Golden Lotus Sanctuary was established in 2007 by Doug and Laura Smith to provide a peaceful, natural setting for hosting traditional Vajrayana Buddhist retreats.
Inspired by Lama Dawa Rinpoche's profound wisdom and knowledge, we developed the strong wish to be able to provide a retreat center for his teaching activities. In doing so, we are able to cater to the unique needs for traditional tantric Buddhist retreat, especially for long term, cloistered retreats that require isolation.

Golden Lotus Sanctuary is located on land adjoining the P'hurba Peace Mandala, and is part of a growing spiritual community dedicated to the ancient Buddhist yogic practices as taught by Acharya Dawa Chhodak Rinpoche. Surrounded by a 2,000-acre wildlife refuge with panoramic views across the Upper Mississippi River Valley, we provide the tranquility and natural setting in balance with the elements conducive for deep meditative practice.

Mission Statement

• We endeavor to provide affordable, safe accommodations and organic, healthy meals for serious students who wish to engage in Buddhist retreats under Lama Dawa's guidance.

• We strive to facilitate harmonious community (Sangha) relationships and opportunity to be in the presence of the Lama.

• We are committed to sustainable and environmental practices such as recycling, buying local, organic and non-GMO foods, and using green building technologies including solar and wind.

• To actively seek ways to benefit the local community through such means as the Adopt-A-Highway system, through volunteering for local environmental groups such as Friends of Pool 9, and by hiring local tradesman and farmers for goods and services.

While searching for the ideal location for the retreat center, we ventured on a boat ride along the hidden backwater sloughs of the Mississippi. It was mid-July and the river was blazing with a sea of American Lotus, in full bloom. These lotuses were a lovely pale yellow, and thus the name "Golden Lotus Sancutary" was born.