I have lived in this area for more than five years, yet I just finally got around to visiting the Shambhala Mountain Center. I loved it. It is only about an hour away from Fort Collins, where I live, in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. The natural environment there is gorgeous, and we had a delicious and nutritious lunch that they serve to the public each day. After lunch, we hiked up to the Stupa. Just before the Stupa, is this alter, which is very interesting to look at. There are uncountable treasures left by visitors. I left a penny, but next time I will come prepared with a more personal or meaningful item to offer.
On a bench on the way up the steps was a chipmunk. This is the first live chipmunk I have ever seen in real life (that I remember, anyway).
Here we are at the front door (Mystery Man was really good about wearing baby all day long that day).
Upon entering, I was absolutely floored with a sense of peace and wonder, seeing this incredibly gentle and beautiful rendition of the Buddha.The pictures do not do it justice, as the feeling standing in that space is absolutely transformative.
I wanted to capture a close-up of the mudra(hand expression), as I find it to be particularly special. Oh, and look at the incredible eyes on this statue. When baby saw it she smiled so brightly and said "deeeeee" which means she really, really likes it.
This is the ceiling. I layed down on the meditation cushions and looked up, to take this pic. There are animals all around the outside. They remind me of the animals in the chinese zodiac, but I am not sure if that is what they are.
Here is a more complete shot of the outside as we were leaving,
and from the back, from the hill behind.'The purpose of the stupa is to promote peace and harmony and compassion in the world. It is a proclamation- a monument to human kindness.'
As we trudged on up the hill, we saw many dear, and then we made our way to the Shinto shrine. We bowed as we went through the gates, and bowed and clapped at the alter, as we read was according to custom. I like what I read about Shinto in Japan. It feels somehow similar to my own pagan spirituality.
So lovely nestled in the woods.
