Mission & Vision
The natural world, in balance, is a perfect space to rediscover our own balance, to realign and synchronize body, mind, and emotions. The spaciousness, presence, and stillness of Nature can be a doorway to a new direction, personal growth, and the rediscovery of our creative energy.
Nestled in the Hill Country of Bandera, Texas, the Contemplative Resource Center (CRC), a distinctive health and wellness center, offers a thoughtful array of services and programs drawn from authentic and trusted contemplative traditions to create a conscious campus for a life well-lived.
Realign with yourself and develop your potential at a multifaceted gathering place for people to explore paths of self-discovery, wellness and community engagement in a natural, nurturing setting.
Our center provides a restful, exploratory setting for inquiry, expansion and relaxation. Guests form new pathways to knowledge through a centered approach to wellness that connects people to themselves, others and the surrounding environment. A mindful resource for all, the CRC supports individuals and families in developing life skills that amplify happiness and promote community welfare.
Background
Inspired by Nalanda University, a center of learning for the great wisdom traditions of its time, the CRC offers refined personal growth tools that are needed in today’s world. Seekers who were drawn to Nalanda’s thoughtful curriculum found deep and powerful answers to such questions as “What is genuine happiness?” “What is truth?” and “What is the nature of reality and what implications does this have for living a meaningful life?”
Based on the selfless, ethical, and compassionate teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, the CRC welcomes and honors people and groups of all faiths and wisdom traditions to explore five fields of study:
- The Contemplative Mind
- Health and Wellness
- Personal and Professional Development
- the Creative Arts
- Nature Appreciation and Environmental Education
A core principle of the CRC’s mission is a commitment to community outreach and the development of programs, internships and mentoring opportunities for youth, families and other interested communities. Bandera, Texas, and the surrounding area provides the ideal place for reflection, connection and education.
CRC Highlights
In addition to the programming, the CRC links guests to body, mind, and emotional health and wellness. With the Texas Hill Country as a meditative backdrop, seekers find solace in deep, personal reflection—as well as access to the numerous healing benefits of nature. Retreat goers will love hiking, horseback riding, swimming, bird watching, and the CRC’s gardens, lavender fields and honey bees.
Environmental awareness is a key component of the CRC’s programming. Sensitivity to the living world and how to properly care for it is a priority. Classes, guided hikes and hands-on activities teach adults and children alike how to live and thrive in a balanced manner with each other and the constantly changing ecosystem.
The CRC comfortably accommodates individuals, groups and families. There are areas for children to play, and childcare so that parents can take classes, or simply relax. Several exciting programs [link to programs page] will be introduced in the upcoming months. Our long-term goals include building an institute, meditation center, library and a residential village.
CRC Visionary
The Contemplative Resource Center is the inspiration of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, a widely celebrated Buddhist teacher and the author of Emotional Rescue, Rebel Buddha, and other books. A lover of music, art and urban culture, Rinpoche is a poet, photographer, accomplished calligrapher and visual artist, as well as a prolific author. Rinpoche is the founder, president, and spiritual director of Nalandabodhi, an international community of Buddhist centers.
Rinpoche is acknowledged as one of the foremost scholars and meditation masters of his generation in the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He is known for his sharp intellect, humor, and easygoing teaching style, for launching the kindness initiative #GoKind and for his outreach to communities internationally.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The Contemplative Resource Center (CRC) is committed to preserving and cultivating a diverse culture of inclusion and connection. We understand that we grow and learn better together with a team that represents many paths, cultures and beliefs. Our individual differences, life experiences, expertise, knowledge, creativity, and talent combine to create a unique tapestry. We welcome the unique contributions that others bring in terms of their opinions, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, education, nation of origin, age, culture, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. Everyone is welcome at the CRC.