Tarpa’s Mission

Tarpa, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt educational corporation. Our primary purpose is to provide secular education about Buddhist traditions — their philosophy, psychology, and contemplative practices — taught with an academic approach for the public context as part of the broader study of human knowledge. Our aim is to help people develop focus, reflection, and compassion in ways that foster personal growth, human flourishing, and meaningful engagement with the broader community.

From Self-Centered to Interconnected Living

Most ordinary thinking, feeling, and acting stems from self-centered pursuits—seeking satisfaction through actions distorted by misunderstanding how fulfillment actually works. Through guided investigation, students discover what we call "enlightened self-interest": the recognition that our fundamental interconnection with others means that altruistic service becomes intelligent self-care rather than moral obligation. This shift transforms how students relate to themselves, their communities, and the world, naturally giving rise to compassionate engagement that feels effortless rather than burdensome.

Tarpa’s educational programs combine online study, guided reflection, and immersive retreats. Our retreat cabins serve as educational laboratories where students engage in guided contemplative exercises in mindful living, reflective self-inquiry, and thought-experiments in compassion under instructor guidance. Programs are open to anyone — without restriction of background, belief, or prior experience — and are free to attend, with suggested donations covering only maintenance costs.

Tarpa's educational impact on the community extends beyond individual benefit to strengthen civic life. During retreats, students dedicate one hour daily to community service projects of their choosing. This service becomes a laboratory for practicing mindfulness and compassion in real-world contexts. Graduates often restructure their lives around meaningful community engagement and become informal teachers, sharing contemplative methods with others—creating a multiplier effect where wisdom and compassion expand far beyond our direct educational activities.

Whether through online courses or cabin retreats, Tarpa’s students cultivate compassion and social responsibility as practical skills. During retreats, participants dedicate one hour per day to serving a community of their choice in person or online. More importantly, the retreat curriculum is designed to help students develop enduring habits of mindful living and compassionate engagement that extend beyond the retreat itself, benefiting families, workplaces, and society as a whole.