|
Located on 600 acres of land in northern Colorado, the rural mountain landscape at the center provides an ideal atmosphere for practice and study. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Another unique component of the land is the Kami Shrine -- a Japanese tradition honoring a female spirit. |
|
Offerings are made to the Kami. |
|
The Shotoku Children's Center is one of the most recent additions to the center. |
|
The Sacred Studies Hall, another recent addition, provides space for meditation, yoga, and programs at the center. |
|
The symbols on this shrine represent the secular components of Shambhala, free from Buddhist images. |
|
Meditators sit before the Shambhala shrine. |
|
A thanka (painting) of Shakyamuni Buddha faces the Shambhala flag. |
|
Like the Shambhala shrine, offerings of incense and juniper are made. |
|
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. |
|
The main shrine tent is used for specific programs including Sutrayana and Vajrayana Seminary. |
|
Offerings. |
|
Important teachers are remembered at the shrine. |
|
Sutrayana Seminary participants meditate before the beautiful shrine. |
|
Sutrayana Seminary participants meditate before the beautiful shrine. |
|
Retreat and Renewal participants learn "Ikebana," the Japanese art of flower arranging. |
|
The recently completed "Great Stupa of Dharmakaya which Liberates Upon Seeing" adds a new dimension to the community as its breathtaking effects attract approximately 300 visitors weekly. |
|
Many people come from all corners of the nation to see the outstanding piece of Buddhist architecture. |
|
The stupa represents the Buddha himself, sitting in meditation posture -- his legs being the steps, the round part his torso and the small square his head. He is crowned by 13 golden spires and a sun, crescent moon and jewel. |
|
The accuracy and precision are expressed through the quality of artwork and craftsmanship. |
|
Director of art and design, Joshua Mulder, sits before the statue he constructed. |
|
The ceiling inside the stupa depicts the Kalichakra mandala, a meditation practice. |
|
A display area alongside the wall inside pays tribute to Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. |
