Frequently Asked Questions

About Tarpa's Mission

Is Tarpa a religious organization?

No. Tarpa is a secular educational nonprofit (501(c)(3)) that teaches about Buddhist philosophical and contemplative traditions as part of the broader study of human knowledge. We examine these traditions academically—analyzing arguments, testing methods, and evaluating outcomes based on evidence—rather than promoting religious beliefs or requiring religious commitment. Our approach is similar to how universities teach Christian ethics or Islamic philosophy without promoting those religions. We also provide guided retreats in solitary cabins where students can immerse themselves in studying meditation techniques and exercises from a secular perspective.

What makes this education rather than religious practice?

Several key distinctions define our educational approach:

• Students investigate questions through systematic inquiry rather than accepting doctrines on faith

• We teach analytical, psychological, and contemplative methods as tools for learning mindfulness, understanding one’s own perception, and cognitively reframing it—not religious rituals, prayers, or methods

• Instructors guide students in modes of experimentation rather than in claims asserted by spiritual authority

• Students reach their own conclusions based on evidence and experience

• No religious beliefs, vows, or affiliations are required

• Methods are presented as thought-experiments and educational exercises

Do I need to be Buddhist or believe in Buddhism to participate?

No. Tarpa's programs are open to anyone regardless of religious background or belief. Students approach contemplative methods through whatever lens makes sense to them—philosophy, psychology, or practical life skills. Questions of personal belief are left entirely to the individual, and Tarpa never pressures—implicitly, explicitly, or otherwise—students to convert to Buddhism as a religion. We welcome students from all backgrounds, including those with traditional Buddhist beliefs, those from other religious traditions, and those with no religious affiliation.

How is Tarpa different from a Buddhist temple or meditation center?

Buddhist temples and meditation centers typically:

• Promote Buddhist religious beliefs and practices

• Conduct religious ceremonies, rituals, and prayers

• Require or encourage religious commitment

• Function as religious communities (sanghas) with membership and pressure to conform

• Present teachings as spiritual truths to be accepted

Tarpa instead:

• Teaches about Buddhist theories and traditions as academic subjects

• Treats contemplative methods as educational tools with psychological rather than religious benefits

• Requires no religious beliefs or commitments

• Functions as an educational institution encouraging critical thinking and personal growth

• Explains ideas as hypotheses to be tested and evaluated through evidence based methods

About Tarpa's Operations

How long has Tarpa been operating?

Tarpa was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational corporation in December 2022. Our first retreat cabin was completed in January 2024, with two additional cabins completed by June 2024. Since opening, we have hosted students for educational retreats ranging from one week to over three months.

While we are a new organization, our educational approach is built on Dr. Seton's nine years of proven university-level teaching at Dartmouth College, where he has taught Buddhist philosophy and meditation to hundreds of students since 2016. The Tarpa curriculum has drawn directly from this established academic foundation and is now being expanded in the Palace of Learning.

Why aren't the cabins used year-round?

The cabins can be booked year-round. But several factors have contributed to our past utilization patterns:

• Intensive retreat nature: Unlike classroom courses that meet for an hour at a time, our retreat education involves students staying in the cabins for extended periods—typically one to four weeks for newer students, and up to several months for advanced students. This means fewer "enrollments" but much deeper educational engagement per student.

• Advanced curriculum stage: Longer retreats typically occur after students have completed significant foundational coursework. They represent advanced-level educational integration rather than entry-level study, which naturally limits the pool of ready students at any given time.

• Work and life constraints: Many people interested in intensive retreat education cannot take extended time away from jobs and family responsibilities, even when they wish to do so. This is a practical limitation facing all residential educational programs.

• Growth phase: As a small, new educational organization, we are building student awareness through word-of-mouth and our developing online presence. As our online curriculum becomes more accessible, we anticipate steady growth in retreat participation.

• Seasonal considerations: Vermont winters can present challenges for some students, though we do offer winter retreats for those interested.

This utilization pattern is typical for small, specialized educational institutions offering intensive residential programs. At Tarpa, we measure educational value by depth of individual transformation and community engagement, rather than the volume of enrollment.

What is Tarpa's size and growth plan?

Tarpa is designed as a small educational organization offering intensive, individualized contemplative education. With three retreat cabins and instruction in meditation theory, we serve limited numbers of students annually with the deep personal attention that contemplative education requires.

We may eventually increase the number of cabins to meet student interest, but our model emphasizes educational quality over organizational scale. Like a small music conservatory or specialized graduate program, we prioritize mentorship, rigorous study, and transformative learning rather than large enrollment numbers.

What qualifications do instructors have?

Dr. Gregory Seton, Tarpa's founder and primary instructor, is a professor at Dartmouth College where he has been teaching since 2016 a variety of courses on Indian and Tibetan Buddhism in the Religion Department, Philosophy Department, and the Department of Asian Societies Cultures & Languages. Dr. Seton has more than 20 years of undergraduate and graduate university teaching experience and almost 40 years of personal meditation practice and extensive training in Tibetan Buddhist philosophical texts and contemplative practices. His teaching combines rigorous academic scholarship with deep experiential understanding, presented in contemporary secular terms appropriate for diverse learners.

About Access and Participation

Who can use the retreat cabins?

The cabins are available for public use by anyone interested in contemplative education, without restriction based on background, belief, experience, or financial circumstances. Whether you're new to meditation or have decades of experience, whether you hold religious beliefs or none at all, you're welcome to apply for a retreat.

Are there prerequisites for retreat?

