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Located on 600 acres of land in northern Colorado, the rural mountain landscape at the center provides an ideal atmosphere for practice and study. |
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The main part of the center, or "downtown," is where the community eats and socializes. Some of the oldest buildings on the land are located here, housing the kitchen as well as offices. |
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One of the unique Shambhalian practices. "Kasung" are the protectors of the land and community. In a daily ritual, they raise and lower the flags. |
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Another unique component of the land is the Kami Shrine -- a Japanese tradition honoring a female spirit. |
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Offerings are made to the Kami. |
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The Shotoku Children's Center is one of the most recent additions to the center. |
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The Sacred Studies Hall, another recent addition, provides space for meditation, yoga, and programs at the center. |
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The symbols on this shrine represent the secular components of Shambhala, free from Buddhist images. |
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Meditators sit before the Shambhala shrine. |
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A thanka (painting) of Shakyamuni Buddha faces the Shambhala flag. |
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Like the Shambhala shrine, offerings of incense and juniper are made. |
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There are representations of body, speech and mind as a statue of the Buddha, sacred texts and a crystal ball, respectively. Additionally, five cups of water and candles are offered. |
