A statement from the founder of Pema Zabmo Ling:


In my decades of Buddhist practice, there is something I’ve heard fellow meditators say many times:

“I wish I could just go to a cave somewhere in Tibet and meditate.”

To some, this is just a passing fantasy, but for many, it is a deep longing to practice somewhere that feels highly conducive to spiritual development, and somewhere deep in nature where one feels free from the chaos of the world. It has been my aspiration to create a place like this in America that is spiritually powerful, easy to access, and affordable to stay for practice. Through much effort and examination of different locations, I was able to acquire a plot of land that felt right, located in the small town of Cotopaxi, Colorado. I decided to call it Pema Zabmo Ling, “Profound Lotus Grove”
Pema པདྨ་: Lotus
Zabmo ཟབ་མོ་: Profound
Ling གླིང་: Grove/sanctuary/place/land

What sets Pema Zabmo Ling apart:

Natural beauty and space: Pema Zabmo Ling has 2.5 acres to explore. It is a mix of high hills with panoramic views of snowcapped mountains, shady areas surrounded by towering trees, and large boulders and other interesting natural features to sit by. It is also situated next to BLM open land and is located right at the trailhead to Lookout Mountain, an 8,500 foot peak with incredible 360 degree views. One can easily be a “wandering yogi” and practice in a different spot outside every day while staying at Pema Zabmo Ling.

Affordability and ease: Finding a similar place to stay through airbnb would likely cost hundreds of dollars a night. I want people to be able to do retreat without financially straining themselves, so I came up with a very basic pricing structure: For only $500, you will be provided transportation from Denver International Airport (or from your nearby home in Colorado) to the retreat center, as well as transportation back after your retreat. Your first night is free and included in the $500 payment. Every additional night is only $20. There is private parking on the land for those that prefer to drive themselves there. Your food and supplies can also be brought there for you, after providing a list and purchasing them in advance.

Open to everyone: You do not need to be associated with any particular religious tradition or be a member of any particular group to practice here. It is for all who wish to deepen their contemplative practice in a beautiful and secluded place. Though Pema Zabmo Ling is designed in dedicated alignment with Tibetan Buddhist tradition, it is not associated with any specific Buddhist group, lineage, or authority. In this way, it also follows the tradition of the non-sectarian yogi, who simply focuses on solitary retreat for the benefit of all beings.

Spiritually powerful place: Many rare and precious objects have been placed on the land, many of which can be viewed. You will find a sacred and rare plaque of Padmasambhava, statues, and a small stupa filled according to tradition, with special objects inside. There have already been several ceremonies blessing the land, and more will be done before its official opening. Following the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Pema Zabmo Ling must open on an auspicious astrological date. The official opening will be Saturday, March 28th, 2026, which is considered a “Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) day.”

The retreat facility is still under construction. There is already a small, insulated room with a bed, meditation cushion, and shrine. Over the next year, I will be working to add more amenities, construct a new meditation room, and create safer trails to walk through the land.

There is no pressure or obligation to donate, but I have provided a button if one wishes to do so. 100% of the funds will go toward improving the retreat land and facilities over the next year. There is still much work to be done, including building the main retreat cabin, which will be larger and have an amazing view of the mountains and sky.

If you have any questions or interest in future retreat, please use the contact form, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.