Dechen Chöling Competitors

Located in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University is a private, liberal arts institution offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2014–15, Naropa University is a leader in contemplative education, an approach to learning and teaching that integrates Eastern wisdom studies with a traditional Western scholarship. Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Naropa's Extended Campus offers continuing education, professional development, and public programs for the lifelong learner within us all. Our programs promote Naropa University’s core mission and values in ways uniquely adapted to meet your ongoing educational needs.

Located on over 400 acres in beautiful West Marin County just north of San Francisco, Spirit Rock offers a refuge from everyday life where it's truly possible to quiet the mind, soften the heart and see life in a new way. The caring teachers, staff, and volunteers, create a supportive environment for turning inward and letting go of the struggles that get in the way of experiencing the freedom and joy that are inherent in every moment of life. Spirit Rock’s mission is to provide practitioners with teachings to manifest wisdom and compassion in all aspects of their lives, for the benefit of all beings. The vision of spiritual practice includes preserving the depth of traditional wisdom and teachings, while also developing an integrated and openhearted life of engagement in the world. The nonprofit organization was founded to create an enduring dharma retreat, practice, community, and study center rooted in the Buddhist tradition. It offers a range of residential meditation retreats, non-residential programs and dharma training programs for new and experienced students from diverse backgrounds. The teachings of the Buddha (Dharma) and the practices of Insight Meditation (vipassanā) and lovingkindness meditation (mettā) are at the heart of all the programs. A Spirit Rock staff position is a wonderful opportunity to explore work as practice in a kind and considerate environment. In conjunction with the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative, Spirit Rock honors and celebrates different ideas, voices, perspectives, and backgrounds that help create a robust and innovative multicultural organization. Spirit Rock strives to create a workplace culture that reflects the communities it serves and empowers everyone to bring their full and authentic selves to its teams. All employees have the responsibility to treat fellow employees with the utmost respect and dignity, at all times.

IMS is one of the Western world's oldest and most-respected meditation retreat centers. We are dedicated to providing a spiritual refuge for all who seek freedom of mind and heart. Our experienced teachers offer guidance in Buddhist meditations known as vipassana (insight) and metta (lovingkindness). While the context is the Buddha’s teachings, these practices are universal. They help to develop awareness and compassion in ourselves, giving rise to greater peace and happiness in the world. Our two adjacent retreat facilities – the Retreat Center and the Forest Refuge – are set on some 240 secluded wooded acres in the quiet countryside of central Massachusetts. The Retreat Center has a range of silent meditation courses available, varying in length from a weekend to three months. The Forest Refuge offers experienced meditators the opportunity to explore a more independent and less structured form of retreat life.