Located in Crestone, Colorado, the Blazing Mountain Retreat Center is the retreat home of the Dharma Ocean Foundation. Nestled at the base of the stunning 14,000 foot Sangre de Cristo mountain peaks, the 16 acre facility bordered by greenbelt and protected land includes a 24,000 square foot Shrine Hall building and a 24,000 square foot Residence Hall building. The two buildings combined create a completely self-contained retreat container, allowing the practicing community of each program to share the richness of life together while in retreat.
The center has been called one of the most beautiful retreat facilities in North America, and its remarkable atmosphere evokes the ancient pilgrimage sites of old, inviting all who come here into a deep exploration of contemplative practice. The construction of the center, which reached completion in 2011, was done in close collaboration and consultation with the local community, various ecological conservancy foundations, and with deep respect for the ancient indigenous traditions of the San Luis Valley.
Through conducting our own programming, inviting guest teachers to lead programs, and opening the center to other organizations, it is our hope that Blazing Mountain will become the retreat home for a variety contemplative and wisdom traditions and stand out as a beacon of wakefulness in the world.
To learn more about the Blazing Mountain Retreat Center, please click here.
The Meaning of "Blazing Mountain"
"Blazing Mountain" is the name of the Pure Land of Vajrakilaya, a Vajrayana Buddhist deity who manifests as an expression of Buddhahood or the awakened state. Vajrakilaya was the main yidam of Padmasambhava as he brought Buddhism to Tibet and is associated with overcoming the special obstacles that arise when the Vajrayana is brought to a new culture. In that vein, Vajrakilaya was of special significance to Trungpa Rinpoche when he brought Vajrayana Buddhism to the West. "Blazing Mountain" also connects with "Sangre de Cristo Mountains," the Western name of the mountain range in which the retreat center is located. The "Blood of Christ Mountains" refers to the fiery appearance of the mountains at sunset. So, the "Blazing Mountain" name expresses the physical appearance of the mountains as they have been seen and revered in the past.