We are pleased to invite you to join us for an immersive service-learning programme providing a unique opportunity to offer service to the greater good while exploring practices of compassionate living.
The practical focus will be on volunteer work in the areas of permaculture, natural building, and organic gardening, supported by a healthy lifestyle with time for daily contemplative practice (e.g. yoga, meditation).
This programme also provides precious opportunities and support to understand ourselves and others better, to improve our communication and collaboration skills, and to bring out the best in ourselves.
Overview
Programme Type: Immersive residential service-learning programme
Topic: Compassion, Creativity & Community, with a practical focus on service and sustainability
Dates: 30th May - 22nd July 2022 (minimum commitment 8 weeks, with option to stay longer)
Requirements: All participants must have received at least two doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, and must have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before arriving at Dharmalaya Institute.
Language: English (plus some site work in Hindi, with translation if needed)
Facilitators: On-site facilitation by Surya Nimmagadda (Dharmalaya Institute’s staff engineer and site manager) and long-term volunteers, supplemented by periodic online sessions with senior faculty members
Primary topics & activities
Compassionate living: The practice of compassionate living touches all aspects of life: food, shelter, health, work, relationships, and more. We’ll make a holistic study of all of these areas and explore ways we can empower ourselves to minimize our harm footprints and optimize our help footprints.
Sustainability solutions: From hands-on natural building and organic gardening work to the vast and deep concepts of permaculture, voluntary simplicity, and more.
Contemplative work: We will explore various forms of work on sustainability-related projects from a contemplative perspective — meaning how do we tune into the most sensitive, receptive, and creative parts of ourselves and use the process esof building, landscaping, gardening, etc. to deepen our intimate relationship with nature and with ourselves.
Community, communication and collaboration: Living in community is a great opportunity to learn about ourselves and others, and to refine our skills for living, learning, and working together in harmony. (These skills last a lifetime!)
Social issues and ways to work with them: A Himalayan village is a fertile setting for intersectional exploration of social issues including caste, gender, socioeconomic factors, and more. In the process, you'll gain insight into the lives of rural Himalayan villagers, including both their wisdom and their struggles, and insight into yourself as well.
Holistic health and well-being: Enjoy the benefits of a healthy and balanced lifestyle with daily yoga and silent (non-guided) meditation, wholesome plant-based meals (including learning to cook them!), and a nourishing rhythm of work, reflection and rest.
The meaning of ‘service learning’
Few activities are as satisfying as offering ourselves in service to a greater good. Participants in this programme will be doing a service by helping the Institute to keep its charitable programmes rolling during this pandemic period, and helping to keep our local village staff employed at a time when they need it most.
That would be worth doing by itself, but it’s even better when one has opportunities to learn in the process. During this programme, the learning will come mostly by doing, not so much through structured classes or presentation. After brief introductions to the key topics, and basic training in how to do the relevant kinds of work, the focus will be on actually performing various tasks by working alongside our team. And research shows that this kind of experiential learning is among the very most effective ways to learn.
So, it's important to understand that service learning is primarily about the service part (seva), and the learning comes as a bonus while performing the service work. One’s intention should be primarily to serve by doing whatever work is helpful, without an expectation of spending time passively being taught.
Campus life and the experience of living in community
Most of our past long-term participants tell us that experience of being a part of the Dharmalaya community, living and working together, is one of the best parts of the experience for them. We emphasize a culture of kindness and cooperation rather than selfishness and competition, and it’s great to live with kindred spirits in that kind of environment.
But, to be sure, this is also one of the most challenging aspects of a residential programme, because when we live together closely with other people for a long time, eventually challenges come up. This is actually a really great and precious thing if one embraces these experiences with a humble and sincere attitude, looking honestly at ourselves, wanting to learn and grow (instead of just wanting to be ‘right’). Dharmalaya maintains an environment in which everyone is supported to learn and grow in this way, and this kind of learning truly changes lives for the better, because few lessons are more valuable than those that help us understand ourselves and others better and learn to relate with others more sensitively and skilfully.
So one thing to understand is that learning to be a healthy part of a healthy community is one of the most important aspects of all of our residential programmes — and of compassionate living more generally — so that kind of inner work and social evolution should be something that appeals to you strongly if you’re thinking of applying for this programme. We’ll be spending a lot of time talking about it and asking you to self-reflect, journal, and share with others about your experiences, which benefits everyone.
