Compassionate Dharma Cloud Monastery

Inside Compassionate Dharma Cloud Monastery DavidK (Atlas Obscura User)

The late Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh had a profound impact on the spread of Buddhism to the West. This included the building of temples and monasteries beyond his native Vietnam and throughout the world.

Together with the support of the Vietnamese-American community of Colorado, the Compassionate Dharma Cloud Monastery was built as a place of peace and meditation in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.

The monastery sits on an old livestock farm and has been at this location since 2007.

Although you may not expect to find a Buddhist monastery in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the monastery welcomes all visitors and is easily accessible. About half an hour from Denver, the monastery hosts special events and offers an easy hike to its numerous statues. Small speakers feature chanting and prayers throughout the site.

Know Before You Go

At the time of writing, the Meditation Hall Expansion Project is nearly complete. Once finished, the 12,897 square-foot Meditation Hall will be a profound addition to complex. Entrance is free but donations are appreciated.