The majority of my time at Dharmalaya was spent working mainly on two buildings – the duplex and meditation cottage. They are both constructed in a similar adaptation of the Kangra vernacular style. They have stone plinths, load-bearing adobe walls and timber, bamboo and slate roofs. Both buildings are sited on existing terraces, and each building has its quirks where new design elements were tested.
I found the workdays deeply satisfying and enjoyable. We would start the day with a circle where we would first check-in with one another which was then followed by discussing the workday ahead with local staff and volunteers. I enjoyed the rhythms of the day, rising early for yoga and meditation and restful evenings after an early dinner during sunset. Thanks to the hard graft my body clock synched with the natural cycles of day and night as well as the seasons, where I slept more in the cold of winter.
During my time here I learned to build the way the local artisans build, directly from them, just as they did from their masters. In learning these ways, often through observation and correcting alone due to the language barrier, I felt an embodied connection to the lineage of craftsmen in this region and to their timeless way of building. In doing so, I developed a deep appreciation for the vernacular methods and buildings that had emerged over countless generations with this land and it was a privilege to be an outsider given the chance to experience these subtle and deep beauties.
Working alongside the local villagers, I was able to experience the way they work and live, and the lack of defined separation between the two. What was noticeable was the sheer presence, awareness and connection they exhibited in every moment with every action, something that was alien to me and my way of life. Whilst working at Dharmalaya I was inspired to cultivate working in these mindful ways, taking my work slower, but savouring and enjoying all of the life that was flowing through it. These practices were slowly learned, as the tendency of my conditioned mind was to become distracted easily through judgement, criticism and all manner of noise that the monkeys in my mind would make. This exploration into conscious work and life is one I’ll walk for the rest of my life.
Here is a selection of photos from my time growing buildings in the hills.
