Naropa University is a private liberal arts college in United States. It was found in 1974 by Tibetan Buddhist teacher Chögyam Trungpa and named for the 11th-century Indian Buddhist sage Naropa, an abbot of Nalanda. It is also described itself as Buddhist-inspired, ecumenical, and nonsectarian rather than Buddhist. Promote a non-traditional activity like meditation to supplement traditional learning approaches. As it is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1988, this was first Buddhist-inspired academic institution to receive United States regional accreditation. It remains one of only a handful of such schools. Naropa is noteworthy for having hosted a number of Beat poets under the auspices of its Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics.
For one day each semester, Naropa University holds Community Practice Day, during which regular classes are not held and offices are closed. On this day, members of the Naropa community students, faculty, staff, and others are invited to participate in group sitting meditation practice during the morning. Other contemplative disciplines are offered throughout the day. Panel discussions, departmental lunches, and community service projects are often offered in the afternoon. The stated object of the day is to cultivate togetherness in the Naropa community and to emphasize the importance of leading a mindful, aware life rather than a high-speed, cluttered one.
Last Updated on: Sep 24, 2024