An international gathering where Hindu wisdom meets research, public life and practical action — bringing communities, scholars and changemakers together across borders.
How can dharma as a way of life help form responsible world citizens and strengthen social cohesion?
Living Dharma creates a welcoming space for scholars, students, Hindu communities, diplomatic representatives, educators, care professionals and anyone curious about living well together. We explore how service, care, interdependence and right action can move from idea to everyday practice.
Hear research and global perspectives on dharma, peace and world citizenship.
Take part in yoga, meditation, dialogue, play and interactive workshops.
Meet communities, organisations, researchers and future collaborators.
Come from 12:00 for the research showcase and informal lunch, or join the main programme from registration at 13:15.
Guided presentation of publications, current research, Hindu Seminary courses and selected OMRISE articles, alongside a special poster showcase created by school students in response to the Living Dharma theme.
Lobby Square · 1st floor · New University BuildingCheck in, collect your name badge and continue to the main plenary.
Ground floor · New University BuildingCeremonial lamp lighting and a short cultural dance or musical performance.
Theatre 1 · New University BuildingShort keynote perspectives connecting dharma with contemporary university, community and public life.
Theatre 1 · New University BuildingA focused introduction to Dharma Living and its relevance for ethical life, responsibility and belonging.
Theatre 1 · New University BuildingCountry and community perspectives on how Hindu spirituality contributes to social cohesion and intergenerational identity.
Theatre 1 · New University BuildingMeet religious, spiritual and other dharmic organisations and learn about their work.
Lobby Square · 1st floor · New University BuildingChoose one participatory session. Final room allocations will be published before the event.
NU-3A65 · NU-3A67 · NU-4B43 · NU-4A67 · NU-4A51Workshop reports and practical recommendations for Hindu communities, educators, care professionals and wider society.
Theatre 1 · New University BuildingClosing reflections, acknowledgements and follow-up opportunities.
Theatre 1 · New University BuildingEnjoy dinner with saatvik options, informal networking, community connections and research displays.
Lobby Square · 1st floor · New University BuildingTentative programme updated from the latest planning documents. Named speakers, facilitators and final workshop room allocations remain subject to confirmation.
Two English and two Dutch screenings across Theatre 1 and Theatre 5.
Based on Prof. Sharda Nandram's book, this documentary shares migration stories about courage, resilience, adaptation and belonging. It honours the communities, researchers and individuals whose experiences connect generations and places.
Select a book cover to download the English, Dutch or Hindi artwork.
The parallel hour combines academic exchange with embodied and interactive practice. Register for the conference and tell us which session interests you.
Scholars, researchers, practitioners and students are invited to explore Dharma at its intersection with spirituality, AI, sustainability and responsible leadership. Five abstracts will be selected for the conference paper session; other contributors may be invited to display a poster in the gallery.
Religious, spiritual and other dharmic organisations can introduce their mission, activities and contribution to society during the coffee break and workshop hour.
What to bring: one A0 poster presenting your organisation, its activities and community impact. You may also bring complimentary giveaways, publications or free merchandise.
To participate: email g.joshi@vu.nl with your organisation name, contact person, website and a short description of your work.
Each workshop approaches Living Dharma differently. Capacity is limited, so indicate your preference when registering.
An interactive exploration of language, stories and practices that help younger generations build a confident, inclusive Hindu identity.
Flexible classroom · final room TBCJoin this workshop →Download one-page flyer ↓A fast-paced collaborative session turning dharmic values into practical ideas for community and public life.
Flexible classroom · final room TBCJoin this workshop →Download one-page flyer ↓Five selected papers on Dharma, spirituality, AI, sustainability and responsible leadership, presented in person or online.
Hybrid flexible classroom · final room TBCAnswer the call for papers →Download call-for-papers flyer ↓A reflective workshop exploring the inner meaning of Dussehra and the movement from limiting patterns towards clarity and courageous action.
Flexible classroom · final room TBCJoin this workshop →Download one-page flyer ↓A guided meditation workshop supporting presence, resilience and a grounded approach to daily life.
