School of Extended Studies

Naropa University's School of Extended Studies offers a number of non-credit certificates, national and international conferences and continuing education programs. In addition to our on-going certificate program Authentic Leadership, we have co-sponsored conferences such as Wisdom 2.0, Legacy of Wisdom and weekend workshops with Joanna Macy and Michael Meade.

Extended Studies sells a limited number of non-credit seats on our regular academic courses.
View the PDF schedule for further information on courses with seats available to the public. Then register here for the selected courses. If the course has prerequisites or other restrictions as indicated in this schedule, it is strongly encouraged that a non-degree student contact the department or instructor to determine if the student is adequately prepared for the course. If the course specifies that permission of department is required, the student must obtain written permission.

The Breeze of Simplicity: The Way of Illumination  

Muhammad Heart Wind Garden GraphicREL158W/504W, November 15 -17 2013, Fri. 7pm – 9 pm, Sat. & Sun.  9am – 5pm. Register Here.

This course will introduce the Sufi teachings and practices of Hazrat Inayat Khan (1882-1927). As embodied in twelve volumes of published works, numerous unpublished papers, and an unbroken oral tradition, Hazrat Inayat Khan’s teachings represent a vital contemporary articulation of Sufism and a potent framework for the transformation of consciousness. The course will include a concise overview of Sufi history, an examination of the special contributions of Hazrat Inayat Khan, an outline of his contemplative methodology, and an experiential introduction to the foundational practices he taught.

Pir ZiaPir Zia Inayat-Khan, PhD, is a scholar and teacher of Sufism in the lineage of his grandfather, Hazrat Inayat Khan, and president of the Sufi Order International, a mystical and universal spiritual path. He received his B.A. (Hons) in Persian Literature from the London School of Oriental and African Studies, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Religion from Duke University. Pir Zia is founder of Seven Pillars House of Wisdom, an interspiritual, interdisciplinary fellowship dedicated to the unfolding of wisdom in our time, and also of Sulūk Academy, a school of contemplative study with branches in the U.S. and Europe. His latest book, Saracen Chivalry: Counsels on Valor, Generosity and the Mystical Quest, published by Suluk Press, is now available through Omega Publications.

Contemplative End-of-Life Care Certificate Program 2013

Windswept Vista

The Fall 2013 Program

Online session runs September 3 - December 22, 2013
Residential session: October 2-11, 2013 at Light on the Hill, in upstate New York, near Ithaca NY.

Program Website

Instructors: Christine Longaker, author of Facing Death and Finding Hope, Kirsten Deleo, MA, Ann Allegre, MD, Pam Russell, MSW, and video lectures by Ira Byrock, MD, author of Dying Well, and Sogyal Rinpoche, author of The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Instructors' bios

The depths of suffering and uncertainty healthcare professionals witness daily can be deeply challenging. Training in the contemplative-spiritual care approach builds on and expands our professional competencies and brings us healing and transformation. This training brings together authentic contemplative resources, such as mindfulness, meditation and self-compassion practices, and the experience of modern hospice and palliative care. It offers a rare opportunity to study and practice together in a community of like-minded peers from across the country and abroad.

The course gave me the practices and the support I needed to identify my strengths and vulnerabilities and begin to "clean up" my unfinished business. The online portion gave me what was missing in my clinical practice. Particularly helpful were practical topics such as cultural considerations in communication and how to understand and transform the causes of suffering I witness everyday and at work.

Lynn Hoehn, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Contemplative End-of-Life Care graduate.

Accepting applications now. Professionals working in all areas of care, particularly end-of-life care and trained volunteers, whether new to contemplative practice or experienced, are encouraged to apply.


 Authentic Leadership 

Authentic Leadership's blended learning format encourages deep, personal learning, fast assimilation of conceptual models and practical application to the workplace. The program offers you a transformative learning experience integrating the best of Western leadership practices with the wisdom of Eastern contemplative traditions.

Learn more about the Authentic Leadership Certificate Program.

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