A few days ago, I decided it was time to make the drive to see The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya located in the heart of the Shambhala Mountain Center by Red Feather lakes Colorado.
First I wanted to stop and eat at my favorite Restaurant for Lunch - it's called the Cheese Importers in Longmont Colorado. They have a 200 square foot refrigerator filled with Cheeses from around the world. They also have a store filled with colorful household items from France, plus specialty conficture, oils, vinegars, and of course, chocolates. My favorite part is their deli where you can order freshly made salads, sandwiches, quiche, soups of the season and cakes - which you can enjoy in their quaintly decorated dinning room with French decor. All their cakes are divine. My favorite is the chocolate Oblivion served with Fresh Raspberries.
After enjoying our lunch. We then continued on our journey up Highway 287 through Loveland and Fort Collins.
Finally, we arrive at the Shambhala Mountain Center. It's a beautiful center nestled in the Northern Rockies. When we arrived there were signs posted that they were hosting a silent retreat and asked that we respect the silence through the 'downtown' area. Downtown is a few buildings and platform tents for sleeping. We could, however, talk in the gift shop and around the Stupa.
As we walk the 1/2 mile trek up to the stupa, we start to get an impression of the magificents of the Stupa. It is 3 stories high. Whatever your religious belief is, you can appreciate the craftsmanship, architecture, and artwork. Written in the visitor's center is a plaque that states: "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."
Inside the base of the Stupa in a domed shaped room where there is an 18 foot statue of Buddha. You have an opportunity to spend some time meditating. What I found impressive was whatever you are thinking about, or dwelling on - nothing appeared bigger at that moment than the grace and beauty of the 18 foot statue. Every problem seemed dwarfed, diminished, and inconsequential.
While we were in the room with the 18’ Buddha, I received a message for a lady that was in the room with us. I ignored it – and walked around the outside of the Stupa in a clockwise fashion. I came back in and started to meditate again. I got the message again – but much louder this time. I looked up at the Buddha and said silently…”But I’m going to look like an idiot, if I do that.” The voice said,” this is your work.” So I went and asked if I could give her back energy. She said, "yes please". When I finished I sat down and started to meditate again…the voice said louder, but in a kind yet firm voice…”give her the message too.” So, as I was leaving, I mentioned that I received a message for her and asked if she would like that I share it with her. She said, "yes please". I gave her the message. She said thank you and we left.
After leaving the Stupa, we watched the 25 minute video of the making of the Stupa at the Vistors Center - which is a must see. As we entered the building, there was a hummingbird enjoying the wild flowers planted around the patio.
On the way back to the car, we stop off at the visitors center and purchase a few items - a memory of our visit.
As we drive back to Denver approaching home around sunset time, we looked at the mountain range and saw that where we had visited in the Northern Mountains - the setting sun was a vibrant red - the rest of the mountains were already dark.
Almost as if saying, thank you for the visit.
Friday, August 13, 2010
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