FAQ
What are the 2025 dates of Work-Study Resident Volunteer Program?
The Odiyan Work Study program is ongoing throughout the year. We give preference to applicants who can stay for the full program, arriving in January, February or March and staying to November. The minimum commitment is 6 months from the date of arrival.
What is the first step for applying to the Work-Study program? To get started, fill out our Volunteer Inquiry form, Contact Us along with your resume and photo. If it seems you could be a good match for our program, we will send you further details and the application.
What is the weekly schedule like?
Work, classes, study and practice are scheduled Monday through Saturday lunch.
Monday to Friday we work on the various sacred art, fabrication and building projects. Saturday mornings are scheduled with two classes, and time for everyone to contribute to community clean-up and routine chores.
Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free time. We encourage residents to use this time for study and practice, relaxing, exploring the land, working on a side project of special interest, or finding your own enjoyment in the animals, hiking, or cooking in our large well furbished kitchen. On Sunday there are also optional yoga and mantra practice sessions open to everyone.
Other Buddhist practices are woven into daily life such as morning practice before breakfast Monday to Saturday, meal prayers, and monthly early evening practices in the Temples.
What is the meal schedule ?
Monday through Saturday – Breakfast 6:20 am. Lunch at Noon. Dinner at 6:30 pm. 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.
Can I bring my animal companion? We are sorry that we cannot accept animal companions at Odiyan.
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 French doors that open onto a large shared outdoor porch with views of the Temples, ocean and 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 the 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.
