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News & Updates

Dale Asrael, MA

University Professor

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Mindfulness Based Transpersonal Counseling Concentration, Master of Divinity

dasrael@naropa.edu

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS:

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling, Master of Divinity

COURSES TAUGHT:

Buddhist Meditation Practicum I and II, 1991–2006 / Psychology of Meditation I, 1992–present / Contemplative Teaching, 2006–present / Contemplative Teacher, 2005–6 / Mindfulness Instructor Training, Levels I, II, III 2000–present / Touching the Moment and Taming the Wild Horse, meditation retreats, 1995–present / Meditation Practicum I: Cultivating Awareness in Everyday Life, 1993–2002 / Meditation Practicum II: Developing Compassion for Oneself and Others, 1994–present / Extending Mindfulness 2015 / The Compassionate Counselor 2019–2021 / Traditional Daoist Qigong

Dale Asrael, MA, University Professor, has taught as Core Faculty in the MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling since 1993. She founded, and is the principal instructor for, Naropa University Mindfulness Instructor Training program, which recently completed its twentieth annual session.

She has been a practitioner and teacher of Buddhadharma and meditation for over 45 years in the lineage of Naropa’s founder, Trungpa, Rinpoche and is also a Zen practitioner. She presents, teaches programs, and leads meditation retreats internationally, and is an authorized teacher of traditional Daoist Qigong. Her writing is published in three anthologies: “Love of Wisdom Puts You on the Spot” in Meditation in the Classroom; “No Hidden Corners” in Shadows and Light; and “Compassionate Abiding” in Brilliant Sanity.

PUBLICATIONS:

  • “Love of Wisdom Puts You on the Spot” in Meditation in the Classroom
  • “No Hidden Corners” in Shadows and Light
  • “Compassionate Abiding” in Brilliant Sanity

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This is where experiential learning meets academic rigor. Where you challenge your intellect and uncover your potential. Where you discover the work you’re moved to do—then use it to transform our world.

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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