Introduction
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a unique educational institution that is known for its unconventional approach to higher education. Founded in 1974 by the Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Naropa University is committed to providing its students with a holistic education that integrates contemplative practices, artistic expression, and academic rigor. In this blog post, we’ll explore some fun and fascinating facts about Naropa University that highlight the distinctive qualities of this innovative institution.
The Origins of Naropa University
Naropa University has a rich and fascinating history that is deeply intertwined with the life and teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Trungpa Rinpoche was a renowned meditation master and scholar who fled Tibet in 1959 and eventually settled in the United States. In the early 1970s, Trungpa Rinpoche became interested in the idea of creating a new kind of university that would integrate Eastern and Western approaches to education.
In 1974, Trungpa Rinpoche founded Naropa Institute, which was originally located in a small building in Boulder, Colorado. The institute was named after the eleventh-century Indian Buddhist scholar Naropa, who was a key figure in the development of Tibetan Buddhism. Over time, Naropa Institute grew and evolved, becoming Naropa University in 1991. Today, Naropa University is a fully accredited liberal arts institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a wide range of fields, including psychology, environmental studies, and creative writing.
Contemplative Education at Naropa
One of the most distinctive features of Naropa University is its commitment to contemplative education. Contemplative education is an approach to learning that emphasizes the development of mindfulness, awareness, and compassion. At Naropa, students are encouraged to integrate contemplative practices such as meditation, yoga, and creative expression into their academic studies.
Naropa University’s Contemplative Education program is based on the principle that learning is not just a cognitive process, but a holistic and embodied one. The program emphasizes the development of emotional intelligence, creativity, and ethical awareness, as well as intellectual skills. Students are encouraged to engage in mindfulness practices as a way of cultivating a deep sense of self-awareness and developing the ability to focus their attention in a sustained way.
The Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics
Naropa University is home to the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, which is one of the most innovative and renowned creative writing programs in the country. The school was founded in 1974 by poets Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman, who were both friends and collaborators of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
The Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics emphasizes experimental and non-traditional approaches to writing, with a particular focus on poetry. The school’s faculty includes some of the most prominent and innovative poets and writers of our time, including Anne Waldman, Andrew Schelling, and Anselm Hollo.
The Naropa Community
Naropa University is known for its close-knit and supportive community, which is characterized by a spirit of openness, inquiry, and exploration. The university’s small class sizes and intimate campus environment foster a sense of connection and collaboration among students and faculty.
Naropa University also has a vibrant and active student body, with numerous clubs and organizations that reflect the diverse interests and passions of the student community. From the Dharma Club, which explores Buddhist philosophy and practice, to the Queer Student Alliance, which supports LGBTQ+ students, Naropa’s student organizations provide a space for students to connect with like-minded individuals and explore new interests.
Naropa’s Sustainable Campus
Naropa University is committed to environmental sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability on campus. The university’s Sustainable Campus Program includes a range of initiatives, such as waste reduction and recycling programs, energy-efficient building design, and the use of renewable energy sources.
Naropa’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its curriculum as well. The university’s Environmental Studies program focuses on the intersection of environmental sustainability, social justice, and community activism, preparing students to become leaders in the movement for a more sustainable future.
Naropa’s Alumni
Naropa University’s alumni are an accomplished and diverse group of individuals who have gone on to make a significant impact in a wide range of fields. Naropa’s graduates include best-selling authors, award-winning artists, successful entrepreneurs, and leaders in fields such as psychology, social work, and environmental activism.
Many Naropa alumni credit their time at the university with shaping their personal and professional development, and with providing them with the skills and tools they needed to create meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Conclusion
Naropa University is a truly unique and inspiring educational institution that is dedicated to providing its students with a holistic, contemplative, and socially engaged education. Through its commitment to mindfulness, creativity, and sustainability, Naropa is creating a new model of higher education that emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and community. Whether you’re a student, a faculty member, or simply someone interested in exploring new approaches to learning and living, Naropa University is a place worth discovering.
