Dharamkot is a hidden gem (and if I had it my way I wouldn’t tell anyone so I could keep it from turning into a nuisance some of its crowded neighbors have become.)

Pottery classes offered by Sadaiv at Dharamkot studios are a recommendation for a great way to spend your time if you enjoy learning new skills, a beautiful view and great company.

Now, you may create excellent pottery or you may simply exercise the art of beginning again and again with a mound of clay on your wheel, but what is certain is that you will have a joyful, tranquil and inspiring time.

During my pottery classes it thundered and hailed, we even saw a rainbow over the mountain from the priceless view at the studios you cannot overlook. At first I prided myself at finding an activity that was indoors in such bad weather but soon this feeling was replaced with the peace I was experiencing. It occurred to me that it is only natural that an opportunity such as this exists in a haven such as dharamkot. After all, even after we get away from cities a lot of times we are still operating at the level of what all we can do with this new place. To sit in once place and quietly work on a creative task to me seemed perfect for the environment I was in.

Sadaiv, the founder and main artist does not teach, he demonstrates while you observe. He is clear about the fleeting existence of anything created with clay. He will very quickly and seamlessly create a fine piece of artifact and before you so much as make a sound of appreciation he will dump it into a bucket. You may respond with shock at this but what better way to show that it is not what you make but the enjoyment of doing so. Vivek, also a teacher is extremely helpful and will rescue your work from doom many times before you can know it and show you ways you may not give up. The activity itself is difficult to learn, you are humbled very quickly surrounded by many creations that seem impossible to attempt when you sit at the wheel. It is entirely possible that as you keep at it, you may encounter epiphanies and begin to map the moving wheel to moving time, the amorphous clay waiting to be formed as moments in your life yet to occur. None it can be hurried and something beautiful will only rise when you practice confidence in your will that are your hands, move slowly and believe that you can only build up from bottom. If these thoughts begin seeping in during your time at the wheel then that’s on you, may be more can be uncovered here than at the Vipassana center down the street. I’ll let you be the judge of that. You may also just laugh at yourself the whole time. But again, a great time is guaranteed.

I had a late bus out of Dharamkot/ mcloedganj, Sadaiv in his utmost generosity let me stay in the studio till the time for the bus. He cooked and shared dinner. My experience at Dharamkot studio transcended that of wanting to learn a skill to forming a meaningful connection and for that I am thankful because that is the very thing we go looking for when we escape to a place as serene as Dharamkot. We may find it in water streaming down in falls, quiet rain or humble mountain trails but to see it embodied in human beings has been the true quest.

So yes, in short you play with clay, learn to use the wheel, take breaks, drink tea/coffee that they offer you, you admire Alice, the adorable pup. It’s as simple as that and bound to be memorable.