Having completed construction of a community building in 2005, Tara Mandala Retreat in Pagosa Springs, Colo. is near completion of a new Secret Treasury Temple in October. The temple, along with other buildings on the retreat land use solar power.
The temple design originated as a vision in a dream belonging to Tsultrim Allione, founder of the retreat and one of the few first American women ordained a Tibetan nun. She created the retreat area to fcreate an emerging sacred feminine presence. The vision is made reality as a three-dimensional mandala with three levels, each smaller than the last. The first level represents the Nirmanakaya, meaning enlightened body, for teachings and ceremonies. Four life size Tara, female Buddha of compassion, statues will call the temple home. The second level is Sambhogakaya, meaning enlightened speech, will contain a library with rooms for translation and teacher-student discussion. The third level, Dharmakaya, means enlightened mind, is a circular and small space for gatherings. Balconies surround the second and third levels.
Although the temple is expected for completion in October, the center does not have the employees or volunteers to adequately staff the new temple, according to retreat staff.
Staff incorporated sustainability into land restoration on the 600 acres of land including five ponds, planting of hundreds of native trees and shrubs, soil building and the reseeding of native grasses. Retreat staff collect local herbs, creating herbal medicines and body care products, in which the proceeds support Tara Mandala. For more information visit: http://www.taramandala.org/.
The temple design originated as a vision in a dream belonging to Tsultrim Allione, founder of the retreat and one of the few first American women ordained a Tibetan nun. She created the retreat area to fcreate an emerging sacred feminine presence. The vision is made reality as a three-dimensional mandala with three levels, each smaller than the last. The first level represents the Nirmanakaya, meaning enlightened body, for teachings and ceremonies. Four life size Tara, female Buddha of compassion, statues will call the temple home. The second level is Sambhogakaya, meaning enlightened speech, will contain a library with rooms for translation and teacher-student discussion. The third level, Dharmakaya, means enlightened mind, is a circular and small space for gatherings. Balconies surround the second and third levels.
Although the temple is expected for completion in October, the center does not have the employees or volunteers to adequately staff the new temple, according to retreat staff.
Staff incorporated sustainability into land restoration on the 600 acres of land including five ponds, planting of hundreds of native trees and shrubs, soil building and the reseeding of native grasses. Retreat staff collect local herbs, creating herbal medicines and body care products, in which the proceeds support Tara Mandala. For more information visit: http://www.taramandala.org/.
