Frequently Asked Questions

About Tarpa

Is Tarpa a religious organization?

No. Tarpa is a secular educational nonprofit that teaches meditation as scientific method — a rigorous, evidence-based approach to investigating one's own experience. Its curriculum draws on the contemplative science embedded within Buddhist traditions, which stands entirely apart from Buddhism's religious dimensions, integrated with Western philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. Students are trained to reach their own conclusions through observation and evidence, not to accept doctrines on faith. No religious beliefs, vows, or affiliations are required or involved at any stage.

Do I need to believe in Buddhism — or anything in particular — to participate?

No. Tarpa's programs are open to anyone regardless of background or belief. Students approach the material through whatever lens makes sense to them — philosophical, psychological, scientific, or purely practical. Questions of personal belief remain entirely your own. Tarpa neither promotes Buddhist religious beliefs nor pressures students toward any particular worldview.

Who is this program for?

Anyone seriously curious about how meditation actually works and what it can genuinely do. Tarpa serves students ranging from the purely intellectually curious — who want rigorous theoretical understanding without engaging in practice — to experienced meditators seeking deeper grounding, therapists and researchers incorporating contemplative methods into professional work, and complete beginners with no prior background. What students share is an interest in taking the subject seriously.

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 offered online course materials and 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 university-level teaching at Dartmouth College, where he has taught Buddhist philosophy and meditation to hundreds of students since 2016. The Palace of Learning draws directly from that established academic foundation.

Why aren't the cabins used year-round?

The cabins are available year-round. Several factors shape utilization patterns:

Intensive retreat nature: Our retreat education involves students staying for extended periods – typically one to four weeks for newer students, 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, 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 — a practical limitation facing all residential educational programs.

Growth phase: As a developing organization, we are building student awareness through our online presence. As the Palace of Learning becomes more accessible, we anticipate steady growth in retreat participation.

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

What qualifications do instructors have?

Dr. Gregory Seton, Tarpa's founder and primary instructor, is a Senior Lecturer at Dartmouth College where he has taught since 2016 in the Religion, Philosophy, and Asian Societies, Languages & Cultures departments. He holds a DPhil in Buddhist Studies from Oxford University, has more than 20 years of university teaching experience, and nearly 40 years of personal contemplative practice and study in Tibetan Buddhist philosophical texts and practices. His teaching combines rigorous academic scholarship with deep experiential understanding, presented in 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.

Are there prerequisites for retreat?

No prerequisites exist. We provide guidance about appropriate retreat lengths based on individual circumstances. Students new to intensive practice typically begin with shorter retreats (2–10 days), while experienced practitioners may pursue longer ones (up to 120 days). These are recommendations for effective learning, not requirements for access.

How much does it cost?

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

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

No. You are free to approach the material through whatever lens makes sense to you. Personal beliefs remain entirely your own.

About Retreat Experience

What does a typical retreat day look like?

Each student's curriculum is individualized, but a typical retreat day includes:

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

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

• Afternoon: Continued practice and study; one hour of community service

• Evening: Dinner preparation, evening practice session, reflective journaling

• Throughout: Applying investigative attention to all daily activities

Students have regular individual instruction sessions with Dr. Seton in-person or via phone or video call.

How does instruction work during retreat?

Pre-retreat: Students work with Dr. Seton to develop individualized plans, clarify learning objectives, and prepare for the investigative work ahead.

During retreat: Assigned readings and study materials; specific investigative experiments; regular one-on-one instruction with Dr. Seton; written feedback on reflective journals; adjustments to approach based on findings.

Post-retreat: Follow-up sessions help students assess what they found, integrate insights into daily life, and plan continued study.

What is the community service requirement?

All retreat students dedicate one hour daily to hands-on volunteer work for a charitable organization of their choosing — an integral part of the curriculum connecting the work of personal investigation to community engagement. Options include service for Tarpa's educational mission, local community work, or online support for other nonprofits.

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

No. The cabins are educational facilities available only for scheduled retreats with instructor oversight, structured daily schedules, study requirements, and learning objectives.

What should I bring?

• Clothing appropriate for Vermont weather and indoor living

• Personal toiletries and medications

• Laptop or tablet for course materials (internet available)

• Notebook and pens for journaling

What amenities are provided?

Bedroom: Queen-size electric adjustable bed, sheets, down duvet, blankets, pillows, closet, bedside reading light

Kitchen: Full-size refrigerator, 4-burner gas cooktop, microwave, toaster oven, rice cooker, full kitchenware and utensils

Dining: Expandable table and chairs, additional workspace

Study & Practice: Adjustable-height study table, floor cushions, bookshelves, reading chair

Connectivity: Wireless internet, AT&T cell signal, cleaning supplies, paper goods

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

Food is not provided. Students purchase or arrange their own groceries.

About Online Education

When will online courses be available?

The Foundation is available now. First Floor launches January 2026. Additional floors are in development and will be released progressively. Students wishing to engage advanced material before later floors launch are welcome to work directly with Dr. Seton on individualized study plans drawing from his Dartmouth course materials.

How do online courses and retreat integrate?

Online courses are valuable as standalone education — students may pursue them without attending retreat. Retreats provide intensive experiential investigation that deepens and integrates theoretical understanding. The optimal sequence depends on individual learning style and circumstances. Dr. Seton helps students design paths suited to their needs.