Ellie is a designer and architect from Australia who joined Dharmalaya Institute’s team in 2023. In her words: ‘I feel a deep respect and responsibility to reconnect with the ways of our ancestors and return to a symbiotic relationship with the more-than-human world around us. Nature, stillness, beauty and wonder are the foundations of my practice, which I aim to deepen with each day. I find precious inspiration in what each student and teacher has to share and I cherish the interactions that Dharmalaya Institute fosters.’

Rhea is a superstar member of our management team. In her words: ‘I’m an explorer and student in the University of Life. My formal education is in Music, Psychology and English, and I'm deeply moved by all things ‘art and heart’. At Dharmalaya Institute, I contribute to community well-being, which includes ensuring that our plant, animal, human and little compost-creature friends are thriving. I'm currently exploring the realms of permaculture, traditional wisdom, creativity, sustainability, community care, facilitation and personal growth.’

Trained by Didi Contractor herself and her team of artisans, Shivraj is a treasure trove of detailed knowledge on the Kangra vernacular construction with 20+ years of experience as a carpenter. Much of the woodwork on Dharmalaya Institute’s campus is a result of his keen eye and workmanship. (He also makes amazing channa daal.)

Daphne is a holistic architect, a certified Passive House consultant, a licensed Biogeometry practitioner, and cofounder of Routes of Yoga. She leads Dharmalaya Institute’s Architecture and Design faculty, and is cofounder of Dharmalaya’s sister school in the USA, Earthville Institute.

Mark Moore is an experiential educator, natural builder, meditation retreat facilitator, composer-producer, and writer-editor. Founder of the Earthville Network in the USA and cofounder of the Dharmalaya Institute for Compassionate Living in India and Earthville Institute in the USA, he has been launching and nurturing altruistic and creative projects around the world since 1997.

A cofounder of Dharmalaya Institute, Mai-Linh has been studying and practicing Buddhist teachings, yoga and meditation for decades. Living in Switzerland and doing service work internationally, she facilitates meditation programmes as well as workshops in communication and soft skills development. Her passion is to support people to grow into their potential.

Naresh is a builder from Rakkar, HP, with over 30 years of experience working with esteemed eco-architect Didi Contractor.

Surya is a ‘Structural Engineering with Architecture’ graduate from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. In his words: ‘I spent a long time in a world that was far removed from natural phenomena. In finding Dharmalaya and truly internalizing our philosophies, I found the patience and commitment to observe, reflect and finally act from a place of intention and cultivated wisdom.’

I was a commercial pilot by profession and flew for an airline for nine years. Whilst I was living that life, I was always inspired by values like simple living, interdependence and sustainability.

At Dharmalaya, I am finding the right tools like permaculture, building with natural materials, gardening and above all, the power of intention and active compassion. More seems possible now than ever before!

Sourabh is a mason and architect who has been a member of the visiting faculty at Dharmalaya Institute since the beginning and has led courses, workshops and earthen construction projects around India. He is currently studying at the School of Traditional Arts in London

Tsunma Kunsang Palmo is a nun in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition who has completed several years of retreat practice. She teaches meditation and facilitates retreats in India and Nepal and online with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche’s Tergar Learning Community.