designBodha
an initiative for dharmic design - ethical, harmonious and regenerative creation across disciplines.
In an era defined by rapid technological acceleration, environmental degradation, and social fragmentations, the traditional design paradigms - rooted in utilitarianism, consumerism, and market-bound efficiency - are proving insufficient. Despite seeing an unprecedented explosion in the opportunities and avenues for humans to create, we are, as Frances Moore Lappe says -
"together creating a world that as individuals none of us would choose."
The boom in creatorship has given us the power of the gods, without the requisite wisdom of the gods. In turn, disruptive innovation, accelerationism, and values-agnostic design have put us in confrontation with the meta-crises.
designBodha is a think-tank and initiative to embed dharmic design in creatorship. Our whitepaper and this document is a call to designers, creators, product developers, and more.
Whitepaper on Dharmic Design
Dharmic design, that is - design-by-ṛta,
is creatorship grounded in Hindu metaphysics.
It redefines design as a sacred act
of aligning human creation with the cosmic order.
It is the conscious practice of shaping material and digital realities in alignment with cosmic rhythms; the intentional harmonization of human creativity with natural order - ensuring that every created artifact contributes to balance, truth, and the long-term well-being of the interconnected web of life.
project objectives
Phase 1 - Foundation and Taxonomy
Establish a common language - the dharmic design lexicon mapping modern design terms. Publish second whitepaper - defining the core terminology and philosophical boundaries.
Phase 2 - Framework Toolkits
Build practical design tools - the dharmic design canvas - visual tool(s) that orient decision-making, brainstorming, and creativty to intended tethers.