Michael Franklin

Michael Franklin in the Naropa Community Art Studio

Michael A. Franklin, PhD, ATR-BC, is a distinguished professor and former chair of the graduate Transpersonal Contemplative Art-Based Counseling program at Naropa University.

Judy Lief

Judy Lief served as the president (dean) of Naropa Institute from 1980 to 1985. She has been deeply involved with the university since its founding and has served in a variety of roles: staff, adjunct faculty, Bali study-abroad director, and trustee.  

Charles G. Lief

Charles G. Lief has been a dedicated member of the Naropa University community for thirty-nine years, contributing to the early discussions that led to the creation of the Naropa Institute in 1974.

Joanna Macy

Joanna Macy

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.

Gregory Bateson

Gregory Bateson, a celebrated anthropologist, philosopher, author, naturalist, systems theorist, and filmmaker, was an early faculty member at Naropa University.

Ram Dass

Ram Dass at Naropa in 1974

Ram Dass, an influential spiritual teacher and former psychology professor, significantly impacted Naropa University during the summer of 1974 with his course on the Yogas of the Bhagavad Gītā.

Marvin Casper

Karen Kissel Wegela and Marvin Casper in Naropa's early days

Marvin Casper was a foundational figure in the creation of Naropa University, whose vision and dedication shaped the institution from its earliest days.

Karen Kissel Wegela

Karen Kissel Wegela and Marvin Casper in Naropa's early days

Karen Kissel Wegela, PhD, is a distinguished professor at Naropa University, where she has profoundly influenced the field of contemplative psychotherapy for over four decades.

Diane di Prima

Diane di Prima

Diane di Prima, a seminal figure in the Beat Generation and a revolutionary voice in feminist literature, left a profound legacy at Naropa University as a co-founder of the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics.

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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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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.  

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. 

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Naropa Campuses Closed on Friday, March 15, 2024

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.