Nestled high in the Colorado Rockies, among wooded hillsides and expansive meadows near Red Feather Lakes, the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya rises as a profound symbol of peace, compassion and resilience. Towering 108 feet tall, this striking Buddhist monument crowns the valley at Drala Mountain Center, a contemplative retreat dedicated to personal and societal transformation.

Built to honor Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, the founder of Drala Mountain Center, the stupa represents not only a memorial but a sacred architectural feat. Its white, golden and vividly colored exterior is adorned with intricate carvings and symbols, each carrying deep meaning. For instance, the crescent moon and sun at its pinnacle symbolize compassion and the radiance of wisdom.

The concept for the Great Stupa originated in 1974, and its construction began in 1988. Over the next 13 years, more than 600 volunteers brought the vision to life. Among them was a craftsman who dedicated five years of his life to the project. Using specially formulated concrete reinforced with rebar, the structure was designed to last a millennium – a testament to the enduring commitment of its creators. The sheer density of the rebar drew comparisons to a nuclear power plant, according to project overseer Joshua Mulder.

 

A Spiritual Experience

Visitors often have deeply personal and unexpected responses to the Great Stupa. “One of the practices is circumambulation – walking around the stupa in a clockwise direction,” Mulder shared. “I remember a woman wearing a T-shirt that said, ‘I’d rather be in Florida.’ Yet, I kept seeing her walk around and around.”

That woman was marking her 56th birthday by completing one lap for every year of her life. A few years later, she returned, this time walking 87 laps in memory of her recently departed mother. Her journey exemplifies how the stupa inspires profound moments of reflection and connection, even for those who may not initially anticipate such a transformative experience.

Inside, the stupa deepens this sense of connection. Visitors enter a serene, four-story chamber dominated by a 24-foot golden Buddha statue, sculpted in the Gandharan style. The figure radiates tranquility, seated in a meditative posture atop an ornate lotus throne. Surrounding the statue are intricately hand-carved pillars and sculptures of Buddhist deities, adding layers of spiritual and artistic depth. Embedded within the structure are thousands – “possibly millions,” Mulder said – of written prayers and relics, infusing the space with a palpable sense of sacredness. Adding to this profound atmosphere, the remains of Rinpoche, the visionary founder of the stupa, are interred within. This makes the stupa not only a monument to peace but also a revered resting place.

 

A Testament to Resilience

The Great Stupa has weathered challenges, most notably the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire. While 11 buildings at Drala Mountain Center were destroyed, the stupa emerged with only minor smoke damage. The surrounding trails, adorned with Tibetan prayer flags fluttering among the aspens, remain a haven for wildlife and visitors alike who visit at the Northern Colorado landscape transitions from vibrant autumn foliage to serene snow-blanketed vistas, offering year-round beauty.

Even decades after its consecration in 2001, the stupa remains a work in progress. Mulder and his team plan to add over 5,000 square feet of murals and 60 new sculptures to further enhance the site. The center itself is a beacon of mindfulness, offering yoga, meditation and leadership retreats throughout the year.

The Great Stupa’s role transcends religious boundaries. As Mulder noted, its mission is fundamentally non-denominational: to inspire harmony, peace and tolerance. Visitors, whether spiritual seekers or curious travelers, leave with a shared sense of awe at this monument’s grandeur and purpose.

For those who visit, the Great Stupa is more than an architectural marvel – it is a reminder of humanity’s potential to create beauty and meaning, even in the most isolated mountain valleys.