During a recent trip Mary and I found ourselves in Pagosa Springs, Colorado staying at the SOCO Motel.  Chris and Krista, both friends of the owners Autumn and Colin, and now friends of ours told us of a Buddhist monastery outside of town.  They offered to take us there on a beautiful Sunday morning.  After nearly 25 miles of dirt road we were at Tara Mandala.  We were greeted at the door by the icon above and by Sarah, one of the practitioners.

Led by Lama Tsultrim Allione, Tara Mandala is dedicated to the awakening of a compassionate heart through manifestation of Tara, the female Buddha of compassion.

Bodhi, the facilities manager took us on a tour and told us about the land and spaces.

Mandala Stupa.  Many items left here as personal offerings (the oddest was an orange clay pigeon for skeet shooting).

Tara

 

The 21 Taras.

 

View from the third floor balcony of the main temple space.

 

In Pagosa Springs, Colorado there are two things you should do.  Visit Tara Mandala and stay at the SOCO Motel.

I bow with deep respect to the folks at the Tara Mandala, Sarah and Bodhi especially, and to Autumn, Colin, Chris and Krista at the SOCO Motel.