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 at a young age, music became his refuge and eventually led him to a career as a professional musician. Yet the deeper questions never left him: What is life? Who am I?

Years later, during a particularly dark period of his life, 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.

The experience led Pema 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 periods of wandering retreat, eventually encountering the Dzogchen teachings of Dudjom Lingpa, which spoke directly to what he had experienced.

His journey eventually brought him to the Colombian mountains, where he founded La Casa de Loto—a place for people of all backgrounds to slow down, turn inward, and begin or deepen their own spiritual practice.

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

Rather than trying to control the mind or create a special state, we learn to recognize thoughts, emotions, and sensations as passing experiences within awareness. The practice gently points us back toward 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 are given space to deepen their own practice. No previous experience is required, all are welcome.

At La Casa de Loto, each day includes a two-hour Hatha Yoga and pranayama class, a chance to arrive fully in the body before settling into stillness. Through mindful attention to posture, movement, and breath, the practice eases physical, mental, and emotional tension and lets energy move freely again.

Drawn from the classical yogic traditions of India and Tibet, these gentle, alignment-based practices are not about effort or achievement, but about releasing what's held and quieting what's restless, preparing body and mind for meditation.

All classes are taught by experienced, qualified teachers, and are open to every level — whether it's your first time on a mat or part of a lifelong practice.

In a world inundated with noise, Noble Silence is a profound practice deeply rooted in many spiritual traditions. It is a conscious choice to abstain from all forms of verbal and non-verbal communication, offering a transformative path to self-discovery, essential within the sacred spaces of meditation retreats.

Noble Silence grounds us in the here and now, enriching our experience of life's fleeting moments. It can bring us clarity and insight, unveiling the intricate workings of our minds, and providing a vantage point from which to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment.

At La Casa de Loto, meals are an integral part of the retreat experience — simple, nourishing, and enjoyed with presence. We serve wholesome vegetarian cuisine prepared with locally grown, seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully crafted to nourish both body and mind.

Following the traditional rhythm of temple life, breakfast and lunch are shared in Noble Silence, allowing you to practice mindful eating and fully appreciate each meal without distraction. Dinner is enjoyed together in conversation, offering a gentle balance between contemplation and community. Guests who wish to remain in silence are always welcome to enjoy their dinner privately in their room.