Work Practice - Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing

COMBINING MERIT AND PRACTICE

In Buddhism, everything we do can be practice: Sitting in meditation. Chopping carrots. Attending a puja. Digging in the garden. Work-Practice offers a means of living this philosophy, integrating practice with daily life. Along with dana, such practice is among the best ways to accumulate merit.

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ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Center has positions for a few Work-Practice students at any given time. Students work an average of fifteen hours a week in exchange for a 50% discount on room and board.* Jobs include cleaning the center, working on the grounds, cooking and assisting with programs.

You will meet with one of our Senior Teachers to discuss your personal practice goals; you will also meet with Center staff to discuss your work assignments, which will be based on both your skills and the current needs of the Center. From these, we will design your daily practice and work schedule. Work-Practice students are encouraged to stay for one month.

*Pricing for our Work-Practice Program ranges from $595 to $665 a week, seasonally adjusted, with a minimum stay of two weeks.

BENEFITS & EXPECTATIONS

As a Work-Practice student, you will have a private room on site and will enjoy the delicious vegetarian meals in the dining hall. You are expected to join the Center’s morning salutations and meditation and our Tuesday and Sunday Meditation programs. You may be asked to work during ticketed events but may sit in on any portions once you have fulfilled your duties.

TIME COMMITMENT

Work-Practice Students are encouraged to stay for one-month and must commit to a minimum stay of two weeks.

ESSENTIAL QUALITIES

We look for a willingness to work with others and an eagerness to study and practice. It is essential that you have some familiarity with meditation. We ask for:

Enthusiasm, resiliency and a thoughtful demeanor
Physical, mental and emotional stability
The desire and ability to fulfill your commitment
The discipline to commit to a schedule or process, including timeliness
Strong aspiration and openness to learn
An established meditation practice or strong intention to establish one
The ability to take direction
Flexibility
Ease working and living in close proximity to others
A friendly helpful manner towards guests, volunteers, staff and vendors
A commitment to our values and code of conduct
18 years or older

Interested in our Work-Practice Program?

If you are interested in joining our Work-Practice Program, please fill out an application. We will contact you for an interview and to discuss potential dates.

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RESIDENT STAFF VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

If you would like a longer stay or deeper experience, you may also be interested in our more robust full-time volunteer program.

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