President's Lecture Series on Contemplative Education

“An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn't teach them how to make a life.”—Author Unknown

One of the great joys of true contemplative education is assisting students to enhance their own personal experiences and assist them in building a life beyond developing the skills merely to make a living. Theme of service, personal and social responsibility, deep and lasting compassion and reflection on academic concepts are the hallmarks of such a contemplative education.

In the President’s Lecture Series on Contemplative Education, students have the opportunity to engage with some of the world’s premier faculty regarding this important theme. It is our desire to share these amazing resources and insights with our broader community and encourage discussion and thoughtfulness on these key topics. 

As you click on the links below, I would encourage you to take a moment to move beyond the initial response to the concepts presented and to consider ways that you may develop your own contemplative skills.  This is more than merely an educational philosophy, it is a way of life, and we at Naropa University encourage thoughtful and reasoned consideration of the concepts that will challenge you through your reading.

Most importantly, we hope that these lectures will move each of us to action for the good of those around us, inspiring us to develop our own contemplative practice.

Judith Simmer-Brown,
New Student Orientation, 2009

Anne Z. Parker, PhD,
Address on Contemplative Education, January 7, 2011