Meditation & Yoga Retreat in Colombia

Pema (Tibetan for “Lotus”) is a Buddhist meditation teacher and yogi with more than fifteen years of dedicated practice, primarily within the Dzogchen teachings of the Dudjom Tersar lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. He has studied with renowned masters and wild yogis, including the Dalai Lama, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, and his guru, Loppon Jigme Rinpoche.

His path was anything but conventional. After losing both parents in childhood, music became his refuge and eventually led to a career as a professional musician. Yet the deeper questions never left him: Where did my parents go? What is life? Who am I?

Years later, during a particularly dark period, something shifted profoundly. He saw that thoughts, emotions, and even the sense of self were not as solid as they appeared, but fleeting projections of mind—arising and dissolving within an open awareness that itself remained untouched. This experience led him to leave his old life behind and set out on a spiritual journey around the world, seeking to deepen this realization and learn how to share it with others. He studied and practiced in temples and in wandering retreat, eventually encountering the Dzogchen teachings of Dudjom Lingpa, which spoke directly to what he had experienced.

In 2016, Pema founded La Casa de Loto, bringing this contemplative way of life to Colombia—a place for seekers to step away from everyday life, turn inward, and begin or deepen their own practice.

The meditation practice at La Casa de Loto is rooted in the Dudjom Tersar Dzogchen tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, particularly its open awareness teachings.

Rather than trying to control the mind or create a special state, we simply let thoughts, emotions, and sensations be as they are—passing experiences within awareness. The practice gently points back to what has been here all along: the naturally clear and open quality of awareness itself.

The meditation is given in a simple and accessible way. Beginners receive enough guidance to feel supported, while experienced meditators have space to rest more fully in their own practice. No previous experience is required—all are welcome.

Each morning includes about 100 minutes of traditional Hatha yoga and breathwork. The class works gently with posture, movement, and breath, letting tension unwind on its own so body and mind can rest more easily in stillness.

Here, yoga is understood in its original sense of union: postures and breath as a doorway to stillness and awareness.

The practices come from the classical yogic traditions of India and Tibet. They are gentle and alignment-based, with no focus on performance or advanced postures.

Classes are taught by experienced teachers and are open to all levels, from your first time on a mat to a long-standing practice.

Noble silence runs from 9 p.m. until 2 p.m. the following day, and breakfast and lunch are enjoyed in silence. During this time we leave conversation aside and stay off our phones—not as a discipline, but as an invitation to let the mind settle on its own. Held together, this shared quiet becomes a deep support for everyone.

If you need help or practical guidance, you can always ask us quietly. After 2 p.m., conversation is welcome, and guests who wish to continue in full silence can have dinner in their room.

Three vegetarian meals are prepared each day with local, seasonal ingredients. Vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be accommodated. Please tell us about any restrictions or allergies before booking.

Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed in silence. Dinner is a relaxed time for conversation, and guests who prefer silence are welcome to have dinner in their room.