Tsadra Foundation Advanced Contemplative Scholarships - User contributions [en]

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-08-01T06:03:14Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Submitted
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|page=20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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 Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024

International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Tukdrup Barche Kunsel
|ngondro1begin=2023-08-31
|ngondro1end=2025-07-31
|ngondronotes=The application will not register as complete without me indicating "yes" here, but I have not actually finished the Ngondro accumulations yet. My actual accumulations to date are:

110,000 Refuge with Prostrations
17,700 Bodhicitta

I aspire to at least finish the 110,00 Vajrasattva accumulation before beginning three-year retreat

Prior to starting Ngondro, I accumulated 500,00 recitations of Shakyamuni Buddha's mantra within the Treasury of Blessings Sadhana.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Tsultrim
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=director@gomdeca.org
|recom1Relate=Meditation Instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-08-01T06:03:13Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Complete
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|page=20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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 Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024

International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Tukdrup Barche Kunsel
|ngondro1begin=2023-08-31
|ngondro1end=2025-07-31
|ngondronotes=The application will not register as complete without me indicating "yes" here, but I have not actually finished the Ngondro accumulations yet. My actual accumulations to date are:

110,000 Refuge with Prostrations
17,700 Bodhicitta

I aspire to at least finish the 110,00 Vajrasattva accumulation before beginning three-year retreat

Prior to starting Ngondro, I accumulated 500,00 recitations of Shakyamuni Buddha's mantra within the Treasury of Blessings Sadhana.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Tsultrim
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=director@gomdeca.org
|recom1Relate=Meditation Instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-08-01T05:58:31Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Complete
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Tukdrup Barche Kunsel
|ngondro1begin=2023-08-31
|ngondro1end=2025-07-31
|ngondronotes=The application will not register as complete without me indicating "yes" here, but I have not actually finished the Ngondro accumulations yet. My actual accumulations to date are:

110,000 Refuge with Prostrations
17,700 Bodhicitta

I aspire to at least finish the 110,00 Vajrasattva accumulation before beginning three-year retreat

Prior to starting Ngondro, I accumulated 500,00 recitations of Shakyamuni Buddha's mantra within the Treasury of Blessings Sadhana.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Tsultrim
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=director@gomdeca.org
|recom1Relate=Meditation Instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-08-01T05:54:58Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|ngondro1=Tukdrup Barche Kunsel
|ngondro1begin=2023-08-31
|ngondro1end=2025-07-31
|ngondronotes=The application will not register as complete without me indicating "yes" here, but I have not actually finished the Ngondro accumulations yet.
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Tsultrim
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=director@gomdeca.org
|recom1Relate=Meditation Instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-08-01T05:52:58Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=No
|ngondronotes=N/a.
|ngondroPartialComplete=Yes
|ngondroPartialBegin=2023-08-31
|ngondroPartialDetails=110,000 x Refuge with prostrations
17,800 x Bodhicitta

I aspire to at least finish the 110,000 x Vajrasattva accumulation before beginning three-year retreat next June.

Prior to starting Ngondro, I accumulated 500,000 recitations of Shakyamuni Buddha's mantra within the Treasury of Blessings Sadhana
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Tsultrim
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=director@gomdeca.org
|recom1Relate=Meditation Instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-08-01T05:51:55Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=No
|ngondroPartialComplete=Yes
|ngondroPartialBegin=2023-08-31
|ngondroPartialDetails=110,000 x Refuge with prostrations
17,800 x Bodhicitta

I aspire to at least finish the 110,000 x Vajrasattva accumulation before beginning three-year retreat next June.

Prior to starting Ngondro, I accumulated 500,000 recitations of Shakyamuni Buddha's mantra within the Treasury of Blessings Sadhana
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|FileHavePhotoUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Photo.jpg
|FileHaveDescriptFinSitUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Financial_Situation.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Tsultrim
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=director@gomdeca.org
|recom1Relate=Meditation Instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-08-01T05:48:41Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|FileHaveDharmaCVUpld=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Dharma_Resume.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Tsultrim
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=director@gomdeca.org
|recom1Relate=Meditation Instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
|FFUploadedFile-UploadName-FileHavePhoto=HeadShoulders.jpg
|FFUploadedFile-UploadBase-FileHavePhoto=headshoulders
|FFUploadedFile-NewName-FileHavePhoto=2025-08-1_Peter_Sage_-_Photo.jpg
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20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-08-01T05:09:47Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Tsultrim
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=director@gomdeca.org
|recom1Relate=Meditation Instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
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20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-08-01T02:58:24Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|FileHaveCVUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_CV_Resume.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Tsultrim
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=director@gomdeca.org
|recom1Relate=Meditation Instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-08-01T02:49:22Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|AcceptLetterAuthorFirst=Drupön Lama Tenzin
|AcceptLetterAuthorLast=Sangpo
|AcceptLetterEmail=three_year_retreat@gomde.fr
|AcceptLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveRetreatBudgCostUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Retreat_Costs.pdf
|CostLetterAuthorFirst=Mikk
|CostLetterAuthorLast=Tamme
|CostLetterEmail=mikk@gomde.fr
|CostLetterPhone=+3725531133
|FileHaveEligibilityDocsUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
|recom1NameFirst=Lama Tsultrim
|recom1NameLast=Sangpo
|recom1Email=director@gomdeca.org
|recom1Relate=Meditation Instructor
|recom2NameFirst=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
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20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-07-31T16:49:01Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|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=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
|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=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_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=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Eligibility_Requirements.pdf
}}

