Programs
3rd Space programs provide the opportunity to experience the diversity of the world’s cultures from ‘the inside’. We believe in the enormous learning and creative potential in open interrelationship between different civilisations and cultures.
We explore the human experience, the impact of our intertwined histories, the value systems we have absorbed culturally, and how these shape the world around us. The aim of our programs is the renewal of our experience and imagination as the foundation for affecting practicable change.
"When an individual takes a step in the direction of the new, the impossible, the whole human race travels with that individual.”
Vimala Thakar
AGENTS OF CHANGE
Emergent Dialogue
In light of our current global crises, we need more than ever to find a way to generate the space and capacity for dialogue, for truly creative thinking and discovery. Coming together in dialogue provides the fertile ground for such creative emergence.
Dialogue has been an intrinsic part of the evolution of culture since our early collective history. This has usually meant a dialogue between two people, or two sets of people, attempting to listen to the point of view of the other.
In Emergent Dialogue we are interested in what can emerge collectively when we are willing to suspend our own positions, ideas and opinions, and place our attention on what is emergent and unfolding between us. This is an experiential space where autonomy and non-separation co-exist, out of which a new form of intersubjective enquiry is born. Engaging with each other in this context allows for a co-creative discovery, in which the ability to think and express ourselves in unknown and complex new ways, is able to emerge.
Intercultural communication
We live in such an interpenetrated world that different civilisations are no longer entirely distinct. We are all hybrids to some extent. Nevertheless, the origins of our civilisations and our inherited ways of looking at the world are not the same, and to a large degree these still shape the way we perceive the world and interpret our experience. This rich diversity has never been more important, in enabling the kind of questioning and exploration at the level of being, that we need to create a different world.
3rd Space dialogues are held periodically in India and the UK in a variety of locations and settings. They are creative spaces in which participants from different parts of the world can explore and question together in an atmosphere of trust and freedom. The emphasis is not on the accumulation of knowledge, or on asserting our opinions, but rather on ‘unlearning’ and genuine discovery.
Immersive Journeys
Our Immersive Journeys program is designed for those from Western countries who wish to deeply engage with, and contribute to, a culture very different from their own. Immersing ourselves in an entirely different culture and society can open up our horizons like nothing else. Immersive Journeys offers the opportunity to do just that – to spend one month, living and working within a specific project in India and alongside the project’s founder(s).
‘Sarvodaya’, Sawantwadi, India – an introduction
by Rajan Venkatesh
This is a farm practising natural farming through traditional Indian methods and, in the process, exploring relationships and issues of livelihood and community welfare.
We are situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra state of India, nestled amidst the multi-layered hill ranges called the Western Ghats, a thickly forested region with the Arabian Sea coast lining the west, and with its own distinct variety of a tropical eco-system.Sarvodaya means ‘enlightened well-being of all’. This farm is inspired by Gandhi; by Indian spiritual thought, and by a tradition and culture shaped with respect for nature. Naturally, this leads us to explore psychological freedom, dignified livelihood, sustainable living, and harmonious living in society.
Venkatesh talking about the principle of scale in the natural world.
We are an off-grid farm running on solar power for water pumping and basic home electricity. The farm is spread over 4.5 acres, and is being designed for simple living using local resources; a basic objective being that it is self-sustaining through sustainable living practises. Learning and sharing while building and living this life and lifestyle is a co-objective, and so this farm can also be a place of sharing and learning for like-minded seekers who share the anguish of the world and who also share a harmonious vision of what the world can be.
Two optional immersion programmes in resonance with the above:
1) Ten-day stay at the farm: Ideal for a single person or two people as an introduction to Indian culture and to experience a brief immersion in a real rural setting without the frills of tourism. The visit will include: farm stay, involvement in farm activities and dialogues on sustainable living/thinking and Indian culture, local treks and trips to the neighbouring villages, some off-site visits keeping the farm as the base to explore local nature, ecosystems and livelihoods.
2) Three-week stay at the farm: Ideal for a person interested in exploring Indian culture as well as sustainable living, willing to participate in an off-grid organic farm as a guest-volunteer. Previous knowledge or experience of farming is not necessary, one must be willing to be part of the farm ‘family’, that is all. There won’t be too much hard work. The volunteer can bring in various skills: capacity for research, writing skills, technical/engineering skills – all are welcome. The three to four week stay will also include: involvement in farm activities and dialogues on sustainable living/thinking and Indian culture, local treks and trips to the neighbouring villages, some off-site visits keeping the farm as the base to explore local nature, ecosystems and livelihoods.
Nearest station: Sawantwadi Road, Maharashtra
Nearest airport: Dabolim, Goa
if you are interested to find out more about the programmes at ‘Sarvodaya’, please contact: info@3rd-space.org