No prerequisites exist. We provide educational guidance about appropriate retreat lengths based on individual circumstances. Students new to intensive practice are recommended typically to begin with shorter retreats (10-30 days), while experienced practitioners may pursue longer ones (up to 120 days). These recommendations are for effective learning, not requirements for access. Longer retreats typically occur after students have engaged with foundational coursework, as they represent advanced-level educational integration.

How much does it cost?

All Tarpa programs—online courses and retreat cabins—are free and accessible to everyone regardless of financial circumstances. There is no tuition or fee. Donations are welcome to cover maintenance and operational costs, but inability to donate does not affect access to our educational programs.

Do I need to commit to a specific belief system or philosophy?

No. Tarpa's educational framework is methodologically secular and evidence-based, but we do not require students to adopt any particular worldview, including secular humanism. You are free to approach the material through whatever lens makes sense to you—whether philosophical, psychological, spiritual, or purely practical. Personal beliefs remain entirely your own choice.

About Retreat Experience

What does a typical retreat day look like?

While each student's curriculum is individualized based on their background and goals, a typical retreat day includes:

• Morning: Formal meditation practice (sitting and walking), mindful breakfast preparation and eating

• Mid-morning: Study time with assigned readings and course materials

• Lunch: Mindful meal preparation, eating, cleanup, and post-lunch mindful walking

• Afternoon: Continuation of formal practice and study, one hour of community service (options include work for Tarpa's educational mission, local community service, or online service for organizations)

• Evening: Dinner preparation and mindful eating, evening practice session, reflective journaling

• Throughout day: Practicing mindful awareness during all daily activities (showering, cleaning, walking, etc.)

Students also have regular individual instruction sessions (frequency varies based on retreat length and student needs) in-person or via phone or video call with Dr. Seton.

How does instruction work during retreat?

Retreat instruction includes:

• Pre-retreat planning: Students work with Dr. Seton to develop individualized curriculum plans, clarify learning objectives, and receive educational preparation

• During retreat:

  • Assigned readings and study materials

  • Specific contemplative "experiments" to investigate consciousness

  • Regular one-on-one instruction sessions with Dr. Seton

  • Written guidance and feedback on reflective journals

  • Adjustments to practice based on student's progress and challenges

• Post-retreat integration: Follow-up sessions help students transfer skills to daily life and plan continued practice

This ensures retreats are structured educational experiences with expert guidance throughout, not simply self-directed meditation in isolation.

What is the community service requirement?

All retreat students dedicate one hour daily to service activities of their choosing. This ensures contemplative education develops both wisdom and compassionate action together, rather than self-focused isolation. Service options include:

• Service for Tarpa: Many students contribute to Tarpa's educational mission (we are a nonprofit educational charity). Examples include editing educational materials, website development, organizational tasks, or grounds maintenance. This allows students to serve while remaining in the contemplative environment.

• Local community service: Helping neighbors, supporting local organizations, environmental projects, or community needs

• Online service: Crisis helplines, tutoring, nonprofit administrative support, translation, technical assistance, or creative contributions

Students choose service aligned with their skills and interests. Dr. Seton helps students reflect on their service experiences and connect them with contemplative learning.

Can I stay in a cabin just to relax or vacation?

No. The cabins are educational facilities available only for scheduled educational retreats as part of Tarpa's contemplative education program. Students must be enrolled in specific educational programs with instructor oversight, structured daily schedules, study requirements, and learning objectives. Between educational retreats, cabins remain unoccupied to preserve their educational purpose.

What should I bring for a retreat?

Students should bring:

• Clothing appropriate for Vermont weather and indoor living

• Personal toiletries and medications

• Any comfort items for your bedroom space

• Laptop or tablet if you prefer digital reading (internet available)

• Notebook and pens for journaling

What Cabin amenities are provided?

• Bedroom: Queen-size electric adjustable bed, sheets, down duvet with cover, blankets, quilts, pillows, closet with shelves and hanging bar, bedside table with reading light

• Kitchen: Full-size refrigerator with bottom freezer, 4 burner gas cooktop, microwave, toaster oven, small rice cooker, double bowl sink and full complement of kitchenware, dishes, utensils

• Dining Area: Expandable dining table and chairs, additional workspace surface

• Study & Practice Space: Study table with adjustable height, floor cushions for contemplative practice, bookshelves, reading chair, chest with drawers

• Connectivity & Supplies: Wireless internet, AT&T cellphone signal, cordless vacuum, mop, broom, cleaning products, toilet paper, paper towel, microfiber cloths, garbage bags, recycling bins, compost bin

• Bathroom: Shower, toilet, sink, bath mat, towels, washcloths

Food is not provided. Students purchase or arrange their own groceries. Many students have food delivered or do shopping trips before retreat begins.

About Online Education

When will online courses be available?

Our Foundation and First Floor online courses are launching in November 2024. These will include video lectures, reading materials, reflective exercises, and discussion opportunities. Additional levels (Second Floor and beyond) are in development, with course frameworks already established and full modules being created progressively.

Currently, students also work with instructors through individualized study plans adapted from Buddhist philosophy and meditation courses taught at Dartmouth College since 2016.

How do online courses and retreat integrate?

Students can take online courses without attending retreat—they are valuable as standalone education. However, retreats provide opportunities for intensive experiential learning that deepens and integrates theoretical understanding. Students may:

• Complete online coursework, then attend retreat to deepen practice

• Begin with retreat experience, then pursue online courses for theoretical grounding

• Alternate between online study and retreat experiences as their education progresses

The optimal sequence depends on individual learning style and life circumstances. Dr. Seton helps students design educational paths suited to their needs.