Jeffrey Dean Combelic:
A Journey Through the Realms of Spiritual Exploration and Sacred Service:
Jeffrey Dean Combelic embarked upon his profound spiritual odyssey in 1970, during his collegiate years, when he was first drawn to the ancient discipline of yoga. His intellectual curiosity and innate thirst for wisdom were ignited by the transformative writings of Carlos Castaneda, the esoteric teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff’s Fourth Way, and the profound philosophical insights of Jiddu Krishnamurti. Simultaneously, he pursued an academic path in Mathematics and Physics, which led him to a career in computer programming at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR).
However, the pulse of the mountains called him toward a different life. In 1974, he relocated to Gold Hill, Colorado, where he embraced the rhythms of a more grounded existence, running a café that became a hub of community and connection. By 1978, he had laid deeper roots, acquiring a home where he still resides—an enduring sanctuary for spiritual exploration and communal gatherings.
Encountering the Dharma: The Path of Meditation
A pivotal moment arrived in 1980 when Jeffrey met Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, the esteemed Buddhist monk and scholar, who introduced him to the profound practice of Vipassana meditation. This encounter marked a transformative period in his life, leading him into the depths of Buddhist mindfulness and self-inquiry. Recognizing Jeffrey’s dedication, Bhante Gunaratana encouraged him to teach meditation in 1989, which set him on the path of guiding retreats and facilitating mindfulness practice in diverse settings.
In 1990, Jeffrey extended his spiritual service to those most in need, beginning a 15-year journey of teaching meditation to incarcerated individuals at Englewood Federal Prison. His commitment to the practice allowed him to witness firsthand the profound impact of mindfulness in restoring dignity and inner peace to those seeking redemption.
Sacred Earth and Indigenous Wisdom: The Vision of the Kiva
Jeffrey’s path took another significant turn in 1987, when he encountered Joseph Rael, Beautiful Painted Arrow—a Native American mystic, visionary, and teacher. Deeply moved by Rael’s teachings on peace, purification, and the sacred connection to Mother Earth, Jeffrey was inspired to construct a Kiva (Peace Chamber) in his own backyard, creating a sacred space for ceremony, reflection, and communal healing.
This connection propelled him into the heart of Indigenous spiritual practices. Over the decades, he has participated in and facilitated Sweat Lodges, Vision Quests, and the sacred Sun Dance—each experience deepening his understanding of the interwoven relationship between humanity, nature, and the spiritual realms.
Parallel to this, Jeffrey has been a devoted student of Shinzen Young since 1994, diving into the intricacies of unified mindfulness. His spiritual studies have also included deep engagement with Sasaki Roshi, a renowned Zen master, and Luis Molinar, a teacher within the Toltec tradition, thus bridging Eastern contemplative practices with Indigenous shamanic wisdom.
The Shamanic Path: A Global Tapestry of Sacred Teachings
In 2010, Jeffrey met Pati Turner of the Sacred Earth Foundation (learn more), an encounter that enriched his spiritual journey with further dimensions of Earth-based wisdom. Through her work, he has had the privilege of learning from an extraordinary array of global shamanic teachers, including:
Ladamira (Siberia) – Keeper of Slavic shamanic traditions
Oona (Scotland) – Celtic spiritualist and healer
Eduardo and Rosa Maria (Peru) – Andean wisdom keepers
John Lockley (South Africa) – Sangoma and Xhosa lineage healer
Aananaquq (Greenland) – Arctic wisdom holder
Many of these esteemed teachers have not only led workshops at the Gold Hill Kiva but have also found sanctuary within Jeffrey’s home, enriching the land with the wisdom of their respective traditions.
Quantum Dharma: The Fusion of Spiritual Paths
Recognizing the profound interconnectivity of ancient wisdom traditions, Jeffrey has increasingly been drawn to exploring the intersections between Buddhism, shamanism, movement-based practices, and yogic philosophy. He embraces the realization that even Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) spent seven years immersed in shamanic studies before embarking upon his solitary path to enlightenment. This understanding has inspired Jeffrey to integrate Medicine Wheel teachings, Yoga, Shamanic breathwork, and movement-based spiritual exercises into his retreats, creating a holistic approach to self-discovery and transformation.
In recent years, he has also engaged with the teachings of Damanhur, a spiritual and ecological community known for its deep esoteric wisdom, as well as Master Chen in Allenspark, further enriching his path with Taoist philosophy and energy cultivation practices. His ongoing participation in retreats at the Great Mountain Zen Center in Berthoud continues to refine his insight into the nature of mind and reality.
A Builder of Both Structures and Spiritual Foundations
Jeffrey’s passion for construction is not confined to the realm of spiritual practice. He has physically built enduring landmarks, including the renowned Dushanbe Teahouse in Boulder, Colorado (Explore his work). His current initiative, Climate Change Homes (Visit here), is dedicated to creating zero-carbon footprint housing, aligning his external work with his internal commitment to sustainability and conscious living.
A Time of Spiritual Cross-Pollination
We are living in an era of profound spiritual convergence, where ancient traditions and modern consciousness are weaving together in unprecedented ways. Jeffrey refers to this ever-evolving synthesis as “Quantum Dharma”—an expansive, non-dogmatic approach to spirituality that honors the sacred wisdom of multiple traditions while embracing the fluidity of direct experience and inner revelation.
“We are so blessed to be alive at this time. The wisdom of the past is converging with the consciousness of the present, and I find immense joy in weaving these teachings together. May we continue to walk this path in unity, respect, and love.”
http://www.jdcconstruction.com/
Erector of the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
http://coloradohybridhomes.com/
Affordable Zero Energy Homes
Gold Hill Kiva link (currently inaccessible)
Sacred Space
