Topic: Green building, organic gardening, and tree planting

When: 8 May to 31 October, 2013 (Volunteers may arrive and depart anytime in this period)
Note: End date is subject to change depending on other future programmes that might be scheduled.

Languages: Hindi (fluent) & English (basic)

Facilitators: Raj Kumar (‘Raju’), Naresh Sharma, et al

Description: Informal volunteer opportunities at the Dharmalaya Institute open to both residential and non-residential participants. During this period, there is no educational or training programme as such, but there is plenty of physical work to do — including green building, organic gardening, and tree planting — and Dharmalaya is a beautiful place to get your hands dirty and learn a bit about green living and Himalayan culture in the process.

Since there is no formal instruction during this period and there is no organised programme, one simply jumps in and does whatever needs doing on a given day, learning by watching others and then doing it yourself. In such an unstructured or loosely guided situation, sometimes one needs to ask for help if one needs it, so a certain degree of self-motivation and initiative makes for the best experience. It also helps to bring a healthy sense of flexibility, since the work to be done might vary from one day to the next, depending on circumstances. If that appeals to you, you’re welcome to come and go anytime between 8 May and 31 October. Please note that approximately 15 June to 15 September is the monsoon season, so you’re advised to come during that time only if you don’t mind having a lot of cloudy, rainy days and sometimes getting wet and muddy.

For more information see our volunteer page, read the FAQ, and complete the volunteer application if you’re interesting in joining us.

Topic: Sustainable living in the Himalayas, including green building, organic gardening, and permaculture landscaping

When: 3 April to 7 May, 2013 (Participants may arrive and depart anytime in this period)

Languages: English & Hindi

Facilitators: Mark Moore, Raj Kumar (‘Raju’), Mai-Linh Leminhbach, Naresh Sharma, et al

Description: Informal programme at the Dharmalaya Institute open to both residential and non-residential participants. We will be doing fun, physical work, including green building, organic gardening, tree planting, and more. There will be plenty of opportunities for learning, application, questions, and relaxation (we can also offer an optional meditation programme for those who are interested, at least through 7 May, and possibly later). Feel free to come and go anytime between 3 April and 7 May 2013 (and you can stay even longer if you don’t mind getting wet and muddy once the monsoon rains begin in mid-late June).

Please note that after 7 May our native-English speaking facilitators will be gone, so there will be less English-language guidance available, but some of our local crew speak enough English to keep the work (and the fun) rolling along for those who wish to stay.

For more information see our volunteer page, read the FAQ, and complete the volunteer application if you’re interesting in joining us.

What: Service-Learning Retreat with SanghaSeva

Topic: Living in Balance: Contemplation, Compassion, and Sustainability

Where: Dharmalaya Institute in Bir, HP, India

When: 23 March to 2 April, 2013

Language: English

Facilitators: Zohar Lavie, Nathan Glyde, Mark Moore, Mai-Linh Leminhbach

Description: Residential service-learning retreat programme at the Dharmalaya Institute. Possible workshops and groups sessions include the following:

• Hands-on education in traditional earthen architecture of the Himalayas
• Organic gardening and permaculture landscaping
• Meditation and yoga/movement
• A mixture of silent practice and group connection and activity

Please note: Space is limited and advance registration is required. [THIS PROGRAMME IS NOW FULLY BOOKED]

For details and registration, please visit the SanghaSeva website.

What: Silent Meditation Retreat with SanghaSeva

Where: Dharmalaya Institute in Bir, HP, India

When: 15-22 March 2013

Language: English

Facilitators: Zohar Lavie, Nathan Glyde, Jonathan Fafard, Mark Moore

Description: Residential silent meditation retreat led by Zohar Lavie and Nathan Glyde of SanghaSeva. Simple accommodation in tents/dormitory in a beautiful Himalayan setting.

Note: Space is limited and advance registration is required. [THIS PROGRAMME IS NOW FULLY BOOKED]

For details and registration, please visit the SanghaSeva website.

Topic: Sustainable living in the Himalayas, including green building, organic gardening, and permaculture landscaping

When: 15 February to 10 March, 2013 (Participants may arrive and depart anytime in this period)

Languages: English & Hindi

Facilitators: Mark Moore, Raj Kumar (‘Raju’), Naresh Sharma, et al

Description: Informal programme at the Dharmalaya Institute open to both residential and non-residential participants. We will be doing fun, physical work, including green building, organic gardening, tree planting, and more. There will be plenty of opportunities for learning, application, questions, and relaxation (we’re also doing an optional meditation programme for those who are interested). Feel free to come and go anytime between 15 February and 10 March 2013. 

For more information see our volunteer page, read the FAQ, and complete the volunteer application if you’re interesting in joining us.

From 15 April to 27 May, 2012, we meet every Sunday from 5:00pm to 6:00pm in the main hall at the Dharmalaya Institute in Bir (directions). For those who wish to stay longer for discussion, we can continue till 6:30 or so. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. Tea will be served.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE WEEKLY MEDITATION GROUP IS ON HOLIDAY FOR THE MONSOON PERIOD, AND WILL RESUME IN LATE 2012.

Schedule

4:45: Arrive early, catch your breath, say hello
5:00: Opening with a selection from Mingyur Rinpoche’s writings
5:20: Group meditation (40 minutes)
6:00: Informal discussion and tea

For more information on meditation programmes at Dharmalaya, see this page.

Topic: Sustainable living in the Himalayas, including green building, organic gardening, and permaculture landscaping

When: 7 April to 31 May, 2012 (Participants may arrive and depart anytime in this period)

Languages: English & Hindi

Facilitators: Mark Moore, Naresh Sharma, et al

Description: Informal programme at the Dharmalaya Institute open to both residential and non-residential participants. We will be doing fun, physical work, including green building, organic gardening, tree planting, and more. There will be plenty of opportunities for learning, application, questions, and relaxation (we’re also doing an optional meditation programme for those who are interested). Feel free to come and go anytime between 7 April and 31 May. (And, if you don’t mind getting very wet, you might even stay on longer during the monsoon tree-planting season if you like.)

For more information see our volunteer page, read the FAQ, and complete the volunteer application if you’re interesting in joining us.

Topic: Living in Balance: Contemplation, Compassion, and Sustainability

Where: Dharmalaya Institute in Bir, HP, India

When: 22 March - 3 April, 2012

Language: English

Facilitators: Zohar Lavie, Nathan Glyde, Mark Moore, et al

Description: Residential programme at the Dharmalaya Institute. Possible workshops and groups sessions include the following:

• Meditation and yoga
• Hands-on education in traditional earthen architecture of the Himalayas
• Organic gardening and permaculture landscaping
• A mixture of silent practice and group connection and activity

For further details, or to register, please visit the SanghaSeva website. (SORRY, REGISTRATION FULL)

Where: Dharmalaya Institute in Bir, HP, India

When: 14-21 March, 2012

Language: English (with readings of Kabir’s poetry in Hindi)

Facilitators: Ajay Singh, Zohar Lavie, Nathan Glyde

Residential silent meditation retreat led by SanghaSeva. Residential programme. Simple accommodation in tents in a beautiful Himalayan setting.

PUBLIC SESSIONS ON KABIR: Ajay will be giving readings and commentary on Kabir’s poetry every day during the retreat from 3:45-5:15pm. These sessions are open to the public and everyone is welcome. If you attend please arrive on time and stay for the whole session.

For further details, or to register, please visit the SanghaSeva website. (SORRY, REGISTRATION IS FULL)