Tsadra Foundation Advanced Contemplative Scholarships - User contributions [en]

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-10T12:30:13Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Submitted
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|page=20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=The immensity of the endeavor and aspiration to do the three year retreat cannot easily be put into words.

I might begin by touching upon the most essential and extraordinary point: the teacher, and a doubt-free trust in his lineage. Trust is a rare and precious thing. I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2009, and although I felt an instant connection to him, our relationship as teacher-to-student has been able to strengthen steadily for a period of 17 years.

My motivation to do the retreat is based entirely on a deep-rooted faith in the instructions that Rinpoche has entrusted to us. I have often heard his heartfelt assertion: “please don’t waste these precious instructions”. This is the core of my motivation and aspiration, and forms my commitment to practice.

Growing up in South Africa, in the unfathomable time of apartheid, my childhood wish was to connect, to not be kept apart, to not bear witness to the stupidity and suffering that racism enforced upon us. In retrospect, I might call the pain of having to grow up in apartheid, one of the first ‘blessings in disguise’ pushing me to leave the country with its division of the world through dark egoistic notions and concepts.

This push led me straight into the lap of my life-long source of refuge, the three jewels. I have never forgotten the descriptive metaphor of a blind turtle that rises up from the depths of the sea: what chance could there possibly be for its head to surface right into the center of a golden ring that happens to be floating upon the vast ocean?

Hearing these words in Nepal at the young age of 22 from my first teacher of refuge, Geshe Lama Konchog, forms round-circle, where past and present motivation merge: to not waste this precious life.

Having witnessed the passing away of many who are dear to me, including both my mother and my sister recently in December, the awareness of impermanence is close to my heart. I look towards the 3 year retreat as a rare opportunity where I can embrace solitude and contemplation without the distractions and entanglements that one has in work and family life.

I wish to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to understanding, experiencing and realizing the cherished instructions and teachings that I have been fortunate enough to receive throughout my life.

I’m grateful for the kindness and supportive encouragement to do retreat that I have received from my family, my husband and two daughters, and have conviction that the merit of practicing in retreat will benefit them and others through sincere love and prayers of dedication.

Rejoicing in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation makes possible, I look forward with tremendous hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-5_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-10_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2026-03-9_Fiona_Rose_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-10T12:30:13Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Complete
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|page=20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=The immensity of the endeavor and aspiration to do the three year retreat cannot easily be put into words.

I might begin by touching upon the most essential and extraordinary point: the teacher, and a doubt-free trust in his lineage. Trust is a rare and precious thing. I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2009, and although I felt an instant connection to him, our relationship as teacher-to-student has been able to strengthen steadily for a period of 17 years.

My motivation to do the retreat is based entirely on a deep-rooted faith in the instructions that Rinpoche has entrusted to us. I have often heard his heartfelt assertion: “please don’t waste these precious instructions”. This is the core of my motivation and aspiration, and forms my commitment to practice.

Growing up in South Africa, in the unfathomable time of apartheid, my childhood wish was to connect, to not be kept apart, to not bear witness to the stupidity and suffering that racism enforced upon us. In retrospect, I might call the pain of having to grow up in apartheid, one of the first ‘blessings in disguise’ pushing me to leave the country with its division of the world through dark egoistic notions and concepts.

This push led me straight into the lap of my life-long source of refuge, the three jewels. I have never forgotten the descriptive metaphor of a blind turtle that rises up from the depths of the sea: what chance could there possibly be for its head to surface right into the center of a golden ring that happens to be floating upon the vast ocean?

Hearing these words in Nepal at the young age of 22 from my first teacher of refuge, Geshe Lama Konchog, forms round-circle, where past and present motivation merge: to not waste this precious life.

Having witnessed the passing away of many who are dear to me, including both my mother and my sister recently in December, the awareness of impermanence is close to my heart. I look towards the 3 year retreat as a rare opportunity where I can embrace solitude and contemplation without the distractions and entanglements that one has in work and family life.

I wish to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to understanding, experiencing and realizing the cherished instructions and teachings that I have been fortunate enough to receive throughout my life.

I’m grateful for the kindness and supportive encouragement to do retreat that I have received from my family, my husband and two daughters, and have conviction that the merit of practicing in retreat will benefit them and others through sincere love and prayers of dedication.

Rejoicing in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation makes possible, I look forward with tremendous hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-5_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-10_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2026-03-9_Fiona_Rose_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-10T12:26:38Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Complete
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=The immensity of the endeavor and aspiration to do the three year retreat cannot easily be put into words.

