Covid-19, we are now crowdfunding and have applied for grants. It would be great if people could donate to www.chuffed.org/project/gomde-scotland-help-the-highland-heroes”
Visitors to Gomde Hardmuir focus on meditation, which can lead to improvements in wellbeing.
Helen said: “The vision is for small, secluded, well-facilitated huts in the woods for solitary retreat, increased wisdom and compassion.”
Gomde hopes to continue inviting school visits and voluntary youth work. To visit or for more information email info@gomdescotland.org
