A four-week immersive residential workshop aimed to explore carpentry at the intersection of contemplative practice, craft and sustainability. The programme is structured as a two-week intensive training period followed by a two-week practicum (with the possibility to stay on after the practicum to refine your skills).
The practical focus will be hands-on work to assist in the creation, maintenance and furnishing of Dharmalaya Institute’s beautiful natural buildings. The workshop will be supported by a healthy lifestyle with time for daily contemplative practice (e.g. yoga, chi-kung, meditation), providing precious opportunities to work with the connection between body, awareness and breath, and to improve our focus and patience, bringing us closer to finding the harmony between restfulness and productivity.
Overview
Programme Type: Immersive residential service-learning programme
Topic: Carpentry: A Contemplative Approach to Craft
Dates: 5 June through 1 July, 2023 (four weeks), with optional extension (see below)
Facilitators: Shiv Raj & Surya Nimmagadda
Language: English (plus some site work in Hindi, with translation if needed)
Requirements: No prior experience required
The purpose of this course
In our experience, few tasks in life are more satisfying than the process of planing a piece of wood by hand or sharpening a chisel to a razor-sharp, mirror-like finish. With patient, loving attention to each preparatory step, when the tool meets the wood, no resistance is felt. If this is the care required to design and build a beautiful piece of furniture, perhaps the project of designing and building our lives, relationships and the type of energy we put out into the world, might use some of the same patient, loving attention.
In the ‘modern’ world, the idea of productivity or seeing a project through to its completion has become somewhat of a stressful affair. It is perceived as ‘normal’ to be sleep-deprived, slightly-malnourished and highly-caffeinated during the final stages of the project — no thanks to our schools and workplaces and the unnecessary environment of competition we have been conditioned into. What happens when the rewards of our process are reaped in the process itself, rather than the result of the process? What happens when the qualities we want to bring out in the result of our process are present in each and every movement leading to it?
Fortunately, carpentry is one of many crafts that cannot really be done to anything resembling a degree of excellence if the mind and body are not rested and fully present. In other words, join us on our co-exploration of this immersive craft and the form it takes in Didi Contractor’s neo-vernacular Kangra architecture, set in the context of Dharmalaya’s nourishing forested setting and a healthy, ashram-like lifestyle.
Primary topics & activities
Introduction to Didi Contractor’s neo-traditional Kangra architecture: approaching innovation that is rooted deeply in tradition, artisanal heritage and sustainability.
Hands-on training in carpentry: training in the use of hand tools, including wood planing, chiselling, etc., marking and measuring, joinery (wood and bamboo), basic power tool guidance and more.
Reflection and discussions on craft, communication and creativity: exploring creativity as an innate human quality, learning communication that fosters collaboration over competition and refining the tools for manifestation.
Introduction to natural design philosophy: an approach to design that is informed and inspired by the greatest designer of all time: nature herself. Specifically, working in harmony with the different levels of context.
Personal or group project: An opportunity during the final week to design and create a small piece of furnishing required on campus (coat hooks, towel racks, umbrella stands, etc.) using the skills learnt during your time here.
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.
Programme structure
This programme is structured in four parts: orientation, intensive training, practicum; and a special project.
Week 1: Orientation & Introductory Training
During the initial seven-day orientation period, participants will enjoy a structured daily programme designed to help you rest and recover while gently wading into the Dharmalaya life and key concepts of the programme. Below you’ll find an overview of the main activities for the orientation period.
Campus tour
Daily assignments, including reading, reflection and journaling questions and observation activities, based on the various interrelated topics of the programme.
Discussion sessions on topical responses from the reading, journaling questions and other larger themes
Held spaces for contemplative practice in the early mornings: meditation (walking or sitting practice)
Preparatory hands-on work to learn some vital basics on how to ready the tools, materials, worksites, etc.
Week 2: Training intensive
During the training intensive, we will be working closely with Shivraj-ji, a master craftsman who was trained by and worked with Didi Contractor for most of his professional life. Designed as a blend of practice and theory, with an emphasis on deepening understanding through felt experience. Some examples of the main activities include the following.
Hands-on work with an emphasis on getting the core movements and basics to feel effortless.
Presentations, movie screenings and discussions on the primary topics – including craft, natural materials, Didi’s philosophy and works, skills for manifestation,
Introduction to projects to be taken up during the course of the programme.
Held spaces for contemplative practice in the early mornings – Chi Kung
Reading assignments with topical responses.
Weeks 3 & 4: Practicum
The practicum period will be centred around hands-on work, learning through repetition and slowly but surely building a nuanced understanding of how to respond to the quirks of natural materials. No two pieces of bamboo or wood are alike. Each piece requires careful observation, judgement and appropriate action.