I might begin by touching upon the most essential and extraordinary point: the teacher, and a doubt-free trust in his lineage. Trust is a rare and precious thing. I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2009, and although I felt an instant connection to him, our relationship as teacher-to-student has been able to strengthen steadily for a period of 17 years.

My motivation to do the retreat is based entirely on a deep-rooted faith in the instructions that Rinpoche has entrusted to us. I have often heard his heartfelt assertion: “please don’t waste these precious instructions”. This is the core of my motivation and aspiration, and forms my commitment to practice.

Growing up in South Africa, in the unfathomable time of apartheid, my childhood wish was to connect, to not be kept apart, to not bear witness to the stupidity and suffering that racism enforced upon us. In retrospect, I might call the pain of having to grow up in apartheid, one of the first ‘blessings in disguise’ pushing me to leave the country with its division of the world through dark egoistic notions and concepts.

This push led me straight into the lap of my life-long source of refuge, the three jewels. I have never forgotten the descriptive metaphor of a blind turtle that rises up from the depths of the sea: what chance could there possibly be for its head to surface right into the center of a golden ring that happens to be floating upon the vast ocean?

Hearing these words in Nepal at the young age of 22 from my first teacher of refuge, Geshe Lama Konchog, forms round-circle, where past and present motivation merge: to not waste this precious life.

Having witnessed the passing away of many who are dear to me, including both my mother and my sister recently in December, the awareness of impermanence is close to my heart. I look towards the 3 year retreat as a rare opportunity where I can embrace solitude and contemplation without the distractions and entanglements that one has in work and family life.

I wish to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to understanding, experiencing and realizing the cherished instructions and teachings that I have been fortunate enough to receive throughout my life.

I’m grateful for the kindness and supportive encouragement to do retreat that I have received from my family, my husband and two daughters, and have conviction that the merit of practicing in retreat will benefit them and others through sincere love and prayers of dedication.

Rejoicing in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation makes possible, I look forward with tremendous hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
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|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
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20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-09T21:37:22Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=The immensity of the endeavor and aspiration to do the three year retreat cannot easily be put into words.

I might begin by touching upon the most essential and extraordinary point: the teacher, and a doubt-free trust in his lineage. Trust is a rare and precious thing. I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2009, and although I felt an instant connection to him, our relationship as teacher-to-student has been able to strengthen steadily for a period of 17 years.

My motivation to do the retreat is based entirely on a deep-rooted faith in the instructions that Rinpoche has entrusted to us. I have often heard his heartfelt assertion: “please don’t waste these precious instructions”. This is the core of my motivation and aspiration, and forms my commitment to practice.

Growing up in South Africa, in the unfathomable time of apartheid, my childhood wish was to connect, to not be kept apart, to not bear witness to the stupidity and suffering that racism enforced upon us. In retrospect, I might call the pain of having to grow up in apartheid, one of the first ‘blessings in disguise’ pushing me to leave the country with its division of the world through dark egoistic notions and concepts.

This push led me straight into the lap of my life-long source of refuge, the three jewels. I have never forgotten the descriptive metaphor of a blind turtle that rises up from the depths of the sea: what chance could there possibly be for its head to surface right into the center of a golden ring that happens to be floating upon the vast ocean?

Hearing these words in Nepal at the young age of 22 from my first teacher of refuge, Geshe Lama Konchog, forms round-circle, where past and present motivation merge: to not waste this precious life.

Having witnessed the passing away of many who are dear to me, including both my mother and my sister recently in December, the awareness of impermanence is close to my heart. I look towards the 3 year retreat as a rare opportunity where I can embrace solitude and contemplation without the distractions and entanglements that one has in work and family life.

I wish to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to understanding, experiencing and realizing the cherished instructions and teachings that I have been fortunate enough to receive throughout my life.

I’m grateful for the kindness and supportive encouragement to do retreat that I have received from my family, my husband and two daughters, and have conviction that the merit of practicing in retreat will benefit them and others through sincere love and prayers of dedication.

Rejoicing in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation makes possible, I look forward with tremendous hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-5_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
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|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHavePhoto=IMG_20260309_223010.jpg
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20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-06T12:45:06Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-06T12:42:46Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=The immensity of the endeavor and aspiration to do the three year retreat cannot easily be put into words.

I might begin by touching upon the most essential and extraordinary point: the teacher, and a doubt-free trust in his lineage. Trust is a rare and precious thing. I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in 2009, and although I felt an instant connection to him, our relationship as teacher-to-student has been able to strengthen steadily for a period of 17 years.

