It is the purpose of this essay to explore ways in which the American undergraduatecollege can provide students with opportunities for understanding, appreciating, and practicing the meditative and contemplative disciplines. Since the assumption underlying this inquiry is a belief that meditation can serve as an instrument of beneficial social change in American society, it is useful at the outset to clarify the kind of social change that is desirable and to suggest at least some ways meditation might be complementary to or even a force for such change.