The Essence of Freedom Through Education
Tarpa is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit that provides comprehensive education in Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice—freely accessible to everyone from all backgrounds. No religious beliefs, fees, or prerequisites required.
We offer rigorous study combining theoretical understanding with experiential learning in dedicated retreat facilities. Through this education, we hope that students discover how developing compassion and wisdom transforms their relationships with themselves and their communities—benefits that multiply as they share what they've learned with others. Read our full mission statement
Tarpa is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit that provides comprehensive education in Buddhist philosophy and contemplative practice—freely accessible to everyone from all backgrounds. No religious beliefs, fees, or prerequisites required.
We offer rigorous study combining theoretical understanding with experiential learning in dedicated retreat facilities. Through this education, we hope that students discover how developing compassion and wisdom transforms their relationships with themselves and their communities—benefits that multiply as they share what they've learned with others. Read our full mission statement
How Tarpa's Education Works
What makes Tarpa distinctive? We offer a comprehensive course in Buddhist meditation theory and practice from a secular perspective that integrates five different academic approaches. Aside from explaining traditional Buddhist theories and practices, we critically analyze the history of different Buddhist traditions; the psychology of their various meditation technologies; the philosophy articulated by different Buddhist schools to support their meditation theory; the scientific explanations of common experiences and reported benefits of meditation; and the anthropology of ritual as meditation supports.
Just as a comprehensive cooking education might combine culinary history, philosophy of cooking, food chemistry, nutritional theory, and hands-on practice, Tarpa’s curriculum gives you what you need—through online study resources and guided retreats—to become a master of your own life with greater wisdom and compassionate engagement with the broader community.
Whether your interest in meditation theory and practice is academic or personal, Tarpa’s curriculum presents a rare blend of university-level education and secular experiential learning unavailable elsewhere.
Learn About Our Educational Approach
Meet the Instructor
Dr. Gregory Seton holds a DPhil from Oxford University and teaches Buddhist Studies at Dartmouth College. With 35 years of contemplative practice, traditional training in Tibetan Buddhist lineages, and fluency in Sanskrit and Tibetan, Greg bridges academic scholarship with deep personal understanding—making ancient wisdom accessible in contemporary secular educational contexts.
Read Full Credentials & Teaching Philosophy
Tarpa's Palace of Learning, a structured course in meditation theory and practice
Ready to Begin?
Browse Our Curriculum — Explore courses from Foundation through advanced levels
Free Enrollment in Tarpa's Palace of Learning, a progressive course in meditation
Visit Our Retreat Cabins — Learn about intensive educational retreats
Read Our FAQ — Get answers to common questions
Contact Us — Discuss how Tarpa can serve your learning goals