To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Jessica Sideways and I am requesting consideration for the position of president of Naropa University. Now, I am certain that a number of you may have heard of me and in less than positive manners. After all, I have been sued by Naropa for the crime of telling the truth about Naropa University online. The reason why Naropa University apparently does not want the truth about itself to be revealed is that Naropa University is an institution mired in fraud and scandal. It hurts a great deal of it’s faculty, staff, student and alumni – as well as the world at large.

So, why in the world would I be applying to a position at a University that I feel is mired in fraud and scandal? Because I believe that it needs to be saved so that the good people that attend Naropa University can actually get value for their educational dollar. Because I believe that Naropa University can function without the fraud and abuse that it has become so intertwined with. Because I am a skeptic, with a clear vision which is not clouded with religious admiration of Chogyam Trungpa and I can tell you the truth. Because I am the best thing for Naropa University and therefore, the least likely person to be considered for the position of it’s president.

You see, I know full well that the Board of Trustees will not have the courage to select me as president of Naropa University – because they are not interested in running a clean house with someone that will stop all of the fraud and abuse and help to make reparations to those harmed by Naropa University. I am pretty confident that the Board of Trustees will select someone that will allow the culture of abuse to go on unchecked, while offering false lofty promises. So I do this in vein, with the glimmering hope that at least one person at Naropa University isn’t interested in perpetuating the fraud and abuse this institution is known for.

So, if you are interested in cleaning house and running a quality institution that provides a quality education, I am the person you should contact. If not, then there are a number of cult-head bozos that you can probably spiff up for the job.

Most sincerely,
Jessica Sideways

Any takers on how successful I could be at getting the job of Queen of Shit Heap Mountain, I mean President of Naropa University? ;-P

UPDATE: I got an automated reply from the search committee. Woot!

Thank you for your interest in our search for the President of Naropa University. If you are an applicant, we want to assure you that we will carefully review your material. If you have nominated someone, we will be sure to share your nomination with our client.

A draft of the position profile has been attached for your review. This draft will be finalized mid-February and we will e-mail the new version to you as soon as it is completed.

A thorough search and serious consideration of all candidates takes time; we appreciate your patience. We will contact you if we need more information.

Again, thank you again for your interest in this exciting opportunity.

***This is an automatic response***

And of course, here’s the document that was attached. So, who thinks I could be in the running. Anyone? No? Okay, then.

Image via Wikipedia

This year, the International Symposia for Contemplative Studies is going to be held in Denver, Colorado. I recently read that Naropa University is co-sponsoring this event, which is likely to be very troublesome. But look at how they are misrepresented on the website of the International Symposia for Contemplative Studies:

Naropa University is a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian liberal arts institution dedicated to advancing contemplative education. This approach to learning integrates the best of Eastern and Western educational traditions, helping students know themselves more deeply and engage constructively with others. The university comprises a four-year undergraduate college and graduate programs in the arts, education, environmental leadership, psychology and religious studies. Naropa University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. To learn more, visit http:///www.naropa.edu

What are some problems with this statement? Well, firstly – Naropa is NOT nonsectarian. Naropa is strongly affiliated with Shambhala Buddhism and was set up as a way to grant Shambhala Buddhism/Vajradhatu some undeserved legitimacy through scholarship. Secondly, Naropa University operates much like a cult, which does not jive with the statement that it helps students “engage constructively with others”. In fact, the followers of Trungpa in Boulder can be outright vicious and Naropa is a location where they seem to converge. This is especially true during events such as Shambhala Day and Community Practice Day.

So, what is the International Symposia and what are it’s goals? Well, according to it’s website:

The purpose of the International Symposia for Contemplative Studies is to bring together academics and other interested attendees for presentation, discussion, and collaborative networking in the fields of contemplative basic science, contemplative clinical science, contemplative philosophy and humanities, contemplative education, and those domains of contemplative practice that relate to and interact with these fields of research and scholarship. These distinct, though overlapping fields of contemplative study each focus on advancing our understanding of the human mind and how training the mind through the use of contemplative practices can lead to a reduction in suffering, enhanced health and cognitive/emotional functioning, greater happiness, and increased social harmony.

Now, here is the question that you probably started to ask – what the hell does Naropa have with contemplative basic science or clinical science? Furthermore, what does Naropa have to do with research (considering that Naropa University is NOT an institution that does research). Furthermore, Naropa University and Shambhala Buddhism have nothing to do with trying to reduce suffering, enhancing health/cognitive and emotional function, increasing happiness nor increasing social harmony. The concept of Shambhala’s “Crazy Wisdom” and it’s application in our world seem to show that to be the case without a doubt.

So, to the directors of this conference, I must ask this question: how in the world does partnering up with Naropa University work to achieve your goals? Considering that the people that choose to and enjoy working for Naropa University/Shambhala Buddhism seem to have sociopathic tendencies or enjoy being sociopaths themselves, I think that you could have chosen better company to keep. So, the question you have to ask yourselves is whether being in cahoots with Naropa University is worth it? Furthermore, is it worth it to promote a University that has harmed or contributed to the harm of so many people?

