Chamma Ling Colorado
Supportive, Beautiful Environment for Group and Solitary Retreats
Mountains near Chamma LingCindy Pearson Garcia writes about this solitary retreat center in the Colorado Rockies.
Silence, stillness, spaciousness – words of wisdom from our beloved teacher, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche, and pervasive qualities inherent at the retreat land known as Chamma Ling Colorado.
Nestled amongst the Pinion Pines and Juniper trees, the retreat center offers the solitary practitioner abundant support for meditation and contemplation. The towering 14,000-foot Rocky Mountain peaks and national forest cradle the center and provide the ideal, natural environment for those working with dzogchen and the natural elements. The expansive view to the West looks out over the Baca National Wildlife Refuge and is the perfect setting for sky gazing, sunset viewing and basking in the brilliant starry night sky. To the south the Great Sand Dunes National Park resides in splendor and has been noted as one of the quietest places on earth. As working with the elements to bring balance and clarity runs throughout the Tibetan Bon tradition, this retreat location is an ideal setting for deep maturation of the dedicated practitioner.
While visiting the Crestone/Baca area many years ago, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche recognized these spectacular qualities and set intention for development of the retreat land so generously donated by Hanne and Maurice Strong of the Manitou Foundation. Immense effort and donations have gone into Chamma Ling over the years, and the retreat center is now thriving and providing wonderful practice opportunities for many people in the Bon tradition, as well as other practitioners from various other lineages.
Retreat cabin and Cabin kitchen Cabins are thoughtfully designed, each with a kitchen, bedroom, practice space with shrine and bath with hot shower. Accommodations are specific for the independent practitioner, for a closed retreat, or dark retreat, which the cabins are expertly crafted to support. Attendant services can be arranged for meal preparation, grocery shopping/delivery and specific needs as necessary, with special attention given to dark retreat intricacies.
Chamma Ling Community House Additionally, a beautiful community house was recently completed and is a perfect complement to the retreat cabins. It hosts small teachings with visiting Bon lamas at various times throughout the year, and local sangha practice gatherings. The space further provides additional housing options, along with a kitchen and laundry to further enhance the retreat experience.
Tenzin Rinpoche has traditionally offered teachings each fall in Crestone, and many pilgrimage there to receive his blessings, practice at Chamma Ling and find awareness through connection with nature. A traditional sang chod (smoke offering) is typically a celebrated part of the annual retreat, along with an auction and dinner party. The annual auction has been a designated Chamma Ling fundraiser over the years, and the generous donations have built the cabins and infrastructure on the retreat land. The long-term vision for the center includes a few additional, off-grid cabins, more remotely placed in the mountains, the continuation of practitioner retreat support and the sharing of Bon teachings.
Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche teaching at rented center near Chamma LingBeing one of approximately 30 spiritual centers in the area, Chamma Ling is part of Hanne Strong’s unique vision to bring together the world’s main religious lineages in Crestone. Therefore, when visiting, one may also enjoy other neighboring temples or centers such as Yeshe Khorlo, Haidakhandi Universal Ashram, The Crestone Mountain Zen Center, Blazing Mountain Retreat Center and Shumei International, to name a few.
Year-round availability is maintained at Chamma Ling, and a wide range of supplies can be obtained in Crestone such as organic and locally grown food, hardware, basic household supplies, ATM/bank, post office and several restaurants. Emergency services and holistic therapists in the area are exceptional. The nearest hospital, pharmacy, larger grocery stores, small airport and rental cars are an hour away.
Reservations for cabins can be obtained through the online application process. A practice biography is required that describes practitioners’ training and practices that have led them to a retreat request. A retreat schedule for how one plans to spend each day also is required.
