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Odiyan is an intentional Buddhist community that offers volunteer opportunities to persons interested in helping preserve Tibetan art and culture and learning about Buddhism in a working spiritual center.
Odiyan is rooted in the traditions of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. The Nyingma lineage preserves teachings and practices brought from India to Tibet by the great teacher Padmasambhava during the eighth century.
While some of the schools of Tibetan Buddhism emphasize academic knowledge or ceremonial practices, the Nyingma school is known for its practical, “hands-on” approach to the application of Buddhist teachings.
Grounded in this tradition, Odiyan offers each volunteer a “path of action” based on developing concentration, awareness and positive energy. We take on huge projects with tight timelines and ambitious goals. We do this not only because the work is important, but because this way of working enables each volunteer to awaken to his or her full potential in the process of overcoming limitations and transforming personal obstacles.
On a day-to-day level, work at Odiyan resembles the work of other volunteer projects with a focus on construction, such as Habitat for Humanity. Willing participants cooperate for accomplishing challenging construction projects and benefit from the intensified learning that comes with working as a group. Within the powerful context of the Odiyan mandala, work tends to increase capacities for self-awareness and take on deeper levels of meaning.
The projects at Odiyan and the experience of community living are energized by the larger purpose of preserving the Tibetan religious and cultural heritage. While Odiyan does not function as a monastery, and there is little focus on traditional Buddhist training, daily events include mantra, prayer, and chanting. Most of the long-term resident volunteers are Buddhist practitioners.
Here is a rare opportunity to challenge physical and emotional obstacles in a wholesome, healthy, rural environment, while building a home for the Dharma. If you want to expand your abilities, experience personal growth, learn new things, gain new skills, and live as part of an intentional community, Odiyan may be right for you.
The process begins with your completed application.
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