Core Courses

• ENV207 History of the Environmental Movement (3)
• ENV215 Sustainability (3)
• ENV220 Ecology and Systems Science (3)
• ENV238 Survival Skills (3)
• ENV250 Nature, the Sacred and Contemplation (3)
• ENV260 Introduction to Permaculture (3)
• ENV318 Deep Ecology (3)
• ENV355 Environmental Justice (3)
• ENV357 Creating a Learning Community (noncredit)
• ENV420 Environmental Service Learning: Ecological Restoration (3)
• ENV480 Senior Project Course (3)

SUBTOTAL 30

Choose one field science course:

• ENV311 Plant Ecology (3)
• ENV321 Geology (3)

Choose one focus course:

• ENV236 Green Building (3)
• ENV253 Environmental Economics (3)
• ENV342 Permaculture Design (3)
• ENV363 Indigenous Environmental Issues (3)
• ENV370 Ecopsychology (3)

TOTAL CREDITS 36

So, what’s the problem with the program? Here it is: very little of it actually trains you to be competent in the field of Environmental Studies. Most of it is philosophy and, at best, soft social sciences and no hard sciences are required.

True, there are philosophical and justice issues at play when talking about the environment. The thing is though, if you want to be influential in anything, you have to know what you are talking about and this is one of the weaknesses that Naropa University graduates seem to have. Geography, Geology, Biology, Chemistry – all of these things should be things that the Environmental activist has a working knowledge of and NONE of these things are effectively taught at Naropa University. Naropa University simply lacks laboratories to effectively teach Biology and Chemistry, they offer no programs in Geography or Geology and they do not even possess classes in Mathematics!

Their graduate degree in Environmental Studies is not much better. Take a look at what Naropa University requires for it’s MA in Environmental Leadership:

First year, fall

• ENV600 Inner Work for Environmental Leaders I (3)
• ENV610 Groups as Living Systems: Matrixworks (3)
• ENV630 Transforming Systems (3)

SUBTOTAL 9

First year, spring

• ENV635 Political Ecology for Global Environmental Leadership (3)
• ENV645 The New Science and Its Cultural Applications (3)
• ENV650 Inner Work for Environmental Leaders II (3)

SUBTOTAL 9

First year, summer

SUBTOTAL 3

Second year, fall

• ENV705 Leadership Skills Seminar (3)
• ENV710 Sustainability: Policy and Practice (3)
• ENV725 Applied Environmental Leadership Project (3)

SUBTOTAL 9

Second year, spring

• MAR500e Authentic Leadership (6)
• ENV785 Environmental Leadership Capstone Seminar (3)

SUBTOTAL 9

TOTAL CREDITS 39

So, what did you see? I would like to point out two things, first of which is that “The New Science and It’s Cultural Applications” class that is required in this MA degree. Sounds interesting, but when you read the course description, you will find that they are not talking about science at all.

In a synthesis of the old and new visions in Western science, this course develops understanding of the new material emerging in science regarding the earth as a living system; examines cosmology and Gaian science, as well as key principles of geophysiology; and explores the significant cultural implications and applications. This material provides key tools and perspectives for environmental leaders as well as insights useful for working with organizations and communities. Required for EL MA.

Cosmology? Gaian science? Well, off hand, I know that cosmology is the study of the origins of this planet (hey, I have watched enough episodes of The Atheist Experience to know that much). But Gaian science? Well, the thing is that despite doing a Google search for the phrase, I have absolutely no idea what the hell Gaian science actually is.

Also, the other course that popped out at me was “MAR 500e: Authentic Leadership”. What this indicates to me is that this is a course offered by Naropa’s Marpa Centre for Business and Economics. Kinda like the Shambhala version of the Maharishi University of Management but less developed, less useful and just as cultish. But here’s the course description, just in case you are curious:

MARPA CENTER FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS (MAR)

Naropa University’s Authentic Leadership program is a transformative leadership course that integrates ancient wisdom with effective modern approaches to management. The format encourages deep personal learning in an environment that makes it possible to assimilate ideas and concepts at an accelerated pace. Executive coaching with experienced professionals is a central component. Professionals with a wide variety of interests and experience attend this course along with Naropa students. Required for EL MA. Course fee.

A religious group offering management courses… sounds familiar, doesn’t it? What comes to mind when I hear that phrase are the Maharishi University for Management (read about this man who worked for the faculty saw some seriously crazy shit), the Hubbard College of Administration and World Institute of Scientology Enterprises (learn how this group is really a front to funnel people into the Church of $cientology).

Do yourself a favor and find an Environmental Studies degree that will allow you to be an effective leader in the field, instead of just another unemployed talking head of Shambhala International.

Today, I saw an interesting update about Naropa in my e-mail inbox, Naropa University Admissions is now actively on Yahoo! Answers, trying to lure people into their scam. I received notification that a question was posted by a RN who wants to study contemplative psychology and, being the wolves that they are, Naropa University jumped at the chance for fresh meat. Here is the question and what Naropa University had to say to try to lure this woman into their scam.

Of course, I was there to tell her how it really was, so I made sure to do so.

