THE ODIYAN EXPERIENCE
Living, working, and practicing within a Buddhist community
A Buddhist residential community where work, study, and daily life support inner development
THE ODIYAN EXPERIENCE
Living, working, and practicing within a Buddhist community
A Buddhist residential community where work, study, and daily life support inner development
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Commitment: preferable 6 months -
Living: on-site living in rural setting -
Daily Rhythm: Full, intentional workdays with personal practice and study integrated over time -
Work: Hands-on work; stamina and comfort using tools are necessay. Specific skills welcomed -
Support: Room, board and modest monthly stipend
What Volunteering at Odiyan Is Like
It is an immersive experience of shared living, meaningful work, and active participation. Daily life is simple and structured, offering space for both outer contribution and inner reflection.
Volunteering at Odiyan is not a structured volunteer program or retreat. It is participation in an ongoing community, where flexibility, maturity, and communication are essential to living and working together harmoniously.
Life at Odiyan is intentionally simple. Volunteers live on-site, share meals and responsibilities, and take part in the rhythms of a residential community. This simplicity supports focus, presence, and a more direct engagement with daily life.
Workdays are full and hands-on, and are approached as a form of practice, done in service of something larger than individual goals. Each task supports a living environment dedicated to awakening, compassion, and benefit for beings. Volunteers participate in this shared intention by offering their effort, and engaging daily life with care.
Formal practice and study offerings vary throughout the year. New volunteers are encouraged to explore their own personal practice at a pace that works for them, while gradually integrating into the community’s rhythm
The experience can be deeply rewarding, and at times challenging. Volunteers often find that growth comes through consistency, cooperation, and engagement with work, community and study.
Who Tends to Do Well at Odiyan?
- Able to commit to a longer stay (ideally 6–8 months, shorter stays considered case by case)
- A sincere interest in Odiyan’s mission, way of life, and Buddhism fundamentals
- Physical, mental, and emotional health
- A strong sense of personal responsibility, initiative and resourcefulness
- Willingness to engage in a full schedule of work and community activities
- Comfort with hands-on, physical work for several hours a day
- Openness to taking direction with a flexible and cooperative attitude
- Ability to manage personal financial needs independently (medical, travel, personal expenses)
Cosidering Volunteering at Odiyan?
If volunteering at Odiyan feels aligned, learn more about daily life and participation (page in progress or better FAQ) →
Practical Details About Volunteering at Odiyan
We generally prefer a minimum commitment of six months, with eight months or longer being ideal. In some cases, shorter stays (as brief as two months) may be considered, depending on current needs and availability.
A longer stay supports continuity in projects and allows volunteers to fully engage with the experience.
The regular workday runs from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with a midday break from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.
Saturday mornings include approximately two hours of community cleaning and upkeep, after which the rest of the weekend is generally free.
At certain times, project needs may require additional hours, particularly when working toward important deadlines.
Work at Odiyan is hands-on and varied. Daily activities may include vegetable and flower gardening, landscaping, construction, welding, concrete casting, foundry work, cooking and food preservation, sewing, animal care, maintenance, marketing, web development, IT.
Prior experience in a trade, craft, or art is welcomed, but not required. What matters most is stamina, reliability, cooperation and a willingness to learn.
Housing
Volunteers live in shared rooms with two beds and a sink. Rooms are shared as needed depending on availability. Bathrooms and showers are shared.
Meals & Food
Three vegetarian meals are prepared daily and shared by the community. Cooking and meal cleanup are done on a rotating schedule, with everyone participating. All food in the communal refrigerators is available to residents for breaks or for personal cooking.
Stipend
Volunteers receive a monthly stipend of $200, increasing to $300 after one year of residence.
Community Spaces
Residents have access to shared libraries, study halls, and common spaces. A TV room with couches is used for movies, games, and informal community time. Wi-Fi available in all rooms and residential areas.
Lifestyle Guidelines
Smoking is not permitted. Alcohol may be consumed socially and responsibly.
– are eager to explore work and daily activities as a path to inner freedom.
– are interested in engaging the fundamental practices of Buddhism.
– can work independently.
– are self-motivated and thrive on a full schedule of work and learning.
– are good at working with your hands, and enjoy physical work.
– have experience with working with tools.
Current Projects
Volunteers often focus on one main project while also participating in shared community work and daily support activities.
Below are some of our current projects:
Clay Stupas
Support the creation of 186 unique clay stupas crafted by hand as part of Odiyan’s sacred landscape.
Clay Stupas
Support the creation of 186 unique clay stupas crafted by hand as part of Odiyan’s sacred landscape.
Clay Stupas
Support the creation of 186 unique clay stupas crafted by hand as part of Odiyan’s sacred landscape.
