RESOURCES FOR COMPASSIONATE LIVING
HOW-TO SERIES | COMPASSIONATE LIVING | DESIGN | EDUCATION | FOOD-GROWING & LANDSCAPING | HEATH & WELL-BEING | NATURAL BUILDING
Creativity, Empowerment, Dharmalaya & You!
We have some big news to share with you about the future of Dharmalaya Institute, and the headline is that we want to invite you to be a part of it!
Introduction to Earthen Building
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.
How to Make Adobe Bricks
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.
Pedagogy of the Heart: Education for Compassion
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.
Designing an Outdoor Seating Area with Earth and Upcycled Plastic Waste
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.
What is Compassionate Living?
Everything that matters most — from the quality of our character to the survival of our species and the health of our planet — depends greatly upon our practice of compassion. Most of society’s pressing challenges arise from our…
Learning from Lockdown: Colours of COVID-19 in the Himalayas
Trembling with fear, anxiety and panic — that is what hit me when I realized that COVID-19 is here. All I could think was, Is this even real? A world that never stopped had suddenly paused, and the lives that we all had planned stopped working according to plan, leaving the whole world with a feeling of uncertainty.
Retrieving the Elemental Essences from Nature
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.
Meditation Is Easier Than You Think
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?
Make your own: Encaustic Tiles
Dig clay, make tiles, dance.
The Thatch Micromanual
A scruffy treatise on straw roofs, The combed wheat reed thatch micromanual.
Didi Contractor Receives Nari Shakti Puraskar
On International Women’s Day of 2019, Didi Contractor, was presented with the Nari Shakti Puraskar, India’s highest civilian honour recognising women who have made great contributions to India. The award was presented by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.
Have 10 minutes to spare? Learn The Three Pill Meditation Technique
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!
Parag Dabba Chulha: How to Make a Wood Gas Stove Oven
A small and sweet wood gas stove…Parag Dabba
Autumn 2018 Season Begins with Reflections on Compassion
After the invigorating monsoon season, autumn is a natural time for reflective engagement as we return outdoors to work with the earth. Dharmalaya Institute’s autumn 2018 programme season began with a five-day silent meditation retreat, which set a contemplative tone.
Meditation and Going Beyond Mindfulness: A Secular Perspective
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.
How to Make Chappals
Multivitamin supplement for soleful peeps.
Bringing a Vision to Life: Dharmalaya Institute
Reflecting on the birth of Dharmalaya Institute, from the early design conversations between Dharmalaya Cofounder Mark Moore and award-winning eco-architect Didi Contractor, and the epic volunteer-driven adventure to bring Didi’s inspiring designs to life.
Didi Contractor Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
Didi Contractor, co-founding Professor Emeritus of the Internship in Vernacular Eco-Architecture at Dharmalaya Institute, was honoured with WADe Asia’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in natural building in the Himalayas.
New Film on Didi Contractor Debuts at DIFF
After years in the making, a new feature-length documentary film entitled, ‘Didi Contractor: Marrying the Earth to the Building’ premiered at the 2016 Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF).
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HOW-TO SERIES | COMPASSIONATE LIVING | DESIGN | EDUCATION | FOOD-GROWING & LANDSCAPING | HEATH & WELL-BEING | NATURAL BUILDING
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