Holistic Education At Naropa And Dila: Religious Or Educational Innovation?

Abstract

This thesis examines the educational orientations and innovations of two non-sectarian schools with charismatic Buddhist founders: the first is Naropa University in Boulder, CO, and the second is Dharma Drum Institute of Liberal Arts (DILA), in Jinshan Taiwan. I hypothesize that the double identity of these schools provides insight into some of their pedagogical tools that, although Buddhist-inspired, could be transferred to other educational contexts. Ultimately, I propose that although the educational paths of Naropa and DILA differ in their points of departure from those of public education, they have the potential to converge on a goal. This convergent orientation is identified as holistic education. Finally, through the themes and innovations gathered from these schools, I examine holistic education as a pedagogy providing students with tools and insights that help them understand themselves in new and empowering ways.