My motivation to do the retreat is based entirely on a deep-rooted faith in the instructions that Rinpoche has entrusted to us. I have often heard his heartfelt assertion: “please don’t waste these precious instructions”. This is the core of my motivation and aspiration, and forms my commitment to practice.

Growing up in South Africa, in the unfathomable time of apartheid, my childhood wish was to connect, to not be kept apart, to not bear witness to the stupidity and suffering that racism enforced upon us. In retrospect, I might call the pain of having to grow up in apartheid, one of the first ‘blessings in disguise’ pushing me to leave the country with its division of the world through dark egoistic notions and concepts.

This push led me straight into the lap of my life-long source of refuge, the three jewels. I have never forgotten the descriptive metaphor of a blind turtle that rises up from the depths of the sea: what chance could there possibly be for its head to surface right into the center of a golden ring that happens to be floating upon the vast ocean?

Hearing these words in Nepal at the young age of 22 from my first teacher of refuge, Geshe Lama Konchog, forms round-circle, where past and present motivation merge: to not waste this precious life.

Having witnessed the passing away of many who are dear to me, including both my mother and my sister recently in December, the awareness of impermanence is close to my heart. I look towards the 3 year retreat as a rare opportunity where I can embrace solitude and contemplation without the distractions and entanglements that one has in work and family life.

I wish to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to understanding, experiencing and realizing the cherished instructions and teachings that I have been fortunate enough to receive throughout my life.

I’m grateful for the kindness and supportive encouragement to do retreat that I have received from my family, my husband and two daughters, and have conviction that the merit of practicing in retreat will benefit them and others through sincere love and prayers of dedication.

Rejoicing in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation makes possible, I look forward with tremendous hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose

|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-5_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-05T19:44:42Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=It is my deep aspiration to do the three year retreat under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo. I have been a student under their guidance since 2009.

The shorter retreats that I have been able to do previously, have proven to me how important retreat is to gain insight and strength in one's practice. They have given me a firsthand experience in the way that Buddhist practices can powerfully affect the mind.

I feel that practice over time has helped me to disarm many habitual impulses, reactions that I may have had, especially in the more difficult situations in my life. How I relate to events that have had the potential to sway me into a ‘fight or flight’ mode, instead with more calmness and more openness. And in turn, I saw that openness has a real effect on those together in the situation with me.

This insight - that simply by remaining calm and open - one actually can have a strongly positive influence on how things play out, for oneself and for others, has formed a deep motivational impulse to practice in long retreat. I wish that I can develop complete stability in my practice, so that I can benefit people around me, so that love is felt rather than stress, in all times and in all situations.

I have faith that my heartfelt wish can be met by fulfilling the practices of the three year retreat. I greatly long for the supportive conditions that this opportunity provides, where I can be immersed in practice within a disciplined and non-distracted way.

I had spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat, he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply.

Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I am so grateful for their encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth practice experience.

I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of still applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would be welcome to submit an application to do the three year retreat this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation makes possible, and I look forward with tremendous hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-5_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-05T19:43:11Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=It is my deep aspiration to do the three year retreat under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo. I have been a student under their guidance since 2009.

The shorter retreats that I have been able to do previously, have proven to me how important retreat is to gain insight and strength in one's practice. They have given me a firsthand experience in the way that Buddhist practices can powerfully affect the mind.

I feel that practice over time has helped me to disarm many habitual impulses, reactions that I may have had, especially in the more difficult situations in my life. How I relate to events that have had the potential to sway me into a ‘fight or flight’ mode, instead with more calmness and more openness. And in turn, I saw that openness has a real effect on those together in the situation with me.

This insight - that simply by remaining calm and open - one actually can have a strongly positive influence on how things play out, for oneself and for others, has formed a deep motivational impulse to practice in long retreat. I wish that I can develop complete stability in my practice, so that I can benefit people around me, so that love is felt rather than stress, in all times and in all situations.

I have faith that my heartfelt wish can be met by fulfilling the practices of the three year retreat. I greatly long for the supportive conditions that this opportunity provides, where I can be immersed in practice within a disciplined and non-distracted way.

I had spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat, he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply.

Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I am so grateful for their encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth practice experience.

I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of still applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would be welcome to submit an application to do the three year retreat this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation makes possible, and I look forward with tremendous hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHaveCV=cv english Fiona Rose 2026.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHaveCV=cv-english-fiona-rose-2026
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHaveCV=2026-03-5_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-05T11:38:24Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=It is my deep aspiration to do the three year retreat under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo. I have been a student under their guidance since 2009.

