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 integrate four dimensions of study rarely combined: historical and anthropological understanding of how Buddhist traditions developed, rigorous philosophical analysis of Buddhist arguments from Eastern and Western perspectives, complete meditation theory explaining how practices work, and guided application of actual meditation techniques.
Just as comprehensive cooking education combines food science, culinary history, technique theory, and hands-on practice, Tarpa’s curriculum weaves these four strands—from online study to optional intensive retreats where students develop skills under instructor guidance, then transfer them to daily life.
Whether you're interested in Buddhist philosophy, meditation, therapeutic applications, or personal practice, Tarpa provides comprehensive education serving both intellectual understanding and practical capability. 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
Ready to Begin?
Browse Our Curriculum — Explore courses from Foundation through advanced levels
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