About the CenterShambhala Mountain Center is a mountain valley retreat located on 600 acres in northern Colorado. Since 1971 the Center has offered hundreds of programs on Buddhist meditation, yoga and other contemplative disciplines. Tamed by over thirty years of use as a contemplative retreat, Shambhala Mountain Center is a place where one of the basic truths of Buddhism—that people can be profoundly open to the wisdom of the present moment—is always readily available. View Our Programs
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Our Mission StatementShambhala is sometimes likened to a spiritual umbrella, a protective canopy under which many people with diverse needs and aspirations can gather to benefit from teachings and practices that can awaken their inherent wisdom and compassion. This vital role has both an inner and outer aspect: training individuals in our tradition, and connecting to other consonant groups in society. On the occasion of receiving the Living Peace award, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to the Sakyong, the spiritual director of Shambhala, about the vital importance of furthering Shambhala's emerging role in the world. In particular, for Shambhala Mountain Center to be a venue where the great wisdom traditions of the world can gather and share their unique gifts of wisdom and compassion. Shambhala NameThe Center takes its name from the legend of Shambhala. According to this tradition, the basis of enlightened society is the understanding that human beings inherently possess wisdom, compassion and goodness. In many cultures throughout history these qualities have been nurtured through meditation and contemplative disciplines. Shambhala Mountain Center is affiliated with Shambhala International, a network of 140 urban communities and seven rural retreat centers. Program FacilitiesSince 2001, we have pursued an ambitious campus development plan to upgrade our lodging and conference facilities. As a result our capacity to host programs has grown dramatically. The completion of the Sacred Studies Hall and Shotoku Children's Center, the purchase and renovation of Red Feather Conference Center, and the construction of the Shambhala and Rigden Lodges (new guest housing) have added over 35,000 square feet of program, dining and housing space to the facility. Shambhala Mountain Center is now able to host over 500 people during the summer season and 150 in the winter. A Sacred LandmarkAttracting thousands of visitors a year from all over the world, The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya is the largest and most elaborate example of Buddhist sacred architecture in North America. After 14 years of construction, the Stupa was formally opened to the public in August of 2001. |