The shorter retreats that I have been able to do previously, have proven to me how important retreat is to gain insight and strength in one's practice. They have given me a firsthand experience in the way that Buddhist practices can powerfully affect the mind.

I feel that practice over time has helped me to disarm many habitual impulses, reactions that I may have had, especially in the more difficult situations in my life. How I relate to events that have had the potential to sway me into a ‘fight or flight’ mode, instead with more calmness and more openness. And in turn, I saw that openness has a real effect on those together in the situation with me.

This insight - that simply by remaining calm and open - one actually can have a strongly positive influence on how things play out, for oneself and for others, has formed a deep motivational impulse to practice in long retreat. I wish that I can develop complete stability in my practice, so that I can benefit people around me, so that love is felt rather than stress, in all times and in all situations.

I have faith that my heartfelt wish can be met by fulfilling the practices of the three year retreat. I greatly long for the supportive conditions that this opportunity provides, where I can be immersed in practice within a disciplined and non-distracted way.

I had spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat, he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply.

Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I am so grateful for their encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth practice experience.

I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of still applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would be welcome to submit an application to do the three year retreat this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation makes possible, and I look forward with tremendous hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-05T11:37:23Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=It is my deep aspiration to do the three year retreat under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo. I have been a student under their guidance since 2009.

The shorter retreats that I have been able to do previously, have proven to me how important retreat is to gain insight and strength in one's practice. They have given me a firsthand experience in the way that Buddhist practices can powerfully affect the mind.

I feel that practice over time has helped me to disarm many habitual impulses, reactions that I may have had, especially in the more difficult situations in my life. How I relate to events that have had the potential to sway me into a ‘fight or flight’ mode, instead with more calmness and more openness. And in turn, I saw that openness has a real effect on those together in the situation with me.

This insight - that simply by remaining calm and open - one actually can have a strongly positive influence on how things play out, for oneself and for others, has formed a deeper motivational impulse to practice in long retreat. I wish that I can develop complete stability in my practice, so that I can benefit people around me, so that love is felt rather than stress, in all times and in all situations.

I have faith that my heartfelt wish can be met by fulfilling the practices of the three year retreat. I greatly long for the supportive conditions that this opportunity provides, where I can be immersed in practice within a disciplined and non-distracted way.

I had spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat, he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply.

Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I am so grateful for their encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth practice experience.

I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of still applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would be welcome to submit an application to do the three year retreat this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation makes possible, and I look forward with tremendous hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-04T22:53:19Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=It has been a deep aspiration to do the three year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo, for many years now. I have been a student under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance since 2009.

The daily practices and shorter retreats that I have been able to undertake so far have given confidence in the transformative power that is possible through Buddhist practices. I feel the positive changes in how I relate to life’s challenges, and in how I relate to others. My heart-felt wish is to be of maximum benefit to others, and I have faith that the practices within the disciplined structure of the three year retreat will develop and strengthen my capacity to be a truly meaningful support.

I had already spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat - he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply. Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin when I saw them personally in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if it was possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I feel extremely grateful for their support and encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth understanding, experience and insight into dharma practice and it’s transformation of mind.

My initial preparations, before my mother's passing, enabled me to gather partial funding towards doing the retreat. I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would still be welcome to submit an application this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation make possible, and I look forward with much hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2026-03-4_Fiona_Rose_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-04T22:32:41Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=It has been a deep aspiration to do the three year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo, for many years now. I have been a student under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance since 2009.

The daily practices and shorter retreats that I have been able to undertake so far have given confidence in the transformative power that is possible through Buddhist practices. I feel the positive changes in how I relate to life’s challenges, and in how I relate to others. My heart-felt wish is to be of maximum benefit to others, and I have faith that the practices within the disciplined structure of the three year retreat will develop and strengthen my capacity to be a truly meaningful support.

I had already spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat - he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply. Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin when I saw them personally in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if it was possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I feel extremely grateful for their support and encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth understanding, experience and insight into dharma practice and it’s transformation of mind.

My initial preparations, before my mother's passing, enabled me to gather partial funding towards doing the retreat. I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would still be welcome to submit an application this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation make possible, and I look forward with much hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
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|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
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|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
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|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
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20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-04T22:29:40Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=It has been a deep aspiration to do the three year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo, for many years now. I have been a student under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance since 2009.

