Published: Sept. 19, 2023

Compassion is a profound and fundamental part of the human experience. Cultivating compassion can be a source of joy and resilience as we take on the important challenges of our world today.

CU Boulder Days of Compassion is a series of events over three days, October 9 through 11, that invite you to contemplate and practice compassion in your everyday life. As part of the Buffs One Read, these events center around this year’s selection, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World.

Day 1 - Oct 9, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Film Screening of Mission Joy

Mission Joy is a filmed conversation between His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who impart lessons gleaned from lived experience, ancient traditions and cutting-edge science regarding how to live with joy, humor and wisdom in the face of life’s challenges. This will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Thupten Jinpa, the founder and director of the Compassion Institute and principal author of Compassion Cultivation Training. Panelists will discuss the film’s message and how compassion and joy can make us more resilient to tackle the important social and environmental challenges that face us in a changing world. Other panelist include:

Registration is required.

Register for Mission Joy film screening

Day 2 - Oct 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Guided Practice on Norlin Quad with Thupten Jinpa

Thupten Jinpa, the founder and director of the Compassion Institute and principal author of Compassion Cultivation Training, will lead our community in a guided practice. Learn about campus services and offerings that support contemplative practices and community well-being. Representatives from campus groups focused on supporting the cultivation of joy, compassion and well-being will be present and available to share information and resources. First-year and transfer students can get a complimentary copy of The Book of Joy.

Day 3, Oct 11, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Open Houses

Renee Crown Wellness Institute Open House

Join the Renée Crown Wellness Institute at 1135 Broadway, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. for drop in movement and mindful practices, snacks, and opportunities to learn about the Mindful Campus Program. The program offers 8-week mindfulness sessions, weekly community of practices and speaker series.

Norlin Open House

Come to Norlin’s East Entrance to explore the Meditation Room, get info about the Buffs One Read and participate in a zine workshop.

CU Boulder Days of Compassion and the Buffs One Read are sponsored by the University Libraries, the Renée Crown Wellness Institute and the Contemplative Resource Center.

Rec Center Open House

The Rec Center will host it's regularly scheduled Breathwork and Meditation class, adding the compassionate journaling to promote compassion for yourself and others through personal journaling. Each participant will receive a journal and pencils, pens and crayons will be available for use. You will learn how to incorporate journaling into your day that includes moments of joy, understanding and compassion.

Contemplative Resource Center and Center for the Advancement of Contemplative Education at Naropa University

Meet us at 11:00 a.m. in front of the Humanities building on the Norlin Quad side. We’ll use the lawn for guided mindfulness practice and exercises outdoors. Please join any time. In case of rain, we’ll use the foyer of Humanities.