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Courses
TRA 100/500
Shambhala Meditation Practicum I (3)
The Shambhala tradition, taught by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, is a secular path of spiritual training. Students learn sitting meditation and study the principles of Shambhala Warriorship, which involves developing personal courage and social responsibility. The class combines meditation, writing and a variety of exercises to give direct experience of mindfulness and our own senses. The connection between the arts and meditation is also explored and would be of interest to anyone exploring their own creative process. A slogan of the class is notice what you notice (a phrase Allen Ginsberg coined).
TRA 105/505
T’ai-chi Ch’uan: Level I (3)
The first third of the form is introduced. The philosophy and theory of t’ai-chi ch’uan is discussed. The basic principles of relaxation, body-upright, movement initiated from the center or “tan tien,” separation of yin and yang and developing a soft and sensitive hand are emphasized.
TRA 110/510
Aikido I (3)
We begin with centering ourselves and bringing that
awareness to the situation of "conflict." We simultaneously
practice the kata of clean powerful attacks and harmonious
defense responses, and ukemi, the art of falling. We
emphasize extending energy and transforming the
encounter to one of excitement and harmony. Bokken—aikido sword—is introduced. We establish links to the
aikido lineage and training communities. We support our
embodied experience by reading and reporting on texts
of aikido history, philosophy and technique. We study other
contemporary sensei through video and visits to seminars.
We journal our practice and write reflection papers.
TRA 114/514
Indian Devotional and Raga Singing (3)
Singing, first of sixty-four traditional Indian arts, is an ancient system of yoga. Students learn to sing OM; chants that consist of naming and manifesting god; svaras—seven goddess tones, the notes from which all traditional scales are derived; ragas—crystals of pure sound. We study sonic transformation, or the means of transforming consciousness and awareness using sound, such as Shabda Brahma [word is god], Nada Brahma [sound is god], etc. All students play the tambura, a stringed drone instrument.
TRA 120/520
Ikebana/Kado I (3)
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging, stemming from a love of nature and a delight in developing the elegance and creativity of being human. Ikebana is also called “Kado, the way of flowers” because it is a contemplative practice (a “dharma art”) as well as an art form. We study the classical and improvisational forms of the Sogetsu school. Ikebana teaches you that everyone has the gentleness and courage of artistic talent. Materials fee.
TRA 130/532
Exploring the Traditional Eastern Arts (2)
Starting with sitting meditation, the experience of sitting
and breathing in a stationary position is explored. The
class progresses to yoga and an experience of intimate
body awareness while moving and while still. T'ai-chi ch'uan
follows, giving the student basic principles of how the
body/mind moves in the world. Aikido explores principles
of how one person moves and interacts with another.
Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) examines principles
of how one relates to an object in space. This course is
designed so students can experience the essence of these
contemplative practices.
TRA 133/515
Yoga: Level I (3)
An introduction to the vast tradition of yoga. Students gain both an understanding of yoga in its historical and social context and an experience of its methods, which constitute an in-depth exploration of breath, movement and consciousness. Students engage with the practices of asana (postures designed to generate sensate awareness, alignment, strength and ease), pranayama (breath awareness and control) and dharana (meditation practices).
TRA 205/525
T’ai-chi Ch’uan: Level II (3)
The first third of the form is corrected. The second third of the form is taught. While continuing to work on the basic principles, the concepts of becoming more relaxed, soft and open in the body and mind are emphasized.
TRA 210/530
Aikido II (3)
This class continues to build directly on the basic aikido
teachings and philosophy to create greater centered and
calm response to conflict in a martial encounter or in our
everyday, personal lives. Relaxed, nonaggressive learning
is emphasized. Stamina and attention are developed.
We support our embodied experience by reading and
reporting on texts of aikido history, philosophy and
technique. We study the practice and ideas of other
contemporary sensei on video and visits to seminars. We
write papers and journals to enhance our mental reflection
and insight on the complexity of our training experience.
TRA 220/540
Ikebana/Kado II (3)
This class offers further exploration and in-depth study of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. Prerequisite: TRA 120. Materials fee.
TRA 233/535
Yoga II (3)
The psychology of the chakras. Students begin working with the chakras (inner energy vortices), which are explored from both a personal and transpersonal perspective, through the practices of asana, pranayama, meditation and a variety of psychological approaches. This class continues the study of yoga’s rich literature and philosophy. A regular home practice is required.
TRA 260/560
Mudra Space Awareness (3)
Space can seem hostile, benevolent, seductive or
enriching. Our perceptions are colored by neurosis and
are heightened by openness, depending on whether
we struggle against or work creatively with obstacles.
Students learn acting exercises designed by Chögyam
Trungpa Rinpoche, the maitri practice of the buddha
families and experiments with space and form by selected
Western directors. Class exercises help students develop
an appreciation of themselves and others in the context
of alive, ever-changing space. A studio class, some outside
rehearsal, attendance and willingness are the primary
course requirements.
TRA 305/545
T’ai-chi Ch’uan: Level III (1–3)
The first two-thirds of the form are corrected. The last third is taught. Emphasis is on balance, rootedness, breath, centeredness and the other basic principles.
TRA 310/550
Aikido III (3)
Calm confidence and grace emerge naturally with the continued and consistent study of aikido movement. Bodies and concentration strengthen. One becomes more comfortable with the “confusion,” the unknowing that precedes knowing. When one becomes more relaxed under pressure, speed, complexity, simplicity and open heartedness begin to enter the martial engagements. One begins to understand how practice might become a lifetime commitment. Bokken and tanto kata are added to intensify the empty hand practice. Readings, reflective writing, attending seminars all are required to further the students’ development.
