Vajra Vidya is a monastery
& retreat center in Crestone, CO.

Hosting group & private retreats in the Kagyu tradition for beginners and experienced practitioners.

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UPCOMING RETREATS

January 22 - January 27, 2026

Guru Rinpoche Konchog Chidu Retreat
with Khenpo Jigme

In this retreat we practice Konchog Chidu, a Guru Rinpoche terma revealed by Jatsön Nyingpo and treasured in the Karma Kagyu lineage as a complete path of blessing and realization. Through visualization, mantra, and supplication, we connect with Guru Rinpoche, a living bridge between our present confusion and the wisdom mind of awakening.

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February 13 - February 18, 2026

Mahakala Losar Retreat with Khenpo Jigme

This retreat is dedicated to Bernagchen Mahakala, the principal protector of the Karma Kagyu lineage, and leads directly into Losar, the Tibetan New Year of the Fire Horse. Through daily protector practice, torma, tsok, and serkyem, we purify the obscurations of the old year and prepare auspicious conditions for the year to come.

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made with love by En Wang, featuring Ani Lodro Palmo, Director and teacher at Vajra Vidya Retreat Center & Monastery

Vajra Vidya is a Kagyu lineage monastery

…and retreat center in the Sangre de Cristo mountains. We welcome beginners and experienced practitioners for structured retreats, private stays, and daily practice. Our teachers, Khenpo Lobzang, Khenpo Jigme, and Ani Lodro Palmo offer ongoing instruction and support.

Private retreats

Book a stay at Vajra Vidya.

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Retreats & calendar

Upcoming programs and registration.

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Teachers

Learn about Khenpo Lobzang, Khenpo Jigme & Ani Lodro Palmo.

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Donation & memberships

Help sustain practice and care for the space.

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OUR SHRINE ROOM

Our main shrine holds an 8-foot statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and is surrounded by statues of Tara, Medicine Buddha, and the Thousand Buddhas. The room carries a steady atmosphere for meditation, daily prayers, and ceremonies.

All are welcome to attend morning meditation practice Tuesday - Sundays from 9:00AM - 10:00AM

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OUR RINPOCHE AND FOUNDER

Vajra Vidya was established at the guidance of the Venerable Thrangu Rinpoche, a renowned master of Mahamudra meditation and teacher to many. He recognized Crestone as a supportive place for Dharma and dedicated this Center to sincere practice.

A framed photograph of a smiling elderly man dressed in traditional red Buddhist robes, placed within a decorative, golden, intricately carved altar with flowers in front.

OUR TEACHERS

Khenpo Lobzang, Khenpo Jigme, and Ani Lodro Palmo offer meditation instruction and Buddhist study throughout the year and provide guidance for retreat.

A smiling monk in traditional robes with hands pressed together, sitting in front of a microphone in a colorful temple setting.
A woman wearing glasses and a maroon robe with a yellow inner garment, looking to her right, with a blurred colorful background.
A smiling monk in red robes and yellow collar, wearing glasses, standing outdoors with a blurred background of people and a structure with a roof.
Meet our teachers

THE LAND & CRESTONE

Mountain range with snow-capped peaks in the background, desert-like orange and brown sand dunes in the foreground, and clear blue sky.

Set at 8,200 feet, the Center looks across the San Luis Valley toward Great Sand Dunes National Park. Clear skies, quiet air, and open vistas support deep practice. Nearby trails, hot springs, and vast night skies make this a rare place to rest the mind.