During these two weeks, most evenings will be scheduled as quiet time for reflection and rest.
Optional extension period: Personal or group project
After the four-week workshop, it will be possible for inspired participants to stay on longer to take on a small furniture build that they feel would help articulate or provide utility to one of our buildings. More elements of natural design will be introduced, and participants may have the opportunity to receive more personalised guidance from Shivraj-ji and/or Surya on their projects.
Note: This schedule and the work involved during the programme are subject to change according to a number of factors, including the weather, time-sensitive tasks, staff holidays, and so on.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is open to anyone wishing to:
Make an in-depth, interdisciplinary exploration of compassionate living and caring 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.).
Qualities that the ideal candidates should have:
Physical fitness and readiness to do hard work every day
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 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. No smoking or intoxicants.
Life on campus: To support all participants to get the most out of the programme, it is designed so that all the time will be spent on Dharmalaya’s beautiful six-acre campus. Accordingly, participants should plan to remain on campus for the duration of the programme and be fully present for the community experience.
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.
Schedules & dates
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 10:30am 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 4:30pm (unless you have registered for the optional extension and/or the Compassion, Community & Creativity programme that follows this programme, in which case you are welcome to stay - see below for more details).
Participants who complete this programme successfully may apply to remain longer as a volunteer (with reduced fees starting after the end of the fourth month - see below for details).
Daily 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
Programme fee
Recognizing that our participants come from diverse backgrounds, we are providing a sliding scale with three tiers, to make it possible for everyone to give according to their means.
Total fees for the four-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:
Standard rate: Rs 10,000 per week + Rs 3000 materials fee (making Rs 43,000 total for four weeks), with a 5% full prepayment discount making Rs 40,850 total when prepaying in full for the four weeks (prepayments are non-refundable*). For transparency: This standard rate is essentially a break-even rate, just enough to cover the Institute’s total costs in providing the learning opportunity.
Subsidized rate (for low-income participants who can’t afford the standard rate): Rs 7500 per week + Rs 3000 materials fee (making Rs 33,000 total for four weeks), with a 5% full prepayment discount making Rs 31,350 total when prepaying in full for the four weeks (prepayments are non-refundable*). For transparency: This subsidized rate is approximately 25% below the break-even rate, which means it is not quite enough to cover the Institute’s costs in providing the learning opportunity, but generally that shortfall can be covered by participants who choose to pay the ‘Supporter rate’ below.
Supporter rate (for those who can afford to give more to support the villagers): Rs 53,750 total for four weeks. For transparency: This supporter rate is approximately 25% above the break-even rate, and 100% of that surplus will be used to support lower-income applicants to be able to participate at the subsidized rate. We thank you sincerely for your generosity in choosing this rate if you can.
*Explanation of nonrefundability of prepayments: A participant’s prepaid deposit guarantees that participant’s place in the program (thereby blocking a space that otherwise could be given to another applicant) and allows the Institute to plan accordingly, including purchasing provisions in advance. Prepaid deposits are nonrefundable because the funds received before the program will be spent on food provisions and supplies well before the programme begins.
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.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION: STAY ON AS A VOLUNTEER AFTER THE PROGRAM ENDS
For those who might wish to gain additional experience by staying on as a volunteer after the formal programme ends on 1 July (subject to available space and acceptance of application), there would be an additional cost of Rs 750 per day for each day after 1 July.
For those who stay as a volunteer beyond four months, there will be the opportunity for a reduced work-study rate of Rs 20,000 per month (including all meals and shared accommodation) beginning with your fifth month, in exchange for taking on a few responsibilities to help with the work of the Institute. And for those who stay six months or longer (or who have extraordinary financial hardship) will qualify to apply for work-study scholarships (subject to availability) to cover between 50% and 100% of the cost of your room and board.
OPTION TO STAY ON TO PARTICIPATE IN COMPASSION, COMMUNITY & CREATIVITY PROGRAMME
For those interested not only in carpentry but also in a more holistic and in-depth exploration of sustainable and compassionate living, we offer the option to participate in the first three weeks of this Carpentry course and then join our Compassion, Community & Creativity programme that starts three weeks after the Carpentry course. In this case, participants would pay for only the first three weeks of the Carpentry course (plus the materials fee) and then would pay separately for the Compassion, Community & Creativity (CCC) programme. In this case, it would be possible to find time to continue your carpentry work during parts of the CCC programme, so it can be the ‘best of both worlds’. For more information, see the Compassion, Community & Creativity programme page.
About your facilitators
On-site facilitation by Shivraj and Surya Nimmagadda, with additional contributions from Dharmalaya Institute’s long-term students and volunteers.
Application process
The application process is designed to help identify applicants who are 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!