TRA 320/560
Ikebana/Kado III (3)
This class offers further exploration and in-depth study of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. Prerequisite: TRA 220. Materials fee.
TRA 333/555
Yoga III (3)
This class extends the student's awareness and skills further. In addition to deepening the practice of asana, students learn advanced breathing practices (pranayama), bandhas and mudras (gestures that direct the current of life-force), concentration practices (dharana), yogic methods of physical purification, meditation (dhyana), internal and vocal sound (mantra) and more of yoga's rich literature and philosophy. A daily home practice is required.
TRA 405/565
T’ai-chi Ch’uan Level IV: Push-Hands (1–3)
Push-hands, the two-person t’ai-chi ch’uan exercise, is the most immediate practical application of the t’ai-chi ch’uan form. Students learn to relax while in relationship with someone else’s energy. They experientially learn the principles of center and balance as well as the power of yielding. Students begin to utilize these principles not only in the push-hands situation but in everyday situations as well. You may be asked to do a combination of solo form and push-hands, depending on your level. Minimum prerequisites: completion of the form, form correction and permission of the instructor.
TRA 410/570; 450/573; 487/587; 491; 494
Aikido IV, V, VI, VII, VIII (2–3 each)
Further progress in aikido study is pursued at the nationally
reputed Boulder Aikikai under the tutorship of Naropa's
aikido faculty. Students deepen their understanding, skill
and strength in ukemi, execution of basic and advanced
techniques, participate in bokken, jo, tanto training and
randori practice. Readings, discussions and reflective writing
are required during weekly off-mat meetings. Students are
also required to keep a daily practice journal.
TRA 433/575
Yoga IV: Integral Practice and Teacher Training (3)
This course introduces students to an integral yoga practice,
which combines asana, pranayama, concentration and
meditation. In addition, this class serves as an introduction
to Yoga Teacher Training, intended to complement and
conjoin Yoga V. We study the relationship between asana
and meditation as well as the fundamentals of designing
a yoga practice according to an individual's physiological,
psychological and spiritual constitution.
TRA 437/537; 447/547
Aikido Seminars – Mitsugi Saotome, Sensei and Hiroshi Ikeda, Sensei (0.5 each)
Each weekend seminar provides students with teachings and trainings with world class teachers and opportunities to train with advanced students from around the country. Topics and faculty vary from year to year.
TRA 449/549
Yoga V: Yoga Teacher Training (3)
Yoga V is designed to provide the foundation and training
needed for students who aspire to teach yoga. This class
examines the various topics essential to being a skilled
yoga teacher, including how to safely and effectively teach
asana and pranayama; the principles of effective speech;
ethics; alignment; how to make adjustments; the sequencing
of postures; knowledge of the yoga tradition; and the
cultivation of one's authentic self-expression. Students also
gain regular practice and experience in teaching. This class
culminates in the student teaching a full yoga class for the
other students and chosen guests. Prerequisite: Yoga I–III
(Yoga IV can be taken simultaneously).
TRA 453
Yoga History, Theory and Philosophy (3)
Yoga is one of the six classical "outlooks on the nature
of being" (Shat Darshana) of Hinduism. Yoga has a five-thousand-year history, its teachings passed from one generation to
the next through a written and oral tradition. All of yoga
aims at one thing: realization of the one's true self. This
class surveys the fascinating history of yoga and explores
the theories and philosophies underlying yoga's practices,
from asana (poses) to dhyana (meditation), from tapas (discipline) to santosha (contentment). This class examines
the main schools of yogic thought and reviews some of
its most important texts, including the Vedas, Upanishads,
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita and the Hatha
Yoga Pradipika.
TRA 455/585
T’ai-chi Ch’uan Level V: Sword Form (1–3)
The t’ai-chi ch’uan sword is a practice that further extends the principles of integrated movement, relaxation, balance and ch’i while relating to an external object. This could be a brush, as in the realm of calligraphy and painting, or in this case, a sword. The sword is not wielded by using muscle and physical strength, but by using the body’s natural structural and dynamic characteristics and the forces that operate in the environment. By permission of the instructor, for students who have previous experience studying t’ai-chi ch’uan form and push-hands. Students may be asked to do a combination of solo form, push-hands and sword form, depending on their level.
TRA 463/512
Yoga Meditation Practicum (3)
Meditation, though often neglected in modern-day yoga, has always been a central practice in the yogic traditions. Asana, pranayama and concentration are stepping stones, which provide a foundation from which meditation can effortlessly arise. We embark on a journey into the meditative traditions and practices of yoga. This includes the study and practice of concentration techniques (dharana), formless meditation (dhyana), dream and sleep yoga (yoga nidra) and the philosophical premises behind these practices.
TRA 489
Senior Colloquium (1)
This required course is a process class and includes writing a journal that addresses how the student connects practice of discipline to experience in life and how the student is learning to embody the contemplative way of life. The main focus is the preparation and the presentation of the senior project. Traditional Eastern Arts students only.
TRA 490, 493, 496
T’ai-chi Ch’uan Levels VI, VII, VIII (1–3)
Students further their understanding of t’ai-chi ch’uan principles and integrate them deeper into their practice of forms and applications (push-hands or tui shou and sword). There are readings of the t’ai-chi ch’uan classics and other related literature, discussions and reflective writing during informal community gatherings. Students are asked to keep a journal to track their progress.
TRA 499
Independent Study (1–3)
Taught by the instructor of the core awareness discipline, this class focuses on the history, culture and philosophy of the major awareness discipline. The student and teacher meet in the beginning, middle and end of the semester. Traditional Eastern Arts students only.
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