Flexible classroom · final room TBCJoin this workshop →Download one-page flyer ↓An accessible embodied practice connecting balance, attention and dharma as a way of life.
Flexible classroom · final room TBCJoin this workshop →Download one-page flyer ↓A practice-focused dialogue on spiritual care in hospitals, communities and educational settings, bringing Dutch and Indian perspectives together.
Flexible classroom · final room TBCJoin this workshop →Download one-page flyer ↓How classical Hindu insights can support parenting, character formation and family relationships in contemporary society.
Flexible classroom + online · final room TBCJoin this workshop →Download one-page flyer ↓An interactive game-based workshop exploring values, ethical choices and cooperation.
Flexible classroom · final room TBCJoin this workshop →Download one-page flyer ↓Accessible Ayurvedic principles for physical, mental and spiritual balance in everyday life.
Flexible classroom · final room TBCJoin this workshop →Download one-page flyer ↓Explore research on Epistemic Dharma, integrative spirituality, spiritual care, yogic ethics and responsible management. These publications form part of the display during the informal lunch.
Displayed posters connecting dharma with knowledge, spiritual care, ethical action and social responsibility.
View showcase posters ↗ Dharma · Spiritual careUses the Hindu Tarka method to define spiritual care for contemporary organisations and practice.
Open via DOI ↗ Living Dharma · TechnologyConnects dharmic purpose and integrative spirituality with human flourishing amid technological change.
View on VU Research Portal ↗ Dharma · TechnologyApplies ṛta, karma, non-attachment and interconnectedness to the ethics of AI and innovation.
Open via DOI ↗ Hindoeïsme · TechnologieVerbindt dharma en holistische welvaart met de vraag wanneer technologie het goede leven dient.
Bekijk op VU Research Portal ↗ Dharma · Yogic ethicsShows how yogic restraints and observances support dharma-centred ethical decisions and trust.
Open via DOI ↗ Dharma · LeadershipBrings local and global knowledge together through an integrative view of responsible leadership.
Open via DOI ↗ Dharma · ManagementUses Tarka and an integrative definition schema to strengthen spirituality research and practice.
Open via DOI ↗ Dharma · Interfaith careApplies karma, dharma, the Bhagavad Gītā and Yoga Sūtras within interfaith caregiving.
View on VU Research Portal ↗ Dharma · SustainabilityReframes non-attachment as dharmic responsibility, conscious sufficiency and ecological well-being.
View on VU Research Portal ↗ Epistemic Dharma · ResearchCentres the knower, epistemic humility and culturally grounded responsibility in research.
View on VU Research Portal ↗ Dharma · Geestelijke verzorgingOntwikkelt met de Tarka-methode een praktijkgerichte definitie van hindoe-geestelijke verzorging.
Bekijk op VU Research Portal ↗ Epistemic Dharma · Higher educationExplores epistemic responsibility, pluralism and care as dharmic foundations for the university.
Open publisher record via DOI ↗Choose your language. Registration helps us plan catering, seating and workshop capacity.
Use the English form for conference and workshop preferences.
Open English form ↗
Scan with your phone to open the English registration form.Geef uw deelname en workshopvoorkeur door via het Nederlandse formulier.
Open Nederlands formulier ↗
Scan met uw telefoon om het Nederlandse registratieformulier te openen.Deelname is gratis. Registratie is verplicht.
The Hindu Seminary team and collaborators bringing Living Dharma 2026 together.
Professor of Hindu Spirituality and Society, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Assistant Professor, Lived Religion and Society, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Lecturer, Lived Religion and Society, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Conference media and event support.
Research Associate, Lived Religion and Society, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Academic programme and paper presentations.
Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi.
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities · School of Religion and Theology.
Former students supporting the conference as volunteers.
The NU Building is close to Amsterdam Zuid and easily reached by train, metro, tram and bicycle.
Public transport
About 10 minutes on foot from Amsterdam Zuid. Trams 5 and 24 stop at De Boelelaan/VU; metro lines 50, 51 and 52 stop at Amsterdam Zuid.
Parking
Paid parking is available on the VU campus. Check current entrances, opening hours, rates and accessible parking before travelling by car.