The daily practices and shorter retreats that I have been able to undertake so far have given confidence in the transformative power that is possible through Buddhist practices. I feel the positive changes in how I relate to life’s challenges, and in how I relate to others. My heart-felt wish is to be of maximum benefit to others, and I have faith that the practices within the disciplined structure of the three year retreat will develop and strengthen my capacity to be a truly meaningful support.

I had already spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat - he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply. Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin when I saw them personally in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if it was possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I feel extremely grateful for their support and encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth understanding, experience and insight into dharma practice and it’s transformation of mind.

My initial preparations, before my mother's passing, enabled me to gather partial funding towards doing the retreat. I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would still be welcome to submit an application this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation make possible, and I look forward with much hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-04T22:24:59Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=36
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=18720
|othermoney=Personal savings and family donations
|letterofmotivation=It has been a deep aspiration to do the three year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo, for many years now. I have been a student under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance since 2009.

The daily practices and shorter retreats that I have been able to undertake so far have given confidence in the transformative power that is possible through Buddhist practices. I feel the positive changes in how I relate to life’s challenges, and in how I relate to others. My heart-felt wish is to be of maximum benefit to others, and I have faith that the practices within the disciplined structure of the three year retreat will develop and strengthen my capacity to be a truly meaningful support.

I had already spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat - he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply. Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin when I saw them personally in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if it was possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I feel extremely grateful for their support and encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth understanding, experience and insight into dharma practice and it’s transformation of mind.

My initial preparations, before my mother's passing, enabled me to gather partial funding towards doing the retreat. I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would still be welcome to submit an application this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation make possible, and I look forward with much hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-04T22:20:07Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2018 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=26
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=19500
|othermoney=Personal savings and family support
|letterofmotivation=It has been a deep aspiration to do the three year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo, for many years now. I have been a student under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance since 2009.

The daily practices and shorter retreats that I have been able to undertake so far have given confidence in the transformative power that is possible through Buddhist practices. I feel the positive changes in how I relate to life’s challenges, and in how I relate to others. My heart-felt wish is to be of maximum benefit to others, and I have faith that the practices within the disciplined structure of the three year retreat will develop and strengthen my capacity to be a truly meaningful support.

I had already spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat - he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply. Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin when I saw them personally in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if it was possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I feel extremely grateful for their support and encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth understanding, experience and insight into dharma practice and it’s transformation of mind.

My initial preparations, before my mother's passing, enabled me to gather partial funding towards doing the retreat. I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would still be welcome to submit an application this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation make possible, and I look forward with much hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-04T22:14:02Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer - communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2018-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Also Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lhundrup Rigsel and Yangsi Rinpoche taught during the same month long retreat. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned many years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2019 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=26
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=19500
|othermoney=Personal savings and family support
|letterofmotivation=It has been a deep aspiration to do the three year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo, for many years now. I have been a student under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance since 2009.

The daily practices and shorter retreats that I have been able to undertake so far have given confidence in the transformative power that is possible through Buddhist practices. I feel the positive changes in how I relate to life’s challenges, and in how I relate to others. My heart-felt wish is to be of maximum benefit to others, and I have faith that the practices within the disciplined structure of the three year retreat will develop and strengthen my capacity to be a truly meaningful support.

I had already spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat - he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply. Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin when I saw them personally in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if it was possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I feel extremely grateful for their support and encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth understanding, experience and insight into dharma practice and it’s transformation of mind.

My initial preparations, before my mother's passing, enabled me to gather partial funding towards doing the retreat. I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would still be welcome to submit an application this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation make possible, and I look forward with much hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-03T18:53:35Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer (communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors), Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2019-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Also Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lhundrup Rigsel and Yangsi Rinpoche taught during the same month long retreat. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned many years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2019 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=26
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=19500
|othermoney=Personal savings and family support
|letterofmotivation=It has been a deep aspiration to do the three year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo, for many years now. I have been a student under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance since 2009.

The daily practices and shorter retreats that I have been able to undertake so far have given confidence in the transformative power that is possible through Buddhist practices. I feel the positive changes in how I relate to life’s challenges, and in how I relate to others. My heart-felt wish is to be of maximum benefit to others, and I have faith that the practices within the disciplined structure of the three year retreat will develop and strengthen my capacity to be a truly meaningful support.

I had already spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat - he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply. Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin when I saw them personally in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if it was possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I feel extremely grateful for their support and encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth understanding, experience and insight into dharma practice and it’s transformation of mind.

