Tara Mandala Retreat Center Summer Volunteer Positions

  United States

Pagosa Springs

Term: Fall, Summer 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: June 23, 2009 - October 29, 2009

Description: We are currently accepting applications for summer staff positions for Summer 2009. Our intention for summer staff is to provide a place where people can incorporate their Dharma practice into their work and lives. In contrast to spending a short time doing a retreat, this is an opportunity to bring the Dharma into life in community. Interpersonal relations, physical work tasks, community life and meditation practice merge to create an experience of work that is far different than anything you've experienced. Tara Mandala is located in a remote area and access to the distractions of modern life will be limited.   You will be in a reflective environment close to nature, learning meditation and other contemplative disciplines, as well as learning the art of council and community life.   If interested, please contact us.

Instruction in sitting meditation will be offered at the beginning of the season. We will have the precious opportunity to practice together daily (in the early morning) and to meet in circle regularly. During circle time, we will share our ongoing experiences in taking service and teamwork as part of our spiritual path. Staff will also be welcome at most evening practices and teachings when those take place. However, most day-time teachings will probably conflict with work duties, and staff may attend these only on days off. Being on summer staff is not only a great opportunity to practice, but also a way to bring work and community living onto the spiritual path.

We are hiring cooks that receive a small stipend and lead meal prep, and cook assistants who help to prepare meals. In addition to cook positions we will also be hiring a land manager to oversee various land projects, a participant coordinator to assist with retreat management, an experienced gardener to work in our grow dome and gardens, a bookstore assistant to help in the bookstore, and floaters to do a variety of tasks as needed. All positions are full-time and can be strenuous; regular days off and meals are supplied for the duration of the summer. All staff camp on Tara Mandala land and are expected to bring their own tent, sleeping bag and camping gear.

Highlights: Outdoor lifestyle, community living, contemplative daily meditation, instruction in psychotherapy and Tibetan Buddhist meditation techniques, beautiful mountain setting.

Qualifications: Reliable, responsible individuals interested in living in small, contemplative, outdoor community. Interest in Buddhism and other Eastern religions preferred. We're also looking for cooks, land managers, and people with office management skills.

Cost in US$: transportation expenses

Credit Available: yes

Salary / Pay: We offer stipends for cooks and assistant cooks. All other positions are on a volunteer basis.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Healthy, robust, curious, contemplative individual skilled at living in small community. Good communication skills are necessary, as is a willingness to camp outdoors for the duration of your stay.

Age Range: 16-85

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to United States Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. Please contact us with your specific needs.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Tara Mandala Retreat Center's Mission Statement: In a chaotic and stressful world, Tara Mandala offers refuge and renewal. The experience of retreat in nature brings the gift of peace to the individual and ultimately those practicing deep meditation in retreat affect the fabric of the world. While the West developed its advanced outer technology, the Tibetans were developing inner technology. Tara Mandala was established to foster the development of this inner wisdom for the benefit of all beings, much as in the retreat centers in Tibet. It is a place for those who wish to explore and stabilize profound states of meditation in short or extended retreats in hermitage cabins that offer panoramic views as well as solitude and sanctuary. We also offer group retreats in Buddhism and other disciplines. Tara Mandala is intended to foster spiritual and ecological awareness, a place for those who want to explore and stabilize profound states of meditation which require lengthy periods of retreat. We believe that people reaching deep levels of meditative awareness have a profound effect on humanity.

Year Founded: 1996

Tara Mandala Retreat Center is a Tibetan Buddhist based organization. We do not require our participants to be of the same faith. Our volunteers will not be involved in religious proselytizing.