A safe place to live, work and learn
Dharmalaya Institute has carefully designed this residential programme to provide a safe environment for everyone while new COVID-19 variants continue to be a potential risk (especially for our more vulnerable and elderly village populations).
The first seven days of the programme will consist of a structured orientation period introducing the Dharmalaya experience and exploring the key concepts of the programme. As a covid safety protocol, this will be completed with each incoming participant staying physically separated (in separate cottages) yet engaging via writing and technology. Why just ‘quarantine’ when you can make it a great opportunity for settling in, resting, and learning? This seven-day orientation transforms a challenge into a gift.
Additionally, for everyone’s safety, all newly arriving participants will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before their arrival at Dharmalaya Institute, to follow safety measures while in transit to Dharmalaya Institute, and to remain in isolation for the full seven days (except for socially distanced group activities, which will give you a safe way to enjoy getting to know the area while getting some exercise, too). After the newly arriving participants complete their seven-day orientation in isolation without any covid symptoms, they will be able to join the rest of the community and enjoy campus life. Note that for everyone’s safety, to minimize the risk of contagion, all participants will remain on campus for the duration of the programme except in case of medical emergency. (Fortunately, our campus is spacious and beautiful, and there will be so many worthwhile and interesting things to do!)
Programme structure
This immersive programme consists of three distinct stages:
Orientation (a disorientation-cum-reorientation) in two stages:
Solo orientation: The first week of the programme will consist of a structured programme introducing the Dharmalaya experience and exploring the key concepts of the programme, through reading and writing assignments, videos, and remote discussions, supported by a balanced daily schedule including daily contemplative practice. (See below for details.)
Group orientation: The second week will continue the orientation, this time focusing on integration into Dharmalaya campus life, including introductions to the staff, an educational tour of our eco-campus and its facilities, presentations on some of the sustainability solutions implemented on campus, and an overview of the practical work to be done during the programme.
2. Training & practice:
For most of the remainder of the programme, there will be hands-on experiential learning and practice in various different kinds of work related to sustainable living, including natural building, organic gardening, permaculture landscaping, DIY projects (e.g. making our own natural soaps, etc.), monsoon preparations, and more. For each of these activities, our staff will provide basic training in various skills required in order to be able to join the different kinds of work, and most of the learning will be hands-on.
3. Evaluation & transition:
At the conclusion of the programme, we will focus on weaving together all of the learning from the programme, integrating it and passing it on to the next incoming batch, and preparing for whatever comes next.
1. Orientation
During the seven-day solo orientation period (during which each newly arriving participant will stay isolated but well-supported until the required covid quarantine period has passed without symptoms), participants will enjoy a structured daily programme designed to help you rest and recover from the challenges of recent times, and gently wade into the Dharmalaya life and key concepts of the programme. Below you’ll find an overview of the main activities for the orientation period.
DAILY ASSIGNMENTS
During the orientation period, participants will have one of each of the following types of assignments to complete each day, and time in the schedule allotted for them.
Reading assignment, followed by short topical response (written or discussion)
Video to watch, followed by short topical response (written or discussion)
Reflection & journaling: a different topic assigned each day
The topics for these assignments will be related to the various interrelated topics of the programme, including sustainability, compassion, and personal development. Some will be research assignments while others will be more about reading for reflection or inspiration.
YOGA & MEDITATION
The Dharmalaya schedule includes time for daily practice of yoga and meditation, which are proven to be supportive for health and well-being, and also conducive to learning and joy.
Yoga: If you already have a yoga practice that works well for you, you’re welcome to keep doing your own practice in our beautiful hall during the morning practice time before breakfast. If you do not yet have your own practice, instruction can be provided on request.
Meditation: The seven-day ‘disorientation’ will invite you to establish or deepen your meditation practice and bring more presence into your life and daily activities. If you already have your own meditation practice, you will be welcome to do your own practice, while remote/video guidance will be offered for those who don’t yet have an established practice or would like to explore new possibilities for practice. We will provide several forms of support for your meditation practice, including:
Spontaneous Creativity: All participants in this programme are requested to prepare themselves by joining our online course called Spontaneous Creativity: Meditation for Manifestation, starting 13 May 2022, which will allow you to continue that programme while you’re on the Dharmalaya campus as well.
Introduction to the essence and practice of meditation: Videos and quotes by world-renown meditation master Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. A simple, accessible and practical way to start working with your mind through awareness of breath, sound and body.