My initial preparations, before my mother's passing, enabled me to gather partial funding towards doing the retreat. I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would still be welcome to submit an application this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation make possible, and I look forward with much hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-03T18:49:25Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer (communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors), Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2019-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Also Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lhundrup Rigsel and Yangsi Rinpoche taught during the same month long retreat. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned many years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2019 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=26
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=19500
|othermoney=Personal savings and family support
|letterofmotivation=It has been a deep aspiration to do the three year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo, for many years now. I have been a student under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance since 2009.

The daily practices and shorter retreats that I have been able to undertake so far have given confidence in the transformative power that is possible through Buddhist practices. I feel the positive changes in how I relate to life’s challenges, and in how I relate to others. My heart-felt wish is to be of maximum benefit to others, and I have faith that the practices within the disciplined structure of the three year retreat will develop and strengthen my capacity to be a truly meaningful support.

I had already spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat - he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply. Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin when I saw them personally in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if it was possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I feel extremely grateful for their support and encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth understanding, experience and insight into dharma practice and it’s transformation of mind.

My initial preparations, before my mother's passing, enabled me to gather partial funding towards doing the retreat. I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would still be welcome to submit an application this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation make possible, and I look forward with much hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHaveAcceptLetter=2026.02.20 - Letter of Acceptance - Fiona.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHaveAcceptLetter=2026-02-20-letter-of-acceptance-fiona
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHaveAcceptLetter=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHaveRetreatBudgCost=Letter on Retreat Costs Gomde Pyrenees 20.07.2025.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHaveRetreatBudgCost=letter-on-retreat-costs-gomde-pyrenees-20-07-2025
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHaveRetreatBudgCost=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHaveEligibilityDocs=An outline of qualifications for entering your retreat Gomde Pyrenees 20.07.2025.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHaveEligibilityDocs=an-outline-of-qualifications-for-entering-your-retreat-gomde-pyrenees-20-07-2025
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHaveEligibilityDocs=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHaveCV=cv english - Fiona Rose.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHaveCV=cv-english-fiona-rose
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHaveCV=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHaveDharmaCV=Dharma Resume.pdf
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHaveDharmaCV=dharma-resume
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHaveDharmaCV=2026-03-3_Fiona_Rose_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-03T18:33:19Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer (communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors), Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2019-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Also Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lhundrup Rigsel and Yangsi Rinpoche taught during the same month long retreat. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned many years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche and for Drikung Garchen Institute;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2019 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=26
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=19500
|othermoney=Personal savings and family support
|letterofmotivation=It has been a deep aspiration to do the three year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo, for many years now. I have been a student under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance since 2009.

The daily practices and shorter retreats that I have been able to undertake so far have given confidence in the transformative power that is possible through Buddhist practices. I feel the positive changes in how I relate to life’s challenges, and in how I relate to others. My heart-felt wish is to be of maximum benefit to others, and I have faith that the practices within the disciplined structure of the three year retreat will develop and strengthen my capacity to be a truly meaningful support.

I had already spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat - he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply. Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin when I saw them personally in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if it was possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I feel extremely grateful for their support and encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth understanding, experience and insight into dharma practice and it’s transformation of mind.

My initial preparations, before my mother's passing, enabled me to gather partial funding towards doing the retreat. I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would still be welcome to submit an application this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation make possible, and I look forward with much hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-02T14:14:41Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer (communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors), Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2019-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Also Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lhundrup Rigsel and Yangsi Rinpoche taught during the same month long retreat. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned many years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2019 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=26
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=19500
|othermoney=Personal savings and family support
|letterofmotivation=It has been a deep aspiration to do the three year retreat at Gomde Pyrenees under the guidance of my teacher Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and retreat master Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo, for many years now. I have been a student under Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's guidance since 2009.

The daily practices and shorter retreats that I have been able to undertake so far have given confidence in the transformative power that is possible through Buddhist practices. I feel the positive changes in how I relate to life’s challenges, and in how I relate to others. My heart-felt wish is to be of maximum benefit to others, and I have faith that the practices within the disciplined structure of the three year retreat will develop and strengthen my capacity to be a truly meaningful support.

I had already spoken to Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche last year about doing the retreat - he was delighted with my request. I started making preparations, but then there were personal complications with my aging mother's health, and I did not apply. Sadly, my mother has now passed away - she died on December 5th. Since her passing, I consulted once more with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and with Drupon Lama Tenzin when I saw them personally in early January in France. They both encouraged me to do the retreat if it was possible with my family.

My family - my husband and 2 young adult daughters - are wholeheartedly supportive of my wish. I feel extremely grateful for their support and encouragement to embrace this rare opportunity to gain in-depth understanding, experience and insight into dharma practice and it’s transformation of mind.

