Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is Tarpa? Tarpa is a free, secular 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization that teaches meditation as a contemplative scientific method—a rigorous, evidence-based approach to investigating human experience. The curriculum is based upon three courses Dr. Gregory Seton (DPhil, Oxford) developed and teaches at Dartmouth College, which explore different Buddhist and Western theoretical frameworks for meditation from a secular, academic perspective. No religious beliefs, vows, or affiliations are required or involved at any stage.

Do I need any prior experience or background? No. Tarpa’s programs are open to anyone who wishes to learn, without restriction of any kind. The curriculum has multiple levels and entry points designed to meet students where they are, whether they have never meditated or have years of experience. No background in Buddhism, no prior meditation experience, and no particular philosophical or religious orientation is required. There are no fees, no prerequisites, and no application process.

Is it really free? Yes, completely. All Tarpa programs—the Palace of Learning online curriculum and study intensives at the meditation laboratories—are free and accessible to everyone. Donations are welcome to support operating costs, but the inability or choice not to donate never affects access to any program.

What is available right now? The Foundation and First Floor of the Palace of Learning are available now. The Second Floor launches in July 2026. Students wishing to engage advanced material before later floors launch are welcome to work directly with Dr. Seton on individualized study plans.

What is the difference between the online curriculum and a study intensive? The online curriculum is a self-paced academic program covering the theory, history, philosophy, and contemplative science behind meditation practice. A study intensive is the applied experiential component—an immersive period at Tarpa’s Vermont meditation laboratories where students investigate the methodology directly, across the full range of daily experience, with Dr. Seton’s instruction throughout. The online curriculum is complete as a standalone education; study intensives are for those who want to go further.

Study Intensives

Who can use the meditation laboratories? Anyone. The meditation laboratories are open to any member of the public without restriction based on background, belief, prior experience, or financial circumstances. Students at any level—including those just beginning—are welcome to start the curriculum from within the meditation laboratories, combining theoretical study and applied experiential learning from day one.

How long do study intensives last? Study intensives range from 2–3 days (Foundation level) to 90–120 days (advanced levels). Students new to intensive study typically begin with shorter periods; experienced practitioners may pursue longer ones. These are recommendations for effective learning, not requirements for access. Dr. Seton works with each student to identify an appropriate duration.

What does a typical day look like? Each student’s curriculum is individualized, but a typical day includes a morning formal practice session and mindful breakfast; mid-morning study with assigned readings and course materials; afternoon continued practice and study plus one hour of community service; an evening practice session and reflective journaling; and throughout the day, applying investigative attention to all daily activities—the primary experiment.

How does instruction work? Before a study intensive, students work with Dr. Seton to develop an individualized plan, clarify learning objectives, and prepare for the investigative work ahead. During the intensive, Dr. Seton provides regular one-on-one instruction—reviewing observations from reflective journals, adjusting the experimental approach, and connecting findings with theoretical frameworks. Afterward, follow-up sessions help students integrate what they found into daily life.

What should I bring? Clothing appropriate for Vermont weather and indoor living, personal toiletries and medications, a laptop or tablet for course materials (internet is available), and a notebook and pens for journaling. Food is not provided—students purchase or arrange their own groceries.

Can I use the facilities just to relax or take a vacation? No. The meditation laboratories are educational facilities available exclusively for scheduled study intensives with instructor oversight, structured daily schedules, assigned study, and defined learning objectives. They are not available for general lodging or vacation use.

About Tarpa

Who is Dr. Seton? Dr. Gregory Seton is a Senior Lecturer at Dartmouth College with a DPhil in Buddhist Studies from Oxford University. He has taught Buddhist meditation theory and practice at Dartmouth since 2016 in the Religion, Philosophy, and Asian Societies, Languages & Cultures departments, and brings 37 years of personal contemplative study to his teaching. He is Tarpa’s founder and primary instructor, and lives on-site at the Vermont meditation laboratories.

How long has Tarpa been operating? Tarpa was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational corporation in December 2022. The first meditation laboratory was completed in January 2024, with two additional laboratories completed by June 2024. The Foundation and First Floor of the online curriculum launched in 2025. Since opening, Tarpa has hosted students for study intensives ranging from one week to over three months.