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Naropa University

Boulder, CO

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1974
Founded
Private university
Type
402
Undergrad
617
Graduate
$8M
Endowment
(2019)
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: Charles G. Lief

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Naropa University

Pioneering contemplative education, Naropa blends Eastern wisdom with Western academics.

Naropa University stands as a unique institution, founded in 1974 by the exiled Tibetan tulku Chögyam Trungpa. From its inception, Naropa has been at the forefront of contemplative education, integrating traditional academic rigor with profound meditative and introspective practices. It quickly gained renown for its innovative approach, attracting luminaries like Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman, who co-founded the legendary Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics during its very first summer session.

The university's academic strengths are deeply rooted in its contemplative foundation. Early degree programs included Buddhist studies, visual art, and a groundbreaking MA in contemplative psychotherapy, designed to integrate Vajrayana teachings on mind and body energy patterns into a full-fledged graduate program. Over the years, Naropa has continued to evolve, venturing into modern scientific research by establishing the Cognitive and Affective Sciences Laboratory to study brainwave patterns and engage in electrophysiology research, showcasing its commitment to exploring the mind through diverse lenses.

For prospective students and families, Naropa offers an experience unlike any other, fostering a community dedicated to self-discovery, mindful living, and academic excellence. With a growing emphasis on flexibility, the university is adapting to modern learning needs, having announced a shift towards hybrid and virtual spaces, while retaining its core campus. This evolution ensures that Naropa remains a vibrant hub for transformative education, preparing students not just for careers, but for a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1974 by exiled Tibetan tulku Chögyam Trungpa, establishing it as a pioneer in contemplative education.
  • Home to the renowned Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, co-founded by poets Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman.
  • Developed one of the first formal graduate programs in contemplative psychotherapy, integrating Buddhist teachings with Western psychology.
  • Received regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1988.
  • Engages in cutting-edge electrophysiology and EEG research through its Cognitive and Affective Sciences Laboratory.
  • Adapting to modern learning by shifting towards hybrid and virtual instruction, retaining its Nalanda campus while selling its Arapahoe campus in 2024.

Timeline

1970
Chögyam Trungpa enters the US.
1973
Vajradhatu organization established by Trungpa.
1974
Naropa Institute established under the Nalanda Foundation.
1975
First formal degree programs offered, including a BA in Buddhist studies and MA in psychology.
1977
Decision made to seek regional accreditation.
1987
Chögyam Trungpa's death.
1988
Received accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
1991
John Cobb hired as president, further separating Naropa from Vajradhatu.
2016
Cognitive and Affective Sciences Laboratory established to study Electroencephalography (EEG).
2024
Announced the selling of its main 'Arapahoe' campus, shifting towards hybrid and virtual spaces.
🏛️
52 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Charles G. Lief
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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