Bordered by the San Juan National Forest and Southern Ute Tribal Land
near Pagosa Springs in Southern Colorado, Tara Mandala Retreat Center
is rooted in the Buddhist tradition, in a partnership with earth, animals,
family, and respect for all wisdom traditions. In a region known for its
ancient archaeology, unmatched mountains, rivers, canyon lands, and
rich cultural history, the focal point of Tara Mandala is a beautiful breastshaped peak surrounded by four valleys in the center of its 700 acres.
Symbolically, the Mandala of Tara, the female Buddha of compassion, is a kind of template of the awakened mind. To experience the phenomenal world as an integrated mandala of compassion is ‘Tara Mandala.’
The land offers deep silence, vast views, and an unparalleled play of light that engenders a natural experience of the union of emptiness and radiance. Wildlife abounds, the experience of retreat in nature brings the gift of peace to the individual - and ultimately deep retreat affects the fabric of the world.
Historically, renunciates and monastics were committed to full time meditation and prayer for the benefit of all beings. Today, opportunities for this level of practice are rare, and places dedicated to long-term retreat are even more scarce. Deep meditation has a profound effect on the individual and emanates from them into the rest of the world. Tara Mandala was established to foster the development of inner wisdom for the benefit of all beings. In a chaotic and stressful world, Tara Mandala offers refuge and renewal. |