Joanna Macy, PhD, a distinguished Buddhist and environmental scholar and activist, has made a profound impact on Naropa University and beyond through her extensive work in environmental activism, nuclear guardianship, and deep ecology. Her engagement in dialogues and events at Naropa led to the creation of the Joanna Macy Center for Resilience and Regeneration, a testament to her influence on both the academic and contemplative communities. Her work emphasizes the need for environmental activism rooted in Buddhist spirituality and contemporary science, offering paths of action that turn despair into meaningful engagement.
As the author of twelve books, including “Despair and Personal Power in the Nuclear Age” and “A Wild Love for the World,” and a translator of Rilke, Macy has enriched Naropa’s community and inspired global action. Her transformational practice, “The Work that Reconnects,” provides a framework for addressing the crises of our time by fostering personal and collaborative healing. The Joanna Macy Center reflects her vision by integrating contemplative practice, sustainability, and social justice, encouraging a deep, interconnected approach to personal and collective well-being.