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-07-31T03:17:11Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.
|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|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=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-07-31T03:16:09Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three-year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and do all of the practices to the best of my ability.

|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|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=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

20250729235349-Peter-Sage-Submission

2025-07-31T03:09:54Z

Peter.Sage: User:Peter.Sage

{{SavedApplication
|status=Saved
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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=International Baccalaureate Diploma - City High Middle School - Completed May 2020

Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Neuroscience; Bachelor of Arts, Contemplative Studies - Brown University - Completed May 2024
|cvwork=Teaching Assistant and Residential Assistant
Rangjung Yeshe Gomde California
June 2025 to present
Provided emotional and logistical support to students participating in Gomde California's annual summer program. Answered basic Dharma questions and directed students to competent teachers or scriptural resources as appropriate.

Research Assistant
Laboratory for Cognitive and Perceptual Learning at Brown University
2022 through 2023
Assisted in experiments that used simultaneous polysomnography (PSG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The job included preparation of PSG (attachment of the PSG cap, impedance checking, taking rapport with volunteers, placing the volunteer inside the MRI scanner). Collaborated with professors, postdocs, and undergraduates in the laboratory in meetings.

Barber
self employed, part time
2015-present
Performed haircuts for ~200 clients consisting of classmates, teammates, teachers, friends, and family. See https://www.instagram.com/sagethebarber/ for examples of work.
|studiedtibetan=Yes
|spokentibcomprehension=Basic communication skills
|writtentibcomprehension=Basic reading comprehension
|tibetanrequiredforretreat=Not required
|tibetanretreatparts=Instructions will be given in Tibetan but there will be a translator.
The texts and teaching materials are translated to English.
Group practice (twice a month) will be chanted in Tibetan.
Individual practice can be chanted in Tibetan or in English.
|otherlanguage1=Spanish
|otherlanguage1Prof=Basic communication skills
|introbuddhism=I began studying Buddhism and meditating regularly on my own in 2020, and started practicing seriously under the guidance of authentic lineage holders of the Chokling Tersar in 2022. In 2020 I started listening to dharma talks online and doing guided meditations on a regular basis. In the summer of 2022, I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer program led by Lama Tsultrim Sangpo. That summer I also started watching online teachings by Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, my primary teacher. I met Phakchok Rinpoche in September 2022 and met Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in person in August 2023. In the summer of 2022 I started practicing Treasury of Blessings and Tara's Triple Excellence. I began the Tukdrup Barche Kunsel Ngondro in 2023 under the guidance of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Phakchok Rinpoche.
|refugehistory=I took refuge with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche in summer 2022 and with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in summer 2023, both times at Gomde California.
|formalvows=Yes
|formalvowsdetails=I took the Bodhisattva vow with Tsangsar Tulku Rinpoche on June 14 2022 at Gomde California and again with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche in October 2023 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
|ngondrocomplete=Yes
|previousretreatscomplete=Yes
|previousretreatsdetails=I completed the 1 month group ngondro retreat at Ka Nying Shedrub Ling in Kathmandu Nepal (Dec 2024 - Jan 2025) and 2 months of individual ngondro retreat at Do-Ngak Ling in Chapagaun Nepal (Late Feb 2025 - End of April 2025).
|ynadvstudiesprogs=Yes
|advstudiesprogsdetails=I participated in the Gomde California Buddhist Studies Summer Program in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. Our daily schedule consisted of morning and evening group puja, teachings with our resident Lama, teachings and dharma discussions with senior resident practitioners, and dharma service. Group practice contained aspects of elaborate ritual and unelaborate resting meditation. Teachings with our resident Lama were based on key Mahayana texts and Vajrayana Sadhanas. The programs usually concluded with short capstone practice retreats of 4-9 days and week-long seminars with Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche. In the fall of 2023 I studied for one semester at Rangjung Yeshe Institute in Kathmandu Nepal where I learned Mahayana practice and philosophy as well as Tibetan Language.
|ynofferedservices=Yes
