Historically,
Crestone is part of the area known as the bloodless valley,
held as a safe haven by the Indian tribes of this region for thousands
of years. Crestone is in south-central Colorado two and
a quarter hours north of Taos, New Mexico and an hour south of Salida.
The majestic and protective Sangre De Christos mountain
range, towering over 14,000', sits above the valley as a part of the great
spine
of
the
Rocky
Mountain range.
These
mountains above Crestone act as a portal of "Shambhalla" bringing
the Eternal Light of divine grace into the land.
This light of wisdom blesses the land with a feeling
of sacredness and these mountains overlook the 8,000' high desert of the San
Luis valley. The Indian
tribes that surrounded this area recognized the sacredness of the area and chose
it as a place of ceremony and reconciliation of any dispute. No blood was allowed
to be shed here in anger, thus the name "bloodless valley."
Unfortunately the abundance of sacred water here in the
underground aquifier is currently threatened as there are those who strive
to take
the
waters
out
of
the valley
into the cities. This
is putting a strain on the agriculture of the valley.
The
power of these mountains drew a spiritual leader, the Karamarpa of Tibet to
Crestone in his previous incarnation and he requested
a large stupa to be
built. Stupas increase and magnetize the spiritual power of the areas they
are in. He also called Crestone the New Tibet recognizing its spiritual importance
for the USA. Since then numerous Tibetan (including Dilgo Khyentse), Bhutanese
and
other Buddhist
teachers , and spiritual groups of other traditions
have
come
to
Crestone to build sanctuaries and retreats, all adding to the sacredness and
protection
of
the
land.
As we were divinely guided to Crestone, so to, many who
come immediately feel the power of the land and are filled with gratitude to
be able to meditate here.
We see Crestone as one of the of the most important places
spiritually in the USA, that will survive the increasing turmoil of now, and
will thrive to become
a successful model of "the enlightened unified field of light" where
peace and harmony will be at the core of the practice community.