A Buddhist Residential Study-Volunteer Program at Tara Mandala is a (1 week – 3 month) residential stay for sangha members and committed practitioners who offer several hours of daily service while living on the land and practicing in community in the San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado.
At the heart of this program is the opportunity to live the Dharma in action—blending meditation, ritual, teachings with our resident Khenmo (Ph.D. in Buddhist Philosophy), and service within a vibrant spiritual community. Participants will also receive Vajrayana ritual arts
instruction, support temple practices and ceremonies, and attend retreats as appropriate.
In addition to time spent practicing, learning and serving in various areas of need, Residential Study-Volunteers enjoy trails to hike and the power of the land, swim in the river and soak in nearby hot springs, and interact with a community of friendly, experienced practitioners. It is an opportunity to weave meditation, service, and community into a single rhythm of practice.
Tara Mandala is committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all people to explore the teachings of the Buddha, and to cultivating a community that values diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect.
“Tara Mandala was created to bring people together to support each other, practice, and do retreat in order to reach realization.” – Lama Tsultrim Allione
Service Activities
During your stay, you offer practical support that helps retreats run smoothly and allows teachers and participants to focus on practice. Service is grounded in everyday tasks that keep a residential Buddhist retreat center running in a rural, high-altitude environment, from preparing meals and caring for shared spaces to tending the land and helping with retreat logistics and the Dakini Store.
Service activities may include:
- Kitchen Support: Assisting the kitchen crew with meal prep and serving, washing dishes, and cleaning work areas.
- Landscaping Support: Helping keep the grounds, paths, gardens, and flowers looking beautiful and cared for.
- