“As we proceed with the Gita, you will be able to explore yourself – the inner being of who you really are. You will be able to realize that the work on yourself is that of uncovering a much deeper being in you.“
– Ram Dass
When Ram Dass first traveled to India in 1967, he was introduced to a critical ancient Hindu text called the Bhagavad Gita (“The Song of God”). Immersing himself in its 700 verses, he recognized that the Gita offered a wellspring of fundamental teachings that everyone, especially Westerners caught in their rational mindsets, could use to live more balanced and conscious lives.
Upon returning to the U.S., Ram Dass began to travel, lecture, and teach these philosophies. In 1974, he arrived at the newly established Naropa Institute (now University) in Boulder, Colorado. Founded by Tibetan Buddhist master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche, Naropa served as fertile ground for Ram Dass to explore the Gita. Over several weeks during Naropa’s inaugural summer, Ram Dass taught a course entitled “The Yogas of the Bhagavad Gita.”
This 6-week course weaves timeless teachings with present-day introspection and provides context for walking confidently through a rapidly evolving world. First offered by the Love Serve Remember Foundation in the spring of 2022 as a live program, it marks the first time LSR has undertaken a full archival reconstruction of this legendary Ram Dass teaching series.
Offering over 19 hours of remastered archival audio and video teachings and practices from the original 1974 Naropa course, each weekly lesson is supplemented and contextualized with dharma talks from contemporary teachers.
This 6-module course includes:
19+ hours of remastered audio and video
Guided meditation practices
Dharma talks from contemporary teachers
Integration and journaling exercises
Weekly “going deeper” practices given to students by Ram Dass in 1974
Downloadable transcripts for accessibility and ease of use
This 6-module course includes:
19+ hours of remastered audio and video
Guided meditation practices
Dharma talks from contemporary teachers
Integration and journaling exercises
Weekly “going deeper” practices given to students by Ram Dass in 1974
Downloadable transcripts for accessibility and ease of use
Ram Dass made his mark on the world by teaching the path of the heart and promoting service in the areas of social consciousness and care for the dying. When Ram Dass first went to India in 1967, he was still Dr. Richard Alpert, an eminent Harvard psychologist and psychedelic pioneer with Dr.Timothy Leary. In India, he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, who gave Ram Dass his name, which means “servant of God.”
On his return from India Ram Dass became a pivotal influence in our culture with the publication of Be Here Now. Those words have become a catch phrase in people’s lives for the last 40 years. With the publication in 2011 of Be Love Now Ram Dass completed the trilogy that began with Be Here Now in 1970 and continued with Still Here in 2004. He released Polishing The Mirror: How to Live From Your Spiritual Heart in 2013, and released his most recent book, Walking Each Other Home: Conversations on Love and Dying with co-author Mirabai Bush in 2018.
Ram Dass passed away in December 2019 at his home on Maui. His teachings continue through his website RamDass.org and the Love Serve Remember Foundation.
Ram Dass made his mark on the world by teaching the path of the heart and promoting service in the areas of social consciousness and care for the dying. When Ram Dass first went to India in 1967, he was still Dr. Richard Alpert, an eminent Harvard psychologist and psychedelic pioneer with Dr.Timothy Leary. In India, he met his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, affectionately known as Maharajji, who gave Ram Dass his name, which means “servant of God.”
On his return from India Ram Dass became a pivotal influence in our culture with the publication of Be Here Now. Those words have become a catch phrase in people’s lives for the last 40 years. With the publication in 2011 of Be Love Now Ram Dass completed the trilogy that began with Be Here Now in 1970 and continued with Still Here in 2004. He released Polishing The Mirror: How to Live From Your Spiritual Heart in 2013, and released his most recent book, Walking Each Other Home: Conversations on Love and Dying with co-author Mirabai Bush in 2018.
Ram Dass passed away in December 2019 at his home on Maui. His teachings continue through his website RamDass.org and the Love Serve Remember Foundation.
Acharya Shunya is a wisdom teacher and a catalyst for empowering health and elevating consciousness worldwide. She is an award-winning and internationally renowned author, speaker and scholar of nondual wisdom (Advaita) and a classically-trained master of Yoga and Ayurveda.
The first female head of her 2,000-year-old Indian Vedic spiritual lineage, Acharya Shunya provides a rare opportunity to receive authentic teachings from a genuine Vedic master—one with a distinctly down-to-earth, feminine flavor who never lets us forget that our humanity is to be embodied and enjoyed.
She is the President of The Awakened Self Foundation with its international headquarters in California and founder of the spiritual and philanthropic non-profit Vedika Global.
Acharya Shunya is a wisdom teacher and a catalyst for empowering health and elevating consciousness worldwide. She is an award-winning and internationally renowned author, speaker and scholar of nondual wisdom (Advaita) and a classically-trained master of Yoga and Ayurveda.
The first female head of her 2,000-year-old Indian Vedic spiritual lineage, Acharya Shunya provides a rare opportunity to receive authentic teachings from a genuine Vedic master—one with a distinctly down-to-earth, feminine flavor who never lets us forget that our humanity is to be embodied and enjoyed.
She is the President of The Awakened Self Foundation with its international headquarters in California and founder of the spiritual and philanthropic non-profit Vedika Global.
Dr. Robert Svoboda is the first Westerner ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India. During and after his formal Ayurvedic training he was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra, and other forms of classical Indian lore by his mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. He is the author of twelve books including Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution and the Aghora series, which discusses his experiences with his mentor during the years 1975 – 1983.
In the years since 1986, Dr. Svoboda has traveled extensively, spending three months per year on average in India. He often speaks on Ayurveda, Jyotish, Tantra, and allied subjects in locales across the world.
Dr. Svoboda has served as Adjunct Faculty at the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, NM, and at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA.
Dr. Robert Svoboda is the first Westerner ever to graduate from a college of Ayurveda and be licensed to practice Ayurveda in India. During and after his formal Ayurvedic training he was tutored in Ayurveda, Yoga, Jyotish, Tantra, and other forms of classical Indian lore by his mentor, the Aghori Vimalananda. He is the author of twelve books including Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution and the Aghora series, which discusses his experiences with his mentor during the years 1975 – 1983.
In the years since 1986, Dr. Svoboda has traveled extensively, spending three months per year on average in India. He often speaks on Ayurveda, Jyotish, Tantra, and allied subjects in locales across the world.
Dr. Svoboda has served as Adjunct Faculty at the Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, NM, and at Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA.
Shalini Bahl, Ph.D. is a mindfulness coach, award-winning researcher, and certified mindfulness teacher. Her core teachings empower people to be mindful when it matters most. By systematically and playfully developing mindful habits they strengthen their capacity to return to a field of inner knowing and awareness. She draws from the original teachings in mindfulness backed by neuroscience, psychology, and a human-centered approach.
As a meditator for over two decades, Shalini has learned from some of the best mindfulness teachers. She’s lived and worked in three countries—India, Kuwait, and the USA. Her experiences as an entrepreneur, a business professor, and elected leader allow her to engage with diverse audiences including CEOs, executives at Fortune 500 companies, educators, and students. She has an appreciation of each client’s unique journey and meets them where they are.
Shalini Bahl, Ph.D. is a mindfulness coach, award-winning researcher, and certified mindfulness teacher. Her core teachings empower people to be mindful when it matters most. By systematically and playfully developing mindful habits they strengthen their capacity to return to a field of inner knowing and awareness. She draws from the original teachings in mindfulness backed by neuroscience, psychology, and a human-centered approach.
As a meditator for over two decades, Shalini has learned from some of the best mindfulness teachers. She’s lived and worked in three countries—India, Kuwait, and the USA. Her experiences as an entrepreneur, a business professor, and elected leader allow her to engage with diverse audiences including CEOs, executives at Fortune 500 companies, educators, and students. She has an appreciation of each client’s unique journey and meets them where they are.
Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author of creative non-fiction and contemporary translations of sacred literature. She taught Philosophy and World Religions at the University of New Mexico-Taos for 20 years and now teaches and speaks internationally on contemplative practice and inter-spiritual dialog.
A certified bereavement counselor, Mirabai helps mourners harness the transformational power of loss. Mirabai met Ram Dass in 1975 at the Lama Foundation when she was 14 and has been a devotee of Neem Karoli Baba ever since.
Her latest book, WILD MERCY: Living the Fierce & Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics, was named one of the “Best Books of 2019” by Spirituality & Practice.
Mirabai Starr is an award-winning author of creative non-fiction and contemporary translations of sacred literature. She taught Philosophy and World Religions at the University of New Mexico-Taos for 20 years and now teaches and speaks internationally on contemplative practice and inter-spiritual dialog.
A certified bereavement counselor, Mirabai helps mourners harness the transformational power of loss. Mirabai met Ram Dass in 1975 at the Lama Foundation when she was 14 and has been a devotee of Neem Karoli Baba ever since.
Her latest book, WILD MERCY: Living the Fierce & Tender Wisdom of the Women Mystics, was named one of the “Best Books of 2019” by Spirituality & Practice.
Art and transformation inspired from the depths of consciousness has been Michael’s life-long passion. His background spans the full range of life—from a producer of epic events including those with the David Lynch Foundation, to subtler fields as a Vedic scholar, to the embodied, as a body-centered therapist.
He earned an MA in Vedic Psychology from Maharishi International University, where he became fascinated with the Ramayana. Using his producer skills, he has created numerous productions of the great epic over the last 30 years.
Currently, it is Michael’s joy to popularize ancient texts like the Ramayana in the West, making their values and depth more accessible to the masses. He also founded Vedic Audio Knowledge (VAK) to bring out more of these enlightened audio productions. His latest audio production is a collaboration with Krishna Das called Hanuman’s Leap of Faith.
Art and transformation inspired from the depths of consciousness has been Michael’s life-long passion. His background spans the full range of life—from a producer of epic events including those with the David Lynch Foundation, to subtler fields as a Vedic scholar, to the embodied, as a body-centered therapist.
He earned an MA in Vedic Psychology from Maharishi International University, where he became fascinated with the Ramayana. Using his producer skills, he has created numerous productions of the great epic over the last 30 years.
Currently, it is Michael’s joy to popularize ancient texts like the Ramayana in the West, making their values and depth more accessible to the masses. He also founded Vedic Audio Knowledge (VAK) to bring out more of these enlightened audio productions. His latest audio production is a collaboration with Krishna Das called Hanuman’s Leap of Faith.
Nina Rao learned traditional chants (bhajans) from her grandfather in a village in south India when she was nine years old. The chants quietly stayed with her until she rediscovered chanting with Krishna Das in New York in 1996. For many years Nina has been Krishna Das’ business manager and accompanies him musically as well.
In January 2013 she released her debut album, “Antarayaami-Knower of All Hearts”; August 2018 her second album “Anubhav” was released. Nina regularly leads kirtan, workshops, and retreats in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and beyond.
She is also chairwoman of non-profit Saving Wild Tigers which supports conservation of wild tigers and all species in their natural habitat in India.
Nina Rao learned traditional chants (bhajans) from her grandfather in a village in south India when she was nine years old. The chants quietly stayed with her until she rediscovered chanting with Krishna Das in New York in 1996. For many years Nina has been Krishna Das’ business manager and accompanies him musically as well.
In January 2013 she released her debut album, “Antarayaami-Knower of All Hearts”; August 2018 her second album “Anubhav” was released. Nina regularly leads kirtan, workshops, and retreats in her hometown of Brooklyn, New York and beyond.
She is also chairwoman of non-profit Saving Wild Tigers which supports conservation of wild tigers and all species in their natural habitat in India.
The self-paced online course begins as soon as you enroll. You decide when you start and when you finish.
This Naropa On-Demand course is available through our online Learning Management System, Thinkific. After enrolling, you will be able to access the course at anytime through your Thinkific Dashboard.
For more information about Naropa On-Demand courses, visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
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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.
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.
Due to adverse weather conditions, all Naropa campuses will be closed Friday, March 15, 2024. All classes that require a physical presence on campus will be canceled. All online and low-residency programs are to meet as scheduled.
Based on the current weather forecast, the Healing with the Ancestors Talk & Breeze of Simplicity program scheduled for Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday will be held as planned.
Staff that do not work remotely or are scheduled to work on campus, can work remotely. Staff that routinely work remotely are expected to continue to do so.
As a reminder, notifications will be sent by e-mail and the LiveSafe app.
Regardless of Naropa University’s decision, if you ever believe the weather conditions are unsafe, please contact your supervisor and professors. Naropa University trusts you to make thoughtful and wise decisions based on the conditions and situation in which you find yourself in.
