Crestone Mountain Zen Center — Attraction in Four Corners States

My husband and I stayed here about three weeks ago (early October). Initially, we found CMZC just by searching for monasteries in Colorado after a co-worker of mine took a trip to a monastery in So. Cal. and raved about the experience. We knew nothing about Zen or Buddhism before going, and were simply looking for a different way to unwind.

I can't truly articulate what this experience was like for me, even if I wrote a 2,000-word review here. Bottom line - it was a profound experience. The practitioners (monks? students?) were some of the warmest, humble, helpful, and welcoming people I've ever met in my life. The sense of community we experienced with them and the other guests was unexpected and truly a special experience.

The three meals they provide each day were phenomenal, with many of the vegetables grown right there in their garden. The food and sense of community we experienced completely caught us off guard, but were probably some of the best parts of our stay.

Guests are welcome to participate in as much or as little of their daily practice as they like, and the practitioners are not pushy about it at all. I felt I was genuinely welcomed into their beautiful Zendo to participate in Zazen, which was truly an honor. Diving right into zen practice like that was a very moving experience for me, and I have pursued the practice ever since we left CMZC. I hate to trot out cliches, but the experience changed my life.

If you're a student looking for a retreat spot, or if you're just hapless, stressed out people like us, book your visit now. Just do it, and thank...

I am not a practicing Buddhist and after recently leaving a high demand religion, I wasn’t interested in participating in any of the meditations at CMZC. I really just needed a place where I could be alone and in the mountains for a few days to work through personal issues. CMZC was the perfect place for me to do that. There was no pressure to do any of the meditations, and I felt like I was accepted for who I was and how I spent my time there. The peace and serenity that exists there is pervasive and palpable. Interactions I had with staff and volunteers were easy and lovely. I’ve stayed at two other Buddhist monasteries in the West and feel that here there is a greater level of trust given to attendees. Ryan was the first to greet me and show me my room, and I appreciated subsequent conversations with him about the philosophy of Zen and his dharma. Brian, I think is a supervisor there and I witnessed him as a mentor in all the ways I assume represents tue best of Buddhism - his interactions with staff felt democratic and supportive, and I also had really meaningful conversations with him about family and relationships. And Tomás was also very kind and went out of his way to include me in mealtime conversations. The land there is so special, the creek full of magic, and the solitude I could access in such a safe way while also getting to sleep in a bed was an incredible gift. I found my center through my time at CMZC and am full of gratitude that peaceful people hold such a loving vibration at that peaceful...

I had the honor and privilege to participate in a large group Gathering at Crestone Mountain Zen Center for one week with our Legacy Cacao Celestial Clan. What a divine experience! In deep gratitude I want to share how supported and nurtured I felt from the staff there, the intentionally built spaces where we lived communally together, the cocoon feeling within the dome built in Sacred Geometry where we gathered in ceremony, intention, amd celebration, the deeply nourishing meals prepared by the staff which I could taste their love and receive grounded sustenance while partaking in the dining hall or the grassy garden space with the friendliest hummingbirds, the land with it's deep history, the creek where I was Divinely guided to the first morning I arose there to cleanse myself in a ceremony of self love, respect and reverence, their neighbors the Shumei Institute for welcoming us to visit their center and the natural elements and magic abound all around. I highly recommend planning a deep dive into a practice of Self love at Crestone Mountain Zen Center. Mahalo nui loa Brian & Lyndsey and your wonderful staff for opening your Center and your hearts... I feel full from a place of connectedness with myself and Source. I have the utmost gratitude and respect for each of you, your practices and your Spirits of living in service 🙏❤ The community of Crestone is a gem as well, and be sure not to miss an excursion to the Great Sand Dunes National Park...