Drala Mountain Center

Retreat center for meditation, yoga and contemplative arts on 650 beautiful acres in northern Colorado 🧘☁️⛰️


Drala Mountain Center

Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind our colors? 🤔💭 The greens, browns, gold, maroon, and purple in our palette are far from random.

💜 While our forest greens and rich browns draw inspiration from the natural world around us, our signature purple carries deep spiritual roots. In Buddhist tradition, purple represents higher consciousness and honors the crown chakra. It reflects the solemnity of our path and practice, capturing the sacredness of the land and our lineage.

💛 Gold is prominently used throughout the Shambhala tradition, symbolizing the inherent brilliance of human consciousness and the dignity of the path. Frequently paired with deep, dark tones, gold brings warmth, abundance, and sacredness into our space.

🤎 You may have also noticed our increased use of a deep maroon color. The Tibetan word "Mukpo" translates literally to a deep maroon or burgundy hue. It is often linked closely with the Earth due to it's similarity to rich, dark soil. Beyond its literal definition, Mukpo refers to the ancestral clan of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Despite his status as a tulku, he chose to keep his family name, as he explained in his book, Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior: "Nonetheless, I have kept the name Mukpo as my family name, my identity, my pride."

Here at Drala Mountain Center, every color connects us to our lineage and the land, grounding our tradition as we look toward the future. 🙏✨

#DralaMountainCenter #Shambhala #BuddhistTradition #SacredColors #Mukpo #ChogyamTrungpa #SpiritualPath

3 days ago | [YT] | 3

Drala Mountain Center

From start to finish, the benches you see around Drala Mountain Center are handcrafted with care and intention by the very hands that tend to this sacred place. 🤲 Made from wood harvested on land, they offer a place of respite and contemplation for visitors and generations to come.🌲

Now, you have the opportunity to contribute to our collective efforts to preserve and steward the land we call home. When you donate a bench, you are leaving a lasting imprint on the lives of everyone who comes here seeking peace, healing, and connection. When you add a dedication plaque, you can choose to honor a loved one or a teaching that has touched your life.

🪵 Donate a bench today: www.dralamountain.org/fundraising-benches-and-bric…

#DralaMountainCenter #GiveBack #LivingLegacy #BuddhistCommunity #Generosity #SacredLand #SupportNonprofits

6 days ago | [YT] | 3

Drala Mountain Center

☸️ Did you know?

The Buddha in the Great Stupa forms a hand gesture known as the Dharmachakra Mudra that symbolizes the "Turning of the Wheel of Dharma." This was the moment the Buddha shared his first teachings after attaining enlightenment.

The circles formed by the thumb and index finger represent the continuity and perfection of the Dharma, while the two hands together express the union of wisdom and compassionate action. More than a symbol of teaching, this mudra reminds us that wisdom is meant to be lived, shared, and offered for the benefit of all beings.

Every detail within the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya carries meaning, inviting us to slow down, look closely, and reflect on the timeless teachings of the Buddha.

Have you noticed this mudra during your visit to the Stupa? ☸️✨

#DralaMountainCenter #GreatStupaofDharmakaya #Buddhism #DharmachakraMudra #Dharma #Mindfulness #SacredSpace #ColoradoRetreat

1 week ago | [YT] | 7

Drala Mountain Center

Sunsets and sunrises lately on land 😍🌄

It is a lesson in impermanence to watch how the sky changes throughout the day. As the colors of the sky, the whether, and even the seasons shift, may we embrace impermanence and let go of our fear and anxiety so to be more fully present in our lives.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and present Wednesday!

#DralaMountainCenter #Sunsets #Sunrise #Presence #ColoradoMountains

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

Drala Mountain Center

As #DralaMountainCenter prepares for the winter season, we're looking for volunteers to help with our tent takedown!

Volunteer tasks include:
⛺Taking down tents
🛋 Storing furniture and supplies
🌱Landscaping and preparing the land for the colder months

This oppurtunity runs from September 25th until October 4th with daily shifts from 9am until 3pm, with a break in the middle for lunch. All meals and lodging are included. Simply choose how long you would like to help when you register under “Choose Your Accommodations.”

🔗Register here: www.dralamountain.org/program/tent-takedown-2026-v…

This is a wonderful opportunity to help steward this land and we greatly appreciate your help! 🙏

#VolunteerOppurtunity #GreatfulForVolunteers #LandStewardship #DralaCommunity #FallSeason

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 5

Drala Mountain Center

Yesterday marked the Hungry Ghost Festival, the peak of Hungry Ghost Month!👻🍜🍛

As we honor the wandering spirits that roam during this period, may we reflect on our own attachments, cravings, and desires and learn to let go.😌

#HungryGhostFestival #Buddhism #Mindfulness #Generosity #DralaMountainCenter

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 4

Drala Mountain Center

Some incredible shots of the Perseid meteor shower from the very talented TJ Legler.🌠Last week's celestial event coincided closely with a solar eclipse reminding us all of the power and beauty of the natural world. 🌌

Go check out the work of lightpainting artist and photographer TJ Legler!

#DralaMountainCenter #PerseidMeteorShower #LightpaintingPhotography #CosmicEnergy

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 7

Drala Mountain Center

We were so honored to be mentioned in World Atlas' recent article about the perfect towns for a weekend retreat! 📰 Red Feather Lakes does offers the ideal backdrop to a quiet, contemplative, and stress-free weekend (or week, or even month!)

The sacredness of this land cannot be denied, and we always feel blessed to share it with the world. Come by for a day, a weekend, a week, or longer. All are welcome! 🤲

Read the full article here: www.worldatlas.com/cities/11-stress-free-towns-in-…

#DralaMountainCenter #ColoradoRockies #WorldAtlas #RedFeatherLakes #MountainRetreat #VisitColorado

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

Drala Mountain Center

Leave your mark on Drala Mountain Center and create something that inspires and encourages retreatants for years to come. 🧱🌲

When you donate an engraved brick to DMC, you become part of our living legacy. By honoring someone special, sharing a meaningful mantra, or celebrating a beloved teacher, your personalized brick becomes a permanent part of the pathways that connect this sacred land.

Create a lasting reminder of the people, teachings, and aspirations that make this community so meaningful while giving back.

🧱 Personalize a brick: www.thatsmybrick.com/dralamountain/

#DralaMountainCenter #GiveBack #LivingLegacy #BuddhistCommunity #Generosity #SacredLand #SupportNonprofit

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 4

Drala Mountain Center

Have you been looking for a meaningful way to give back to this sangha? 🌿 Or perhaps you’ve been longing for a tangible reminder that you’re part of something bigger than yourself?

At #DralaMountainCenter, we’re excited to offer a special opportunity to give back to this sacred land while creating a lasting reminder of your generosity. 🏔️💚
Crafted by hand from wood harvested on the land, these benches invite visitors to slow down, be present, and appreciate the beauty around them. Add a dedication plaque to honor a loved one, a meaningful teaching, or a special connection to this place.

And you don’t have to do it alone! Gather your local community, friends, or family and purchase a bench together. To make the process simple, we recommend choosing one person in your group to collect donations and submit the contribution online.🤝
Learn more and donate here:

dralamountain.networkforgood.com/projects/303106-p…

#DralaMountainCenter #GiveBack #LivingLegacy #BuddhistCommunity #Generosity #SacredLand #Community #SupportNonprofits #ColoradoRetreat

1 month ago | [YT] | 4