Invest in NaropaContemplative Practice & Studies

Contemplative Practice & Studies

Across all degree programs, classes, and workshops, a gift supporting contemplative practice and studies helps ensure Naropa University’s as a leader in contemplative education in the United States.

As a hub for the study and development of contemplative education, CACE at Naropa offers various ways for educators and students to integrate contemplative pedagogy and practice into their teaching and studies. Here at Naropa, contemplative education is at the very heart of what we do.

Contemplative practices—mindfulness, compassion, meditation, yoga, and more—guide our students to their most authentic selves. Here, you will discover that your academic achievements and future successes are most powerful when matched with the sense of purpose that comes from knowing yourself. This is how you will find the work you are meant to do. This is how the world is transformed.

A scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory and deep ecology, Dr. Joanna Macy has been a visionary force in environmental activism. Her groundbreaking work draws from spiritual traditions, general systems theory and deep ecology to inspire a transition to sustainable human culture.

The Joanna Macy Center for Resilience and Regeneration at Naropa seeks to advance the Dr. Macy’s vision and legacy to empower present and future generations in building a more resilient world that works for all.

The Lenz Foundation Distinguished Guest Lecturer Program in Buddhist Studies and American Culture and Values promotes diversity of thought and practice at Naropa University with distinguished guest lecturers drawn from communities, traditions and scholarship related to Buddhism in America that supplement existing university expertise.

Please visit the Extended Campus web section for information pertaining to the 2023 Lenz Distinguished Lecturer, Calligrapher Barbara Bash.

In the early 1980s, Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche conceived a Japanese-inspired tea house, which was then constructed by his students as a birthday gift. It was a perfect addition to a contemplative community centered on mindful spaces and practices. Originally located at Trungpa Rinpoche’s Boulder home, the tea house was moved to Naropa’s Arapahoe Campus in 1989, two years after his passing.

Throughout the years, the tea house has been a resource for contemplative practice, intercultural competency, and appreciation of the arts for students and community members. A retreat from the noise and speed of daily life, the tea house is an integral and indispensable part of Naropa’s history and our founder’s original vision. Rooted in Naropa’s history and its founder’s vision, revitalizing the tea community hinges on nurturing the practice space, requiring upkeep to preserve its uncluttered and lucid ambiance. Delve deeper into the legacy of the historic Naropa Tea House.

Naropa University’s Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 84-1029228.

All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

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Sharla J. Owens

Associate Vice President for Development
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Sharla J. Owens

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About Naropa

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, nonsectarian liberal arts university that is recognized as the birthplace of the mindfulness movement. Naropa offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development, and cultivating compassion. 

Academics

Contemplative education brings together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern world wisdom traditions. Therefore, your pursuit of wisdom at Naropa means learning both about academic subjects and about your own place in the world. This innovative approach places Naropa on the cutting edge of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.  

Admissions & Aid

If you’re seeking an education that resonates with both personal fulfillment and global impact, Naropa could be your top choice. At Naropa, you will experience a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational approaches. Explore how Naropa can fuel your journey of intellectual and spiritual development.

Life at Naropa

Through its incredibly vibrant and welcoming community,  “Naropa offers a home for those who aren’t willing to conform to convention—the mystic, the healer, the prophet, the rebel, the artist, the revolutionary, the oddball—those who are incredible contributors to the evolution of society and of our planet.”—Core Associate Professor Zvi Ish-Shalom

The Naropa Difference

How is Naropa different from other universities? At Naropa, a liberal arts education balances rigorous academics with powerful interpersonal skills and self-awareness to educate the whole person. Naropa’s contemplative approach is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and the conviction that we can build a diverse, contemplative, enlightened society when we have transformed education to affirm the basic goodness of every person. 

Support Naropa

At a time when the value of higher education is being questioned, Naropa University stands firmly rooted in its mission to create a more just and regenerative world by nurturing insight, awareness, courage, and compassion in its students. By making a gift to Naropa, you play a pivotal role in helping to create the authentic, effective & mindful leaders that the world desperately needs.

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Naropa University campuses are closed on 12/17/2025. 

Due to adverse weather conditions of high winds and planned power outages, all Naropa campuses will be closed today. 

 

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Spring and Summer Start Dates for the MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concentrations

In support of students and in response to federal legislation impacting financial aid for graduate students, Naropa University will be accepting applications for MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling for spring starts through January 10.

Graduate School of Counseling concentrations listed below will be offering online and low-residency courses to start their programs in January 2026 as well as our Summer 2026 terms.

Beginning a graduate program in Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 means that you will have access to apply for Graduate Plus loans as these loans will be eliminated at the federal level starting in Fall 2026.

Contact Admissions (admissions@naropa.edu) today to learn how you can begin the next step in your graduate education journey.