Resource Library for Compassionate Living

There are as many techniques for building with locally available natural materials as there are traditional cultural groups. Throughout human history, each culture has used materials differently depending on their context and its particular challenges, and on the relative strengths and differing properties of the materials available on or near their sites. But one thing most of them have in common is the use of soil — the earth beneath our feet. 

Let’s take a closer look at the adobe brick itself. Building an adobe structure that will stand the test of time begins with using best practices for each individual brick. As the saying goes, ‘a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The same is true for buildings.

Dharmalaya Institute cofounder Mark Moore discusses the power of contemplative experiential education and service learning to awaken compassion and help empower sensitive and effective agents of change.

The latest addition to the dormitory building is an outdoor seating area for al fresco classes and discussions. Dharmalaya architect Anushka Joshi, breaks down the process as part of our How-To series.

In this video, Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche teaches us how to open ourselves to the beneficial qualities of the natural elements - which the ancient Bön teachings place much emphasis on. The longer you spend in relationship with the elements of nature, the more you feel their essence coming alive in you and nourishing your soul.

In this video, Mingyur Rinpoche explains the essence of meditation and describes some common misunderstandings about practicing meditation. He also shares some tips for bringing meditation into our day-to-day lives. What is your reaction to Mingyur Rinpoche’s statement that you don’t have to be calm and peaceful in order to meditate?

Dig clay, make tiles, dance.

A scruffy treatise on straw roofs, The combed wheat reed thatch micromanual.

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche offers a succinct description of a meditation technique he calls the "Three Precious Pills” as well as instruction on how to practice it. He adds, with delightful humour, that these are three pills you can take everyday at any time and as much as you want, with no side effects!

A small and sweet wood gas stove…Parag Dabba

A profound yet lighthearted talk by Mingyur Rinpoche held at the London School of Economics Old Theatre in the UK. Rinpoche talks about his own path of learning meditation as well as going beyond mindfulness as we take our meditation practice off the cushion and into our world.

Multivitamin supplement for soleful peeps.

A rash course of sorts - A crash course in high input - high output organic square foot gardening.

The path to steaming green tea..

Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche offers a free self-paced course that includes videos, MP3 audio recordings, and supplementary materials! Videos are available as part of a self-paced course. They can also be viewed separately, as stand alone teachings. View syllabus and links here.

What are the causes of anxiety and suffering?

In this short 10 minute video, Mingyur Rinpoche talks about the panic attacks that he experienced as a child and how he used compassion and calm-abiding meditation to free himself from anxiety.

A snippet on just what the title suggests. The focus here is on grass thatch..