In Boulder, a city that champions holistic health, residents find solace in the embrace of nature and the community’s commitment to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. At the heart of this sanctuary is Naropa University, a hub of contemplative education inspired by the teachings of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche. Here, the Buddhist concept of “Brilliant Sanity” offers a profound perspective on inner healing and self-compassion. Understanding Brilliant Sanity Brilliant Sanity suggests that beneath our psychological distress lies an untouched core of clarity, compassion, and wisdom. This... Read More

The Classic Yin Yang Symbol From Ancient China To Daily Boulder Appreciation The Yin Yang symbol has been used in Boulder and worldwide for millennia. The Yin Yang symbol, originating from ancient Chinese philosophy, embodies the concept of dualism, illustrating how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world. Represented by a circle divided into two swirling sections—one black, one white—each containing a dot of the opposite color, it signifies balance, harmony, and the cyclical nature of life. The white part,... Read More

Meditation is an ancient practice that trains the mind to observe and regulate its own activity. It has been used for centuries by Hindu and Buddhist practitioners to cultivate attention, insight, and spirituality (1,2). More recently, meditation has been adopted and adapted by Western science and medicine as a way to enhance well-being, reduce stress, and improve health (1). Why Meditate? Is it worth the hype? There is a growing body of evidence that supports the benefits of meditation for various physical and mental conditions, including (3-6): Alzheimer’s Disease. Anxiety. Cardiovascular... Read More

Piqué asked for his face not to be photographed. Instead he’d rather that I take a picture of his Tonsure, the patch of hair on the back of his head that resembles a sort of Buddhist mullet. The Tonsure, Piqué says, is an identification for others that he is a person of peace and guidance; someone who is willing to help you if you ask. Piqué was walking down Grandview Avenue holding a drum and asking people if they would like to hear a song, maybe dance a little. I asked Piqué and his group of two other monks to come inside and teach me the song. We ended up signing Hari krishna and dancing... Read More

Continuing his exploration of spiritual and mythical characters from cultures across the world, Ravi Zupa has released the third print in his Tattoo series featuring Buraq from the Islamic tradition and a buddhist version of Mahakala. At the top, we see Mahakala—a fierce, chaotic form of Shiva (husband of Kali) who plays a significant role in Tibetan Buddhism. Like his wife, he is a symbol of time and thus is bound by no rules or structures of morality comprehensible by the human mind. “Facing Mahakala is the most alarming and frightening event in the life of any consciousness,” Zupa says... Read More

According to a recent article on MSN, Boulder is America’s most educated city. It comes as no surprise, looking at Boulder’s wide diversity in  higher education programs. First, there’s University of Colorado Boulder: An expansive college that’s been in Boulder since 1877. Then, there’s Naropa: a liberal arts college that’s also one of America’s only buddhist universities. There’s also Boulder’s College of Massage Therapy: where people learn the art of relaxation. Finally, there’s Escoffier: School of Culinary Arts, which is a culinary... Read More