Marvin Casper was a foundational figure in the creation of Naropa University, whose vision and dedication shaped the institution from its earliest days. After meeting Trungpa Rinpoche in 1970, Marvin, alongside John Baker, edited the influential works Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism and The Myth of Freedom and the Way of Meditation, which laid the groundwork for Naropa’s unique educational philosophy. He was central to the conversations that envisioned a school where Buddhist teachings could blend with Western intellectual and artistic traditions, leading to the successful launch of Naropa’s 1974 summer institute.
As a founding faculty member, Marvin helped establish Naropa’s contemplative psychology program and developed the core Maitri Space Awareness training in collaboration with Trungpa Rinpoche. Over his 46-year tenure, Marvin was a beloved teacher known for his wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the personal and spiritual development of his students. His ability to adapt his teachings to meet the challenges of the times ensured that Naropa remained a place where intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth were deeply interwoven.
