Odiyan Retreat Center

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

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.

Selfless Service

Hands-on 40+ hours a week work approached with care, attention, and intention

Spiritual Environment

Living within a mandala of the temples, symbols and natural beauty

Intentional Community Living

Step into a disciplined rhythm where shared responsibility  replace the distractions of modern life

Personal Growth

Developing generosity, discipline, patience and a quieter mind through consistent effort

Who Tends to Do Well at Odiyan?

Practical Details About Volunteering at Odiyan

We 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 two hours of community cleaning.

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, foundry work, cooking and food preservation, sewing, animal care, maintenance, marketing, web development, IT.

Prior experience is welcomed, but not required. What matters most is stamina, reliability, cooperation and a willingness to learn.

Housing
Volunteers live 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.

Stipend
Mmonthly stipend of $200, increasing to $300 after one year of residence.

Community Spaces
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. We can’t accommodate pets or kids.

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.