Personal guidance and support for your meditation practice via periodic video chat with Mai-Linh, one of Dharmalaya Institute’s cofounders (approximately once per week).
GROUP ORIENTATION WEEKS
After the seven-day solo orientation period, participants will join the staff and residents of Dharmalaya Institute (assuming no covid symptoms). The group orientation weeks (the second and third weeks of the programme) will include introductions, a practical orientation tour, and some initial learning and training activities. After that, the focus will shift toward the main activities of the programme.
2. Training & practice
Activities during the training and practice phase (the majority of the programme) will include:
Daily yoga and meditation continuing as during the orientation, throughout the programme. Again, there will not be instruction or formal guidance during this programme, but the group will come together in the mornings in silence to keep doing the practices that you will have already been doing.
Hands-on work with sustainability projects on the Dharmalaya campus, which may include natural building, organic gardening, permaculture landscaping, and other related activities. Typically about seven hours of hands-on work each day (except Sundays, which are for food preparation, personal reflection time and rest).
Presentations and discussions to take us deeper into the core concepts of the programme. These will take place most days for the two weeks following your seven-day solo orientation, and then periodically (perhaps once per week) after those first two weeks.
Reading and writing assignments, including journaling on various topics.
Periodic video calls with members of the Dharmalaya Institute’s senior faculty*
Possibility for individual study/practice projects under faculty guidance
Special sessions as may be announced from time to time.
*Note that with the exception of the periodic video calls with senior faculty members, all of the on-site presentations and activities will be facilitated by Dharmalaya Institute’s junior management team and local staff, all of whom are have long-term experience at Dharmalaya Institute.
3. Evaluation & transition
Learning = experience + reflection. Learning from the experiences of this programme will come not only during the experiences themselves but also in reflecting on them afterward, with a bit more perspective. And some of the best learning will come from a final evaluation process in which each participant will take time to reflect on the entire four-month programme and do some journaling to connect the dots through the entire experience and identify the most valuable and impactful insights and inspirations. Participants will then share their self-evaluations with the programme facilitators and receive the benefit of their observations as well.
Finally, the participants will have the opportunity to play a very valuable role in helping to welcome and integrate the next batch of participants, and give them a good head start on their learning by sharing from your own learning.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is open to anyone wishing to:
Volunteer your time and skills in service of a greater good.
Make an in-depth, interdisciplinary exploration of compassionate living, creativity, and community.
Practice sustainability skills such as natural building, organic gardening and more.
Be a part of a small, intimate group of kindred spirits collaborating in service.
Reflect honestly on your outer and inner life, with the intention to learn and grow.
Experience well-being through simple, healthy living and daily contemplative practice in an ashram-style environment.
Remain safely within our Himalayan eco-campus for the entire duration of them programme (without visiting town, etc., to avoid covid infection and the possibility of infecting others).
Qualities that the ideal candidates should have:
Sensitive and respectful to the experience and needs of others
Generous spirit: sincerely wanting to give even more than you receive
Team player, agreeable and cooperative, happy to do whatever is needed
Self-motivated to work and excel (not needing too much urging by others)
Honest with both self and others, putting integrity first
Motivated to improve oneself and takes constructive feedback well, with gratitude
What to expect
Two of the keys to happiness are: (1) to have realistic expectations to begin with; and (2) not to be too attached to those expectations, but rather to stay flexible as life unfolds. Both of these keys to happiness will be especially useful during this unusual period, when the pandemic often impacts life and work in unexpected ways. So, with that in mind, here are some of the things participants should expect (while remembering to keep a flexible attitude):
Full-time programme focus: This programme is called ‘immersive’ because the point is to be completely focused on the programme. While there will be some time for rest, reading/journaling, and personal reflection, there won’t be time for pursuing other activities unrelated to the programme. While you’re here, the expectation is that your full attention will be focused on the programme experience from start to finish.
Plenty of physical work: Most of the work to be done is physical, and some of it requires physical endurance, so it’s best to be prepared both physically and psychologically for a lot of hard work. One key to happiness here is to keep a very positive and enthusiastic attitude about the work, knowing that you’re making the world a better place in a small way, which makes it a joy.
Supportive routine: A daily rhythm of contemplative practice, outdoor activities, discussions, and silent meditation time.
Natural simplicity: Rustic accommodations in natural earthen buildings or comfortable tents in a beautiful forest setting.
Yogic lifestyle: Clean and simple ashram-style lifestyle in which everyone contributes to the running of the place, including cleaning, washing dishes, etc.
