Volunteer Experience - Odiyan Retreat Center

THE ODIYAN EXPERIENCE

Be a Resident Work-Study Volunteer.

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.

Join our unique Buddhist sacred art projects, or our organic vegetable gardens. The Work-Study program includes Buddhist classes and practices, mantra, Tibetan yoga and more.

We are now taking applications for January 2025 and beyond.

If you are interested in learning more or applying, Contact Us to tell us about you!

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

Work-Study

A coordinated program of work on our many projects, along with Buddhist studies and practice.

Program length: We prefer a commitment of 8 months. The minimum commitment of 6 months. Entry dates are anytime in January, February or March 2025.

Who should apply?

We are seeking people who:

Have a sincere interest in learning about and engaging the fundamental practices of Buddhism.
Eager to explore work and daily life as a path to inner freedom.
Can work independently, are self-motivated and enjoy a full schedule of work and learning.
Good at working with your hands, have some experience with physical work and working with tools.

VOLUNTEER FAQs