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Student Wellness
Meditation Instruction
Since its inception in 1974, Naropa University has offered free meditation instruction to any student, staff or faculty member who requests it. The university has done this because of our commitment to contemplative education. From that perspective, getting to know oneself and one's world through meditation practice or other contemplative disciplines is viewed as equal in importance to the study of specific fields of knowledge.
What kind of meditation instruction is given?
The meditation instruction given is named shamatha ("calm abiding") and is the type that is also given at Shambhala Buddhist Centers worldwide. It is similar to meditation in the Zen and Theravadin Buddhist traditions and to vipassana meditation. Mindfulness and awareness that comes out of such practice can be relevant to an individual's life regardless of religious orientation.
How much time does meditation instruction take?
The general guideline is one meeting per month but it also depends upon how much meditation becomes part of your schedule. The more often you meditate, the more likely you will have questions which you want
to discuss.
Is meditation instruction a requirement for me?
New students can check the beige sheet in their orientation packet to clarify if there is a requirement in their department. Returning students can check with their departmental advisor.
How do I connect with a Meditation Instructor?
Any student enrolled in a program not requiring meditation can see the contemplative practice coordinator to discuss a referral to an instructor.
Where can I meditate?
On the Arapahoe Campus (Lincoln Building) and the Paramita Campus, the Meditation Halls are available for silent practice whenever the buildings are open. A group sitting on weekday mornings from 8:00 to 8:45 a.m. will begin in each space early in some semesters.
Who are the meditation instructors?
The instructors are persons living in the Boulder area who have been practitioners for at least five years and who have had training in introducing the shamatha technique. Most of the instructors have taken academic classes here and some are Naropa graduates.
What if I am not interested in sitting meditation but would like to find out more about a particular spiritual tradition?
There are faculty, staff and other persons in Boulder involved with various traditions whom you could be referred to if you are interested. These traditions include Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Islamic-Sufi, pagan-Wiccan, Shambhala, Zen, Insight Meditation and others. A list of these groups will be made available through the contemplative practice coordinator. Also, Extended Studies classes often serve as an introduction to a tradition or practice, so looking in the Extended Studies web site could be helpful. |