|offeredservicesdetails=This summer I served as the teaching assistant for the Buddhist Studies Summer Program at Gomde California, offering emotional and logistical support to students. In 2023 I organized a group of college students to attend Phakchok Rinpoche's teaching at Harvard University, and organized a talk at my University by one of Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's close western students. Since spring of 2024 I have attended meetings for Dharma Gyan International Youth Association, and helped to brainstorm with other members of the organization about how to develop the group in accordance with Rinpoche's aspirations. I am currently working with another member of the group to build a website for Dharma Gyan Youth. During Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche's summer seminars at Gomde California the last three years I staffed their shop selling ritual items to Sangha members on behalf of the center. I have also helped Gomde set up and take down their large number of furnished canvas tent-cabins before and after their annual Summer program. During summer programs, I have helped with washing dishes and cleaning the back-kitchen on a daily basis.
|othercommunitywork=Periodically volunteering at a foodbank to distribute food to those in need.
|retreatduration=43 months
|StartFunding=2026-06-01
|EndFunding=2029-12-31
|costestimateCurrency=EUR
|costestimate=32,250
|requestedamountCurrency=EUR
|requestedamount=24,250
|othermoney=Family Support and Sponsors: 8,000 EUR
Personal Savings: 10,277 EUR (I will need to have at least 18,000EUR to show the French Government for the entire duration of the retreat in order to maintain a visa, so I am not planning to use this towards the cost of the retreat).
|letterofmotivation=In brief, I deeply believe that love and wisdom are the most precious things in this world, and that the best way I can increase their presence in myself and others is to participate in this three-year retreat. Seeing my teachers Kyabje Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Phakchok Rinpoche, and many other inspiring practitioners operate with uninterrupted, unbiased compassion has filled my heart with inspiration and reverence time and time again, and given me the confidence that stable realization of mind’s nature is truly possible. When I reflect on how my relationship with them has affected me, I see that even their seemingly small comments in passing have had major impacts on my mind’s habits from moment to moment. One or two sentences from them, or even just a glance in my direction, have planted seeds of kindness and dignity in my experience while gently exposing my neuroses, empowering me to work with them more honestly and directly than before.
Their meditation teachings have allowed me to slowly make friends with my mind, see others with more love and respect, let go, be more honest, and genuinely wish to benefit others. Even my relationship with my family has become more harmonious and genuine as a result of their teachings and blessing. No one has affected my life in a more pervasive and wholesome way than my kind teachers. I see this same beneficial activity occurring in everyone else who connects repeatedly with them and sincerely applies their instructions. The one thing that all of these teachers share is that they practice a tremendous amount, and most of them have spent years in retreat. So their profound qualities and ability to benefit others so deeply are a direct result of their sincere and diligent practice of Buddhadharma, and especially their realization of mind’s nature. It’s not just that they speak skillfully and eloquently. The very way they look at others, the way they sit, the way their eyes rest while they practice, are profound gateways to freedom and harmony for all those around them. Sometimes just being around them without saying anything has filled my heart with warmth. While I don’t expect to gain realization like these sublime beings during this short lifetime, I am confident that the best way to make progress on the path they’ve shown me is to participate in this three-year retreat.
Although I have no special qualities and do have many faults, the times I have felt my mind change the most positively have been in or after periods of retreat. Therefore, my sincere aspiration is that by doing this three year retreat, I may reduce my selfish emotions, become less judgmental and neurotic, uncover the compassion and dignity inherent within myself, become familiar with the nature of mind, and gain the capacity to be of genuine service and benefit to others. I aspire that by doing this retreat, I may gain the capacity to uphold the authentic Buddhadharma by keeping its qualities and teachings as direct experience in my own heart, not just as words in my head. Most of all, I pray that by participating in this retreat, all the aspirations of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, especially my beloved teachers, will be completely fulfilled, that all sentient beings everywhere may become totally free from suffering and all of its causes, and that we may all realize the great bliss of reality’s true nature. I promise that during this retreat, I will live harmoniously and lovingly with fellow retreatants, that I will cultivate a sincere motivation of renunciation and bodhicitta, and that I will do all of the practices to the best of my ability.

|FileHaveAcceptLetterUpld=2025-07-31_Peter_Sage_-_Acceptance_Letter.pdf
|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=Adam
|recom2NameLast=Kuzee
|recom2Email=akuzee11@gmail.com
|recom2Relate=Friend
}}

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{{SavedApplication
|status=FirstSave
|Submissiondate=2025-07-29
|Submissionyear=2025
|firstname=Peter
|lastname=Sage
|birthdate=2002-01-24
|birthcountry=United States of America
|nationality=United States of America
|street=248 Orchard Hill St SE
|city=Grand Rapids
|stateprov=MI
|postalcode=49506
|country=United States of America
|email=petersagedharma@gmail.com
|telephone=+1 (415) - 527 - 9937
|retreattype=Three-year retreat
|center=Gomde Pyrénées
|centerstreet=Rangjung Yeshe Gomde 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
}}