News Releases

Naropa University Hosts Brilliant Sanity Book Launch
Investigating the Role that Contemplative Psychotherapy Plays in Modern Psychology

BOULDER, Colo. (August 13, 2008)—Ranging from the subjects of Eros and enlightenment to mindfulness in mothering, Brilliant Sanity (University of the Rockies, 2008) is a newly released compilation of writings about contemplative psychotherapy by leading Buddhist teachers, therapists, and Naropa University faculty. Contributing authors include Mark Epstein, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Dzochen Ponlop and Han de Wit, as well as Naropa faculty Karen Kissel Wegela and MacAndrew Jack.

The Naropa University President’s Office and MA Contemplative Psychotherapy Department are proud to present a Brilliant Sanity book launch on Friday, Sept. 12, a free event open to the public from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Naropa’s Paramita campus, 3285 30th St. in Boulder, CO. During the event, ten authors will read short selections from their chapters. A book signing will follow.

Master of ceremonies and Naropa Trustee Brooks Witter says, “This is a book event for people who would not typically go to book events. With dynamic readings from a wide range of topics, such as body awareness and group process, there is sure to be an author that would interest each listener.”

Brilliant Sanity presents 30 years of scholarship in contemplative psychotherapy education. “When [Naropa University founder] Chöygam Trungpa started to train psychotherapists in Buddhist meditation [in the 1970’s], he envisioned a new therapy that would be informed by wisdom, compassion and scholarship,” says The Sakyong, Mipham Rinpoche, author of Turning Your Mind Into an Ally.                           

Contemplative psychotherapy—a marriage of Western psychology and Eastern/Buddhist contemplative practices—has grown in interest since the Naropa University 2006 Buddhism and Psychotherapy Conference on Contemplative Psychology. The conference inspired Louis Hoffman, PhD, University of the Rockies Press publisher, to propose the book idea. Hoffman says, “My goal was to share the wisdom that was being developed in Naropa's Masters in Contemplative Psychotherapy Program and provide a forum for these insights to be in dialogue with the broader psychological community. In my opinion, Brilliant Sanity reflects some of the best work being done in integrating Buddhism with psychotherapy.”

“Western psychology has been naturally moving toward the same insights as contemplative psychotherapy in its focus on intersubjectivity, co-constructed relational interactions, and transpersonal views,” says Naropa Contemplative Psychotherapy Professor MacAndrew Jack.

“With thousands of psychology books available, the field-tested expertise of Naropa’s faculty stands out as markedly distinct. We are delighted to announce that the book will be presented at the American Psychological Association Conference in August, as well as translated into the Chinese language,” says co-editor Francis Kaklauskas, PhD, who recently completed a book tour in China and Hong Kong with Hoffman.

Some scholars emphasize the influence that Western studies could have on Eastern conceptions of the mind. “Buddhist psychology has a lot to learn from Western psychotherapy and psychoanalysis,” says Mark Epstein, contributor to the book, clinical assistant professor of psychology at New York University and author of Thoughts Without a Thinker. “Certainly, the dialogue between the two is a stimulating one.”

University of the Rockies Press is committed to publishing quality books on clinical psychology, religion and spirituality, business and organizational leadership, and heath and well-being.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education. This approach to learning integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions, helping students know themselves more deeply and engage constructively with others. The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies. Go to www.naropa.edu for more information.