In August 2024, Pema Chöling monastics helped organize, and participated in, a historic event: Ven. Pema Chödrön, for the first time in her 50 years as a nun, conferring lifetime novice nun’s vows to an aspirant at Vajra Vidya Retreat Center. Read more here.
Who we are
In recognition of the maturation and stability of the Pema Chöling monastic community, on July 1, 2019, the Pema Chödrön Foundation officially granted Pema Chöling the deed to the residential property that they had purchased for the community in October, 2015. The Pema Chöling board wishes to express its deep gratitude for such unstinting generosity and trust on the part of the Pema Chödrön Foundation, with the pledge to be conscientious stewards of this rare monastic environment. And while the PCF has promised ongoing annual support for Pema Chöling, assuming responsibility for the property will mean additional financial responsibilities as well—insurance, POA fees, physical maintenance, etc. It is our hope that Pema Chöling’s benefactors and friends will continue to contribute to our fiscal health, so that the community may direct the majority of its focus to the spiritual development of themselves and all sentient beings. Please consider committing to a monthly or one-time donation here, and may you thereby be blessed with effortless abundance.
In the tradition of the Buddhist Vihara, Pema Chöling provides lodging for both permanent and temporary monastic residents within our 3-bedroom home in Crestone, Colorado. But ‘community’ for us extends beyond those living on-site to include the growing number of monks and nuns who live individually in the surrounding area.
Monastic residents and non-residents meet twice a month for the sojong ceremony (confession and renewal of precepts) and yearly for the traditional one-month study and meditation retreat known as yarné. In between, we meet to practice, study and socialize together. Importantly, we also make a point to remain in close, caring communication in order to provide practical support for one another, however needed.
If you’re a monastic interested in a long- or short-term stay at Pema Chöling, or curious to explore living on your own in Crestone while being actively connected to a group of ordained sangha, we invite you to come and experience the Pema Chöling community. Help us discover and define a new kind of monastic community – one based on the Vinaya that acknowledges the challenges and choices that living as a Buddhist monastic in the West can bring.
“This is the entire holy life, Ananda, that is, good friendship, good companionship, good comradeship.”
- Buddha, Samyutta Nikaya Sutra, translated by Bhikku Bodhi
How to be a part of our vision
A monastic community in Crestone, CO.
Supporting western
monastics
For 2500 years, Buddhist ordained and lay practitioners have relied on one another in their pursuit of liberation. In today’s complex world, finding inner and outer refuge, and participating in community life, seem ever more essential supports to overcoming obstacles along the path.
Pema Chöling invites you to participate in our events and taste life in our community in the stunning environment of Crestone, Colorado.
Pema Chöling was purchased through the generosity of the Pema Chödrön Foundation.
Go to our Schedule to find links to up-to-date information about the activities of some of our principal teachers.