In a world that rewards speed, productivity, and constant responsiveness, stepping into retreat is a quiet act of resistance. It’s choosing depth over distraction.

Taradhatu, with its lineage rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and carried forward by the vision of Prema Dasara, has always been about this: devotion made visible, devotion made communal.

Crestone is home to more than twenty different spiritual centers—Zen, Tibetan, Shambhala, Hindu, Carmelite, you name it.

Born in Cuba, Giulietta took Buddhist refuge in 2014 at the age of 26 or 27. At that time, she was an art historian informally representing artists. Her interest in Buddhism began when an artist introduced her to it, and she soon discovered that a Buddhist teacher was visiting. Despite her lack of prior religious commitment, she decided to take refuge along with her best friend. The opportunity seemed unique, and they didn't question the type of Buddhism being practiced, which turned out to be Tantra under Lama Ole.

I encountered spiritual practice through reading BKS Iyengar’s Light on Yoga when I was 18 and immediately trying a number of the forbidden pranayama techniques that he described in the back of the book, because of course this is what you do when you’re 18.

My first exposure to Buddhism wasn’t significant. In fact, it was a turn off. A man who claimed to be Buddhist visited our high school and basically told our class his goal was to become a heartless robot. Well, not entirely, but pretty much… There wasn’t any joy. 

For Alex, the karmic approach resonated, particularly focusing on desire types—those motivated by what they like. He expressed a preference for a lifestyle seamlessly integrated into everyday life, avoiding a disconnect between meditation and regular activities. Alex embraced the concept of tantra, emphasizing the incorporation of spiritual practices into every moment. He discussed the importance of holding a high-level view after meditation, seeing everything as perfect, pure, and full of potential. To him, recognizing the inherent Buddha nature in beings and appreciating the positive aspects of people's lives were paramount.

As she reached the limits of her knowledge in Hinduism, Shinchok turned her attention to the Mahāmudrā, discovering that Buddhist teachings provided the answers she sought. Her desire for a genuine meditation master led her to a Buddhist center where she encountered the teachings of Je Tsongkhapa. Feeling a profound connection, she embraced Buddhism and its emphasis on devotion, recognizing it as a path to crack open her heart and discover her true self.