FAQ
What are the dates of the Work-Study volunteer program for 2024/2025?
The Odiyan Study program is ongoing throughout the year. We are now taking applications for 2025 . We give preference to applicants who can stay for the full program, arriving in January, February or March and staying through November. The minimum commitment for the program is 6 months from the date of arrival.
What is the first step for applying to the Work-Study program? To express your interest , please submit our Contact Us form along with your resume and photo.
What is the weekly schedule like?
Monday through Friday we work on the various sacred art, fabrication and building projects. Saturdays with a Purpose are for taking care of our home: routine chores, kitchen work, our animals, landscaping and temple care. Classes and study sessions are three mornings a week after breakfast plus one evening per week. Buddhist practices are woven into daily life such as morning practice before breakfast, meal prayers and monthly practices in the temples and Sunday Tibetan yoga and mantra practice.
What is the meal schedule ?
Monday through Saturday begins with breakfast at 6:20 am. Lunch is at Noon. Dinner is served at 6:30 pm in winter, 7:30 pm in summer. Residents are welcome to cook their own meals on Sunday or use left-overs. We have a huge kitchen, a well -stocked pantry and always lots of home grown fruits and vegetables.
Are all meals vegetarian? Yes.
What if I’m not vegetarian?
You must be able and willing to follow a vegetarian diet while on-site at Odiyan. Most people find they adjust well to our diet, even if they have not been vegetarian in the past.
I have food allergies and/or special dietary needs. Will I be able to eat the meals there?
We encourage cooks to account for and communicate about ingredients relevant to food allergies or preferences. Due to the communal nature of our meals, we cannot practically accommodate all food allergies or dietary preferences at every meal.
What is the housing situation?
Volunteers live in comfortable rooms in the structure surrounding the Main Temple. Each room accommodates two people, has a sink, a closet, shelves and other simple furnishings. All rooms have large windows and open onto a large shared outdoor porch with views of the Temples, ocean and a big sky
Can I bring my car to Odiyan? Yes. While it is not necessary to bring a car, there is parking available. You must have insurance and enough savings to take care of your vehicle and any related costs.
I don’t have a car. How can I get to Odiyan?
Many volunteers fly to one of our closest airports (Santa Rosa, Oakland or San Francisco). You can take public transportation to our closest bus stop. From there we can pick you up by car. Travel details are arranged upon acceptance to the program.
What about internet access and cell phones?
We have a desktop station available for checking email or other online personal tasks. You are welcome to bring your laptop and other devices. WI-FI is available in most residential rooms and in several common areas. Mobile phones are welcome, but due to the rural location cell service is spotty in some areas of the property. Verizon works best. There are several landline phones available for use in common areas and work spaces throughout Odiyan.
