Tara Mandala is a Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Center founded by Lama Tsültrim Allione and located in southwestern Colorado.
The Volunteer Program allows those interested in Vajrayana Buddhism the opportunity to work, practice, and study in a supportive community. Volunteers are asked for a minimum 6-week commitment. All volunteers work 35 hours per week with regular days off. Jobs include working in the garden, kitchen, bookstore, temple, housekeeping, land crew, shuttles and town errands, and the herbal tincture business. Work is dynamic, demanding, and variable throughout the course of the day. For this reason, we seek volunteers who are independent, flexible, work well as a team, and are emotionally and mentally resilient. Volunteers participate in all community events, including weekly community councils, mandatory morning practice, and special events. Work schedule permitting, volunteers are invited to attend most evening teachings. There are evening practices outside of the retreat schedule, including yoga, group discussions and Q & A, simple sitting practice, and Chöd. All meals are provided, and volunteers camp on the land with their own equipment. In exchange for two months (60 days) of participation in the program, volunteers are offered one week of group retreat.
We strive to create a work and community environment that reflects the Buddha’s teachings, with a special emphasis on the sacred feminine and the teachings of Machig Lapdrön. We see our work as an essential aspect of our spiritual practice, and seek volunteers who have a sincere interest in and commitment to bringing the practice of mindfulness to bear on all aspects of daily life. All volunteers are expected to practice timeliness, non-violent communication, fully participate in job tasks, community involvement and a sincere willingness to support the mission of Tara Mandala. We practice the Six Paramitas to cultivate a compassionate, loving, and enlightened living and working community. Tara Mandala supports the development of these qualities within the community to serve the highest welfare of all living beings with skillful wisdom and compassion. Meditation instruction, support and guidance are offered by Lama Tsultrim Allione, spiritual director of Tara Mandala.
To apply or to request more information, please contact Anna at [email protected] or 970-731-3711 ext 113. The application can also be downloaded from our website http://www.taramandala.org/Work.htm
