Full-Time Work-Study in a Buddhist Community

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Seeking a meaningful change or a productive, rewarding sabbatical year? Embrace life's opportunities by entering a dynamic teaching and learning environment grounded in the ancient wisdom of the Nyingma tradition of Tibetan Buddhism.

Founded in 1972 by Tibetan lama Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, the Nyingma Institute offers retreats and courses based on the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Our fields of study include: Nyingma Meditation, Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga, Nyingma Psychology, Buddhist Studies, Skillful Means and more.

We are part of a community of organizations, which are collectively called the Nyingma Mandala of Organizations. We seek residents who are interested in committing for a six-month or year-long period as part of our live-in staff, by joining our Work-Study Program.

The program includes:
-Housing in a community setting, in the foothills of Berkeley with a spectacular view.
-Vegetarian meals, created with organic ingredients when possible.
-Access to evening classes, which are held every day of the week. Topics include Meditation, Kum Nye Tibetan Yoga, Tibetan Buddhist studies, and more.
-A supportive and beautiful environment where you can engage Buddhism, meditation and meaningful work.
-Participation in a 6-day work week.
-A small stipend.

Work-practice assignments may include:
-Responding to student inquiries and handling administrative matters at the Front Desk.
-Promotions and outreach for retreats and events via social media, flyering, etc.
-Cleaning, construction, gardening, and other physical work.
-Cooking vegetarian meals for community members and retreatants to enjoy.
-Please note that we ask that participants adopt an as-needed attitude towards work-practice assignments.
-We try to find a best fit between professional skills and current projects whenever possible: professional experience as a chef, or in management, fundraising, and graphic design are especially helpful.

We do not require that you be Buddhist, only that you are interested, open, respectful, and would like to engage and learn from a community that seeks to make a difference in the world through meaningful work.

An application and interview are required.

We are a volunteer-run 501(c)3 organization located in Berkeley, California.
To learn more, please visit: www.nyingmainstitute.com/volunteer