This dissertation—a cross-case study of two of the leading institutions whose educational missions incorporate a contemplative/spiritually oriented educational
Approach—describes the emerging paradigm of contemplative/spiritually oriented higher education. It also explores the ways in which the teaching-learning methods at these two institutions enhance and complement a student-centered educational approach. The research findings indicate broadly that contemplative/spiritual teaching-learning approaches do indeed complement student-centered approaches and that these two approaches are likely to prove synergistic—i.e., when used together, these approaches foster student learning on a deeper level than might occur when either approach isused alone.