I am afraid that I haven’t properly answered the question, whether there is another school like Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado – so I will answer that in another post. Either way, Naropa Admissions is now on Yahoo! Answers and I intend to make sure that they do not use this medium to lure in more people to waste their money on a Naropa degree.

To this end, the bookstore hosts two to five events per week—ranging from readings by established poets to open-microphone nights. Such events in 450 square feet may sound like trying to squeeze a sonnet into a haiku, but Buckley and Hunter recently managed to double their space—the vintage clothing store next door closed—and they are fast becoming a community resource, joining Naropa University, home to the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics, as part of Boulder’s burgeoning literary scene. “The café community drives the store financially, and the poetry is our reason for gathering,” Buckley says. Indeed, the café has done so well that Buckley and Hunter plan to add an outdoor patio to the store.

The problem with this statement is that the author of this post is equating this bookstore to Naropa University and it’s Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. I don’t know about you, but I doubt that the owners of the Innisfree Poetry Bookstore and Cafe have ordered their followers to forcefully strip a woman and a man against their will. And I don’t recall the Innisfree Poetry Bookstore and Cafe being mired in sleaze, pretending to be secular and yet they are truly religious in nature. I think that the Harvard Magazine should write a retraction and apologize to these people for equating them to Naropa University.

1. Chogyam Trungpa is Dead – The thing is that since Trungpa is dead, he isn’t doing any more shifty activities anymore. The shifty activities that go on in the Shambhala community are simply holdovers from the way Trungpa did business. The Shambhala trainings which should be free are still charged at an astronomical rate and Trungpa’s son, the Sakyong, changed the name of the organization to Shambhala so that it can be more immune to legal vulnerabilities due to the actions of Trungpa and Osel Tendzin.
2. Unwillingness of People to Testify – Keep in mind that many people that have been wronged by Trungpa are somehow unwilling to share their stories about Naropa University. Many of these stories are passed around by oral transmission to many people and somehow, these stories make it to news outlets in some distorted manner.
3. Inability to Find People to Testify – Those that have been willing to testify throughout history are scattered around and since they do not maintain a digital presence, it is very difficult to find them. Also, some of the people hurt by Naropa and the related entities are scattered across the world. Hell, last I checked, W.S. Merwin is in Hawaii and an aikido teacher that Naropa screwed over teaches in Japan.
4. Extreme Obscurity of Topic – Naropa University, Vajradhatu/Shambhala Buddhism, Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and all of the fraud perpetuated by these entities are extremely difficult topics to research. Needless to say, much of the original materials are in private collections or scattered across the country.
5. Sources Out of Print – Tom Clark, one of the writers that exposed a lot of the fraud concerning Naropa University, is unwilling to allow anyone to republish his works or even to sell or license the rights to do so. It means that when my book about Naropa University goes out of print, I will need to apply a copy-left license to the book so that the research and content in the book can be used by others. I want to make sure that when someone reads my book, they can still make derivative works and republish it when it goes out of print.

Either way, I intend to do some serious research trips to archive some of the original materials digitally. I would also like to make the research materials available but the fact of the matter is that there are rights issues that I might run up against when providing this content online. I think that people should really should read these sources and I do intend to provide as many sources of content from Naropa University’s history of fraud and abuse as humanly possible. If anyone has any ideas on how I can facilitate this, please let me know: keep in mind that this website is subject to the laws of the State of Colorado and Counties of Denver and Boulder.

So, what does the administration of Naropa University plan to do? Well, considering the fact that they are no stranger to shifty dealings, they will most likely go and send their star attorney, Nathan Stone, to try to threaten them to take down their website and send the content and domain names to Naropa University. Then, they will probably gas the prairie dogs at night, when the Nalanda campus is not scheduled to have any classes or student group meetings – shutting down the campus in advance for “meetings”. After all, why would the administration of Naropa University choose to act in a honourable way? Humane traps cost a lot more money than simple extermination.

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Naropa University inspires the worst in politicians and “civic leaders”, which comes at no real surprise when you look at their history. When they started scouting for a bigger site outside of Boulder because they wanted to combine all three of their campuses, for what reason, I have no idea. After all, Naropa does not want to clean up it’s act and become a honest University that offers degrees to students at a fair price for their value. No, I am certain that what they probably want to do with the new campus is to avoid all of the expensive property taxes that come with owning four different properties at various locations throughout Boulder, Colorado while continuing to raise tuition rates sky high. However, when this plan was announced, Boulder’s City Council bent over backwards to try to keep this hot bed of fraud from leaving their city. I wonder if they would do the same for all of the cocaine dealers and ponzi scheme companies? I wonder what the hell the deal is with these Boulder politicians embracing Naropa University’s fraud and abuse?

If the Goss Grove neighbourhood really did intend to honour Naropa University, then you are honouring the fraud that keeps many of Naropa’s “students” unemployed and mired into deep debt, long after graduation. If the Goss Grove neighbourhood did not intend to honour Naropa University, they should call for the Daily Camera to print a retraction, saying that Goss Grove does not support the fraud and abuse committed by Naropa University on a day to day basis. But the thing about it is, I really, honestly think that it is the latter given how much of the Trungpa koolaid has been drank in that area…