Vajra Vidya is a monastery
& retreat center in Crestone, CO.
Hosting group & private retreats in the Kagyu tradition for beginners and experienced practitioners.
UPCOMING RETREATS
December 11 - December 15, 2025
The Excellence of Bodhisattvas Retreat
with Ani Lodro Palmo
In this retreat, we will look closely at Shantideva’s guidance on how to become bodhisattvas ourselves. He shows that the true meaning of generosity is a willingness to give whatever is needed to relieve our own and others’ suffering. When this truth is realized, everything becomes possible—we glimpse the divine joy of the bodhisattva way.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
OUR TEACHERS
Khenpo Lobzang, Khenpo Jigme, and Ani Lodro Palmo offer meditation instruction and Buddhist study throughout the year and provide guidance for retreat.
THE LAND & CRESTONE
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.