Healthy food: Natural and mostly organic, purely vegetarian meals (100% plant-based, vegan). No junk food or packaged snacks, etc.
Digital detox: There will be no use of mobile phones or internet from 9-5 or during evening sessions so that everyone stays focused on the group tasks, and present with one another — and with our own experience. For those who are normally glued to your phones, it may take some adjustment at first but soon you’ll be amazed how much better you feel engaging with nature and good work with good people rather than the screen.
Covid-19 safety protocols strictly observed: All WHO-recommended protocols will be enforced, including masks, social distancing, handwashing & hygiene, and refraining from unnecessary contact or travel, which means you will spend the entire duration of the programme on the six-acre Dharmalaya campus, and it will not be permitted to go into town or to travel anywhere in the area, even on off days.
Schedules & dates
Schedule: Start and end dates
The programme will begin at 11:00am on Day 1. All newly arriving participants will be required to arrive sometime between 9:30am and 4:00pm on Day 1 itself (we will provide detailed timing, instructions, and travel tips after confirming your registration).
The programme will conclude at 2:30pm on the last day. Participants who are leaving after the programme should plan to depart between 2:45pm and 3:00pm.
Participants who completely programme successfully may apply to remain longer (with reduced fees starting after the end of the fourth month).
Schedule: What will the days be like?
Although the day-to-day schedule will vary a bit, the schedule for a typical day during this programme would more or less as follows:
6:00 Wake
6:30 Morning practice (yoga or your own meditation practice)
8:00 BREAKFAST
9:00 Morning work session (or learning activity)
12:30 LUNCH
1:30 Afternoon work session (or learning activity)
5:00 Personal time
6:00 DINNER
7:00 Evening activity or personal time (various depending on situation)
9:30 Lights out, silent time until breakfast
Tuition fee
100% of the tuition fees for this course will be used to provide safe employment for our village artisans who otherwise would be unemployed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your donation directly supports them to keep earning and feeding their families.
Recognizing that our participants come from diverse backgrounds, we are providing a sliding scale with three tiers, to make it possible for everyone to donate according to their means.
Total fees for the eight-week minimum commitment for the course (including tuition, shared accommodation, three meals daily, and tea, but exclusive of transportation to and from Dharmalaya Institute) are as follows:
Low standard rate: Rs 7500 per week (making Rs 60,000 total for eight weeks), with a 5% full prepayment discount making Rs 57,000 total when prepaying for the full eight weeks (prepayments are non-refundable).
Supporter rate (for those who can afford to give more to support the villagers): Rs 90,000 total for eight weeks.
Subsidized rate (for those who can’t afford the standard rate): Rs 6250 per week (making Rs 50,000 total for eight weeks), with a 5% full prepayment discount making Rs 47,500 total when prepaying for the full eight weeks (prepayments are non-refundable).
We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone’s participation, so if you have exceptional financial hardship and cannot afford even the lowest subsidized rate, you can contact us to let us know your situation and your needs.
AFTER FOUR MONTHS
For those who stay beyond four months, there will be a reduced work-study rate of Rs 15,000 per month (including all meals and shared accommodation) beginning with your fifth month. And for those who stay six months or longer will qualify to apply for work-study scholarships to cover the full cost of your room and board, beginning in your seventh month.
About your facilitators
Application process
Due to space limitations and the need for distancing during the pandemic, we will be admitting no more than four applicants with each batch. Therefore the application process will be more selective than usual, to make sure we find the applicants who are truly best matched with the programme.
STEP 1 — APPLY: Submit the application form here on our website and wait for our reply. We may email you to ask follow-up questions if necessary.
STEP 2 — INTERVIEW: If your application is selected for the shortlist, the next step will be for us to schedule a time to do an interview on a video call. During this interview, you’ll have the chance to ask whatever questions may be on your mind, and we’ll have a chance to get to know you a bit better. If necessary, there might be a second video interview for final candidates.
STEP 3 — ACCEPTANCE & DEPOSIT: If you are selected for the programme after your video interview, then at that time we will send you more detailed information about the programme and how to prepare for your time at Dharmalaya Institute. You will then have one week from the date of acceptance to make your nonrefundable deposit to hold your place in the programme. The minimum deposit is 50%, but it is also possible to prepay in full.
If you have any questions after reading all the material here on our website, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to address your questions.
We look forward to connecting with you!