Interview with Cynthia Wallace, Master of Arts in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism, History of Religion Track

What were you doing before you came to Naropa?

I worked for five years as a radio DJ for Viacom. I was doing a very successful morning show. Actually, I was switched to a sister station doing mid-days, and that station ended up changing formats. They went Urban, and I didn't fit with Urban. So everybody at the station lost their jobs, which happens in radio. Naropa had been on the back of my mind for many years, and I decided to go for it and fill out the application. I now had no career to hold me back.

What motivated you to come to the MA in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism?

The fact that Naropa offered such a program. It's all I would want to study. The psychology program was fascinating too, but I had a heart connection to Buddhism. This heart connection is what led me to investigate Naropa. So, that was the only thing I would want to do here.

Why did you choose the History of Religion Track?

When I went to the website to examine the different tracks, it felt good to me. I felt pretty certain and connected when I read it. Then when I started here, Judith Simmer-Brown gave us a presentation of the History of Religions track and Phil Stanley gave a presentation on the Tibetan track. I could feel it in my gut that this was the way to go. It completely resonated with me. Looking back in retrospect, that's the way with everything. Following your gut in relation to this program is the way to go. Intellectualizing is not necessary, because the teachings are so experience related.

How has your time in the program been so far?

Awesome, and excruciatingly difficult. A rollercoaster, yet completely fulfilling. Emotionally and physically a roller coaster because I had to move here from Florida. I had many ups and downs, between finding a job and working out the rhythm of my schedule. The teachers here show their love for the teachings. The teaching is tangible and real. It penetrates into your life. I couldn't help but have an emotional reaction to what I was learning. This was difficult because of the ups and downs. However, it has been wonderful to get the teachings on a heart level and not just an intellectual level. That's how I've always dreamt of school. I don't want to just learn words and memorize them. I want to feel them in my body. I want to have the experience of what I'm learning. That's what I get from these teachers.

Do you find the program challenging?

Yes. It's extremely challenging. To use a cliché, "it's a labor of love." The papers we write challenge the student to really stretch. Every time I exert myself in that way for the program, either through a paper, exam, or, reading really difficult material, I can see the growth for myself. It's so fascinating to watch my process of opening and blossoming as I am challenged in the program.

What do you have to say about contemplative practice as an aspect of this program?

It's really necessary. It's one of the most important aspects of the program. I didn't understand why they wanted or encouraged students to do Dathun early on, until I did Dathun. Prior to Dathun my practice was very shaky, and the practice requirement of five hours per week was difficult to meet. I had difficulty doing it. I went through Dathun and had all that time to let the teaching seep in after my first semester. The teaching ,as I said, can be non-intellectual. They are really meant to be experienced. If you don't sit and practice and contemplate, they stay on the surface. They need the chance to take root. The time we spend practicing gives these roots time to really sink in. This is where the insights beyond the books are found.

How do you regard the academics of the program?

Extremely well thought out. You can tell that the academic aspects have been cultivated over many years. Some texts have been used for several years. Yet, there is still a very strong element of flexibility and sensitivity on the instructor's part to tune in to the class feeling and how the class is responding to material. Though certain books and texts need to be explored, I feel like the teachers really listen to the students and adjust accordingly. There is an exchange between student and instructor that is really necessary. It's not a rigid structure. It's changing and fluid. The teachers are really interested in making sure that we're getting it.

How would you describe life in Boulder and the connections to the religious studies community?

This is interesting. I have had the contrast of not living in Boulder, having lived in Longmont for my first year. Now in my second year, I just moved to Boulder. I love being in this community. There is a lot of support here. There are so many resources. There is the Shambhala Center, there are Zen groups, students of Ponlop Rinpoche, and the whole community is infused with a variety of other resources to tap into.

What would you say to prospective students?

Everybody has their own path. If there is any doubt whether this is a great school for them to study Buddhism, I would encourage them to meet with one of the teachers; Judith Simmer-Brown, Reggie Ray, Dale Asrael, or Frank Berliner. They could meet with any of these professors and get a felt sense for the complete passion and love they have for what they are teaching. That aspect has been the most amazing pleasant surprise I have had. I never imagined that I would have such amazing teachers. It keeps unfolding. I can't believe there are so many fabulous teachers here, and I say that with complete sincerity. It's a complete labor of love on their part. That's what I get from being in their presence and listening to them teach. I have never been at any school or any class elsewhere that I've seen such a level of excellence in teachers.