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Ryan Johnsonvia Google

2 months ago

Unfortunately I did not have the welcoming experience others have described. I emailed Tom about attending a "12 Links of Depending Origination" workshop and mentioned I was a dharma practitioner. Tom inquired about my previous practice and replied that based on discussion with senior practitioners I was requested not to come. I replied that I did not carry any agenda other than to meditate with the sangha and learn more about the Nyingma tradition. Tom doubled down on his rejection and said members who have attended the same center as me in the past carry "bad energy" and they needed to "protect their vajra master". I've been to 20+ dharma centers and consider myself non-sectarian. I deeply enjoy meeting others devoted to removing delusions from their minds, regardless of tradition. This has been the only time I have not been welcomed somewhere, or rather, banned without even stepping foot inside. To be honest, it hurt my feelings to read that email - it felt like an unjust rejection based on a guilt by association. Especially unfortunate since I'm local and the pictures look like a wonderful center, with an authentic and qualified teacher. I gently encourage the sangha to meditate on their current (Dec '25) policy towards rejecting newcomers, and to evaluate practitioners on individual merits, and not turn past unpleasant experiences into full-blown prejudice. For a sangha that reads Shantideva weekly, I ask how he would respond to a similar situation - with compassion and openness or aversion and blanket bans? For what it's worth, I am grateful for the difficult situation and the opportunity to practice remaining calm in the face of this . As a white male American, I don't typically feel excluded anywhere, so this situation gave me an opportunity to experience what others feel daily and experience compassion.

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Edward Smutneyvia Google

10 months ago

The community is helpful, dedicated to the dharma, and fun. The center is beautiful. And Anyen Rinpoche teaches with such clarity, humor, knowledge, experience, and compassion. Definitely worth a visit. Many visits!

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Kendra Smithvia Google

11 months ago

You will feel the warmth and blessings of this special place from the moment you approach the building. Anyen Rinpoche skillfully and compassionately teaches and guides students to bring the Dharma into their lives. One manifestation of this in action is a warm, kind, compassionate group of practitioners devoted to working with their minds and hearts. The most incredible sangha I've ever encountered.

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Alex Grovesvia Google

11 months ago

A beautiful Dharma center with authentic Tibetan teachings right here is Denver! Anyen Rinpoche is a wonderful lama and I feel very fortunate to be part of his spiritual community.

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Susanne Horavia Google

over 7 years ago

I felt so fortunate to have found this center and teacher - everyone there was welcoming and friendly; Rinpoche is warm-hearted, very authentic and direct. Great Dharma Center - highly recommend.