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| The arid foothills around Fort Collins are still covered in several inches of snow today. The foothills are home to several tree species, including Douglas Fir, juniper, Aspen, and pines. I have always enjoyed spending time in this rocky landscape. That last cold front finally broke today, and the temperature is expected to soar into the low 50s (10 C). It's time to go enjoy the sunshine! About an hour northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado, near Red Feather Lakes, is the Drala Mountain Center. I learned of the center a few months ago and have wanted to explore it. Finally, the weather is cooperating with me. Immediately west of Highway 287, I see the mountains in the distance.  These granite features are common in this part of Colorado and the Intermountain West. When I look closely, they appear to comprise several individual granite boulders staked on each other. I always wonder how they were formed.  I'm enjoying the ride up. I spend much more time enjoying the scenery when I am not driving. I am fortunate that Joni offered to drive and accompany me today. The road eventually turns to gravel as the Drala Mountain Center nears.  The Drala Mountain Center is a 600-acre Tibetan meditation center in a northwest Colorado mountain valley. Although their schedule of retreats doesn't fit my schedule at the moment, I am still intrigued to visit the site. After parking, I notice a sign that points me in the way of The Great Stupa. The trail is just under 1 mi (1.6 km). I look at the path. This will be interesting. I hope my trail runners handle the snow alright.  After walking on snow, mud and through a few bogs, I reach this bridge. The Great Stupa is not far now. Fortunately, the trail is relatively flat. I have yet to slip. My shoes and socks are still dry. Woot! 😃  The Great Stupa is a remarkable building. I could not have imagined it here in Colorado. A stupa is a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine. The architecture feels purposeful and intentional, and I am intrigued by what I see in front of me.  As we near, I pass this small shrine. I notice several things that lead me to believe that people struggling with various addictions have left their mark here. Several full beer bottles are present. I notice a key chain that refers to sobriety. I also see coins from all over the world on the ledge. What was its true purpose?  The Great Stupa looks even more impressive the closer I get. Each feature is intended to represent a specific symbol and intention. Read more about the symbolism here.  At the entrance, there's a place to leave my shoes. A small sign invites me to wander about, sit, and take pictures as long as I respect the silence. The floor tile work is incredible. This lotus flower is one of several along the perimeter.  The interior is linked closely to the natural world. For example, this pomegranate and dragonfly are beautiful. This space reminds me of other buildings like El Capricho de Gaudí in Comilas, Spain, and Castle Coch in Wales (Refer to my post on Day 70). I love being inside structures like these. It evokes a strong sense of equanimity within me. I know I could easily add these elements to my house in the future. However, I wonder if I could replicate this feeling in my own home?  Shortly after entering, we have the place to ourselves.   Soon after, a feeling surfaces. A part of me would like to live as a monk. I let the feeling go as I refocus on my breath and finish my meditation. 🙏 Later, I reflect on my meditation. Interestingly, absolute tranquility and equanimity evoked this feeling almost instantly. I've had this feeling in the past. I don't know what this actually means. However, this might explain my desire to attend an extended meditation retreat. Could the two be tied together? I remind myself I have yet to schedule a retreat. Let's call it a gentle reminder to explore this further. As I leave, I notice how grounded I feel. This was a great way to spend the afternoon. As the sun drops on the horizon, the pinkish-red cliffs along Highway 287 remind me of how scenic northwestern Colorado is.  |
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