THE ODIYAN EXPERIENCE
Odiyan is a dynamic community of 30 to 40 volunteers who range in age, background, nationalities and commitments. The residents work in service of peace and harmony for all life, through the creation, preservation, and activation of ancient wisdom symbols and teachings.
Our lifestyle is active, both physically and mentally strenuous. It includes a diet of mostly organic vegetarian food, hard work, and cultivating beauty within the Odiyan mandala – and within ourselves.
Our current volunteer season is starting in July, stay to last 2 weeks of December with the option to continuing until the beginning of Spring/Summer season in March, 2024. Contact Us if you are interested!
Our work is much more than “just work”. We follow guidance from our cornerstone text : Skillful Means. Our work not only supports Odiyan’s mission, it produces beautiful inner results. This is a job that cultivates inner growth of our potential as we engage the workplace daily.
Odiyan has its foundations in Tibetan Buddhism, however, no religious affiliation is required.
What’s Offered:
- Housing
- Vegetarian meals
- Stipend — $200 per month, $300 after one year
- Skill development in a range of trades and traditional arts
- Opportunities for study, meditation, mantra and Buddhist practices
What do we do at Odiyan?
Work activities:
- vegetable gardening and landscaping
- construction
- welding and concrete casting
- metalwork, foundry and woodworking
- cooking and food preservation
- sacred art in various mediums – wood, metal, fabric, concrete, clay, painting, gold leafing, sublimation.
- animal care and managing horse sanctuary
- care and maintenance of temples
Study and Practice:
Study and onsite classes are based on books by our founder such as Caring or Skillful Means. There is dedicated AV equipment for many free online classes offered by our sister organizations. The Study hall and library offer hundreds of books on Buddhist history, culture, and teachings.
Buddhist practices are woven into daily life at Odiyan. Some examples are early morning practice, evening ceremonies held at the Temples, practices during morning and evening meals. All these and more are open to new residents after a few weeks of residency.
Who should apply?
We are seeking people who:
- Have a sincere interest in Buddhism and exploring work as a path to inner freedom.
- Can work independently and are self-motivated.
- Good at working with your hands, have physical work experience or working with tools.
Interested in volunteering, or have questions?
Hands-on Positions Open Now!
Odiyan Volunteer Office
volunteer@odiyan.org
510-981-1987
Covid 19: All new residents must be fully vaccinated. More details under FAQs.