My initial preparations, before my mother's passing, enabled me to gather partial funding towards doing the retreat. I have managed to gather sufficient funding and family support to cover the costs of the first 17 months of participation.

I wrote to Lama Drupgyu / Anthony Chapman on 28th January to enquire about the possibility of applying for scholarship, and was overjoyed to hear that I would still be welcome to submit an application this year, for consideration for a scholarship beginning in January of 2027.

I rejoice in the unique and precious opportunities for contemplative retreat that Tsadra Foundation make possible, and I look forward with much hope to your kind consideration of my application.

Sincerely, Fiona Rose
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T17:23:55Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer (communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors), Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2019-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Also Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lhundrup Rigsel and Yangsi Rinpoche taught during the same month long retreat. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned many years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2019 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=26
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=19500
|othermoney=Personal savings and family support
|recom1NameFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T17:09:55Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2026-02-5
|Submissionyear=2026
|firstname=Fiona
|lastname=Rose
|birthdate=1967-11-15
|birthcountry=South Africa
|nationality=Netherlands
|street=Amstel 153K
|street2=houseboat 153K
|city=Amsterdam
|stateprov=North Holland
|postalcode=1018ER
|country=Netherlands
|email=fionaroseamsterdam@gmail.com
|telephone=+31641766555
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde,
|centerstreet2=Mas Can Pere Correou, RD13,
|centercity=La Bastide
|centerstateprov=Pyrénées-Orientales
|centerpostalcode=66110
|centercountry=France
|startdate=2026-06-01
|enddate=2029-12-31
|retreatmaster=Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupön Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|retreatadministrator=Mikk Tamme
|retreatadministratoremail=mikk@gomde.fr
|retreatliaison=Mikk Tamme
|retreatliaisonemail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|cvedu=Bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.), Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Art and Design, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2003
Cultural Anthropology propedeuse, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1996
Dutch as a second language, State exam/diploma, Netherlands, 1995
Colloquium doctum, James Boswell Institute, Utrecht University, Netherlands, 1995
Yoga teacher training & Advanced teacher training diplomas, International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, Canada, 1990
National Senior Certificate, Port Shepstone College, South Africa, 1984
|cvwork=Assistant Floor Manager / Student Examination support at HvA & UvA (University of Amsterdam) via Randstad Education, Netherlands, 2022-2026
Volunteer (communications, coordination retreats, website design, treasurer on the board of directors), Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées, 2019-2021 & 2024.
Caregiver for elderly people living at home, Home-Instead, Amsterdam, 2018-2019
Freelancer/independent professional artist (autonomous sculpture), yoga teaching, translation services, 2003-2026
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=None
|writtentibcomprehension=None
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and learning materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or English.
|otherlanguage1=English
|otherlanguage1Prof=Native command
|otherlanguage2=Dutch
|otherlanguage2Prof=Near native command
|otherlanguage3=Afrikaans
|otherlanguage3Prof=Very good command
|introbuddhism=My introduction to Buddhism was at Kopan Monastery in 1989. It was a blessing to receive teachings and empowerments from Geshe Lama Konchog, whose words of wisdom left an immense imprint, and remain with me to this day. Also Khensur Rinpoche Geshe Lhundrup Rigsel and Yangsi Rinpoche taught during the same month long retreat. Returning to South Africa, I met Ven. Godwin Samararatne who was visiting to lead a month long retreat at Ixopo Buddhist centre. We formed a deeply meaningful teacher-student relationship that spanned many years until his passing in 2000. In the Netherlands I studied with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen, and with Geshe Ngawang Zopa at the Maitreya Institute in Emst. I also received teachings from H.H. Dalai Lama, Tulku Pema Rigdzin Rinpoche, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, Tsokni Rinpoche and Jetsün Khandro Rinpoche. In 2009 I met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, and have remained a student in his lineage since.
|refugehistory=I first took refuge in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog (1927-2001), and afterwards with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=Yes, I formally took the lay precepts and the bodhisattva vow in 1989 with Geshe Lama Konchog, and formally renewed them with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=The Four Common Outer Preliminaries
|ngondro1begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro1end=2015-01-01
|ngondro2=Refuge & Bodhicitta
|ngondro2begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro2end=2015-01-01
|ngondro3=Purification Practice of Vajrasattva
|ngondro3begin=1990-01-01
|ngondro3end=2023-01-01
|ngondro4=The Mandala Offering
|ngondro4begin=2011-01-01
|ngondro5=The Practice of Guru Yoga
|ngondro5begin=2013-01-01
|ngondronotes=I have completed the Ngondro except for the full number of accumulations of prostrations and accumulations of mandala offerings. (I initially filled in the box here, but then was unable to change my entry to partial completion of Ngondro practices in the box below).
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=1989 - month group retreat, Kopan Monastery, led by Geshe Lama Konchog
