| | |
 
on 10/18/2008
by Lila B
|
I recently attended a weekend yoga workshop at Shambhala. The location is idealic. As I drove further and further from Colorado's congested Front Range, I already started feeling more peaceful and relaxed. The private accommodations are wonderful--I can't speak to the shared dorms or platform tents. The quality of teaching with Jill Satterfield was excellent, as was the yoga room. A peaceful place for retreat the fosters the inward journey. The tour of the Great Stupa was also wonderful.
|
on 2/13/2008
by Sumati
|
I visited SMC this past fall as part of the “Take Down” crew- volunteers who help to take down the lodging tents before the snow comes in exchange for food and lodging. I have very fond feelings for SMC based on my experience, but I have say that the experience itself was challenging and may not be for everyone. But I have also I spoken with several people who give SMC rave reviews and try to return each year. Please realize that my experiences were a bit different than most because I had the role of being “staff”, which is very, very different than being a participant in one of the retreat programs. Rather than being on the land with a specific focus for my attention (a retreat program), I was there completely open and ready to experience whatever the land and the teachings had to offer.
What I found to be quite shocking was SMC’s approach to Buddhism. I had not read much of Trungpa’s work or anything about his life so I was surprised to hear about the eating of meat and the drinking of alcohol (at staff gatherings). I was also surprised by the Kasong who were dressed in military style outfits and march around the land. But when I approached people to discuss my issues I found everyone to be very open to discussion and came to understand and respect the role of the Kasong in the protection of the land and the lineage. While at first they worried me, I came to be grateful for the security that they offered. I still chose not to eat meat, did not drink and refrained from sexual activities, and I felt very safe and supported in doing so, even by those who were drinking, etc.
In the end I am very grateful that my time at SMC helped me to confront my assumptions about what Buddhism is and is not, about the role of meat, alcohol and even sexuality in the face of spirituality. In essence SMC helped to strip me of my veils and to more fully realize a core Buddhist principle- that life is about how we approach each moment, our intention with each action is what is important, not the outcome or even the action itself.
I have been told by those who have attended retreats that SMC is a wonderful place, my experience was a bit different, a bit more challenging that the word “wonderful” allows for. But I am happy for the transformation that occurred through my time at SMC.
|
on 2/13/2008
by Sumati
|
I visited SMC this past fall as part of the “Take Down” crew- volunteers who help to take down the lodging tents before the snow comes in exchange for food and lodging. I have very fond feelings for SMC based on my experience, but I have say that the experience itself was challenging and may not be for everyone. But I have also I spoken with several people who give SMC rave reviews and try to return each year. Please realize that my experiences were a bit different than most because I had the role of being “staff”, which is very, very different than being a participant in one of the retreat programs. Rather than being on the land with a specific focus for my attention (a retreat program), I was there completely open and ready to experience whatever the land and the teachings had to offer.
What I found to be quite shocking was SMC’s approach to Buddhism. I had not read much of Trungpa’s work or anything about his life so I was surprised to hear about the eating of meat and the drinking of alcohol (at staff gatherings). I was also surprised by the Kasong who were dressed in military style outfits and march around the land. But when I approached people to discuss my issues I found everyone to be very open to discussion and came to understand and respect the role of the Kasong in the protection of the land and the lineage. While at first they worried me, I came to be grateful for the security that they offered. I still chose not to eat meat, did not drink and refrained from sexual activities, and I felt very safe and supported in doing so, even by those who were drinking, etc.
In the end I am very grateful that my time at SMC helped me to confront my assumptions about what Buddhism is and is not, about the role of meat, alcohol and even sexuality in the face of spirituality. In essence SMC helped to strip me of my veils and to more fully realize a core Buddhist principle- that life is about how we approach each moment, our intention with each action is what is important, not the outcome or even the action itself.
I have been told by those who have attended retreats that SMC is a wonderful place, my experience was a bit different, a bit more challenging that the word “wonderful” allows for. But I am happy for the transformation that occurred through my time at SMC.
|
on 2/5/2008
by Gretchen Vaughn
|
I've been to four retreats at the Shambhala Mountain Center: Turning the Mind into an Ally, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, and Shambhala Warrior Training Levels 2 & 3. My favorite was the MBSR retreat which was an unbelievable experience. The facility itself offers a variety of accommodations. Since I've gone in the winter, I always chose either Shambhala or Rigden Lodge. Those two lodges are new and very, very nice. The staff are very attentive and make sure your dietary and other needs are met. The cooks sometimes get a little too creative, but the food quality is good overall. The location is very spiritual and looked over by the Great Stupa, which is a tourist attraction unto itself.
|
on 1/1/2008
by soccerlexis
|
Unfortunately, I cannot recommend Shambhala Mountain Center based upon my time there. A tremendous amount of time was spent paying homage to the teachings through chants and other ceremonies, but people at the retreat, including staff members, did not seem to follow the core Buddhist ethical principles. Twice, a woman was hit on by staff members, one of whom is already in a committed relationship, which is completely against their Code of Conduct. I also heard of staff having large quantities of alcohol on campus. In the Dathun (retreat) program, participants spend five hours per day eating oryoki style meals, which consist of a great deal of ceremony and a great lack of hygiene. There were pictures on the shrine of the two teachers whose teaching we were supposed to bow down to. Many participants complained that they were not getting into a deep meditative state and that much of the day was spent moving around cushions. People rarely obeyed the rules for functional and noble silence which proved disruptive for the retreat. They were packed like sardines into a tiny shrineroom for 10-12 hours per day, which couldn't have helped. One strange thing was that 20-30 male staff members were walking around in faux-military uniforms. The physical area was beautiful, but that could be said about a lot of retreat centers. Sorry, but I simply cannot recommend this place.
|
on 11/20/2003
by Dave Platter
|
I spent a summer at Shambhala Mountain Center and loved it so much I'm still working with them, even though I've moved back to New York City. It's a wonderful place. I recommend everyone try it, if for a weekend or a year.
|
on 3/24/2003
by Estelle Van Pavert
|
Shambhala Mountain Center is completely delightful. Highly recommend visiting this special place if you are interested in meditation or yoga.
|