Vision

The BA Contemplative Psychology program is a learning community, whose basic aim is to nurture each student's innate potential for self-discovery and personal growth.

This undergraduate major is unique in its skillful method of joining academic study with contemplative training. The first sharpens intellect; the second deepens intuition. A third component—voluntary fieldwork in service to others—strengthens interpersonal skills and nourishes compassion. All three together build genuine confidence about taking one’s place in the world.

Sharpening Intellect. The program offers an incomparably broad spectrum of courses, integrating Western psychology and Eastern approaches to healing mind and body. The curriculum includes such diverse course offerings as: Perception, Abnormal Psychology, Tibetan Medicine, Jungian Dreamwork, Hakomi, Gestalt, Nutrition, Herbology, Psychology of the Five Elements, Expressive Arts and many others. Students are challenged to master the theoretical details of each discipline and are also encouraged to work within a wider context—a holistic web of interrelated knowledge.

Deepening Intuition. Contemplative practice is an art of self-discovery. It is the crucial element that transforms otherwise merely abstract knowledge into authentic personal integration. The practice of sitting meditation—drawn from the ancient Buddhist and modern Shambhala traditions as transmitted by Naropa University’s founder—is the heart of each student’s contemplative training. This practice matures mindfulness, insight and appreciation for direct experience. In more advanced and intensive training, in disciplines such as Maitri Space Awareness, students gain more subtle understanding of a wide variety of psychological energies.

Nourishing Compassion. One of the fruits of contemplative education is genuine kindness toward oneself, and gentleness toward others. This in turn motivates a growing commitment to extending toward others in compassion and service. To further this end, students are given practical opportunities for volunteer fieldwork in a required service-learning course. This aspect provides added preparation for any occupation requiring special sensitivity and skill in interpersonal relationships—particularly in the helping professions.