1990 - months of group retreat - at SYVC Ashram, Canada (in context of undertaking a yoga teacher training).
1991 - month group retreat led by Ven. Godwin Samararatne, Ixopo Buddhist centre, South Africa
1992 - month individual retreat, Nilambe meditation centre, 1992 Sri Lanka, under guidance of Ven. Godwin Samararatne, (also many shorter retreats in later years with Godwin in South Africa, UK, Netherlands & Sri Lanka).
2011 - month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - 2 month individual retreat - Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark - with instruction & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
2012 - group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - group retreat Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Denmark, led by H.E. Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche
2013 - 4 month individual retreat with guidance & blessings of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, at Nagi Gompa, Nepal
2019 - 6 week group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrénées - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2020 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - group retreat (online attendance from home) Garchen Buddhist Institute
2021 - 3 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2021 - 2 month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - 3 month Individual retreat at home, (group guidance through zoom meetings, Garchen Buddhist Institute)
2022 - month individual retreat at home (group guidance through zoom) Drikung Garchen Institute
2022 - group retreat at Drikung Garchen Institute, Munich
2023 - 6 week individual retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees
2023 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
2024 - 3 month group retreat, Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees - led by Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I have studied Buddhist courses within the context of a B.A.curriculum at Leiden University. I withdrew from the study after about one year, not completing the degree;
I have studied courses within the F.P.M.T. Basic and F.P.M.T. Masters Buddhist study program, attending these courses in person at the Maitreya Institute in Emst, Netherlands. The advanced courses were taught by Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen & the basic courses were taught by Geshe Ngawang Zopa;
I have also followed the Tara Triple Excellence online program by DharmaSun with it’s structured approach of online recorded teachings & guidance by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Drupon Lama Tenzin Sangpo.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=I was invited by the foundation ‘Dalai Lama Netherlands’ to create & coordinate public screenings of audio-visual material (editing various short films and photographic footage sourced from archives) at the RAI Rotterdam and AHOY Amsterdam arenas during the visits of H.H. Dalai Lama to the Netherlands in 2009 and in 2014;
I volunteered for ‘Dhonden foundation’ (https://dhonden.nl) as a board member, and adapting their website, and working on various fundraising projects - e.g. creating a documentary (interviews with Geshe Sonam Gyaltsen and video footage) about the Ganden Jangtse monastery; helping to coordinate the Lama dance fundraising events at various locations in the Netherlands undertaken by a group of monks from the Tsawa Khamtsen of Ganden monastery in India;
In 2011 I offered to begin the Dutch translation project for DharmaSun of the Tara Triple Excellence online program. I was the project coordinator of the Dutch translation team from 2011 until 2015;
I have volunteered for Erik Pema Kunsang to create transcriptions of teachings that took place at retreats led by Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche at Gomde Denmark (2012, 2013), and have also volunteered doing transcription work for Garchen Rinpoche;
I volunteered at Rangjung Yeshe Gomde Pyrenees in diverse ways since my first visit there in 2017. I helped with maintaining the website, social media posts, communications & fundraising, as treasurer on the board of directors and coordination & management of group retreats from 2019 - 2021, and as a residential volunteer helping with house & retreat management in 2024.
|othercommunitywork=I volunteered for the Dutch Council for Refugees (https://www.vluchtelingenwerk.nl/en) to help refugees settle in their new homes in the Netherlands, providing family, language support and support for social integration.
|retreatduration=26
|StartFunding=2027-01-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=19500
|othermoney=Personal savings and family support
|recom1NameFirst= Drupön Lama Tenzin
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email= three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|recom1Relate=Meditation instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Arjan
|recom2NameLast=van der Meijden
|recom2Email=ameijden1@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=husband
}}

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T16:58:02Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T16:56:16Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T16:48:53Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T16:38:19Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T16:32:14Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T16:02:17Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T16:01:26Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T16:00:14Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T15:48:38Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-03-01T15:38:19Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-02-27T16:49:45Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-02-27T16:46:04Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-02-27T16:42:15Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-02-27T16:41:27Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-02-27T10:57:33Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose

20260205100937-Fiona-Rose-Submission

2026-02-26T20:05:34Z

Fiona.Rose: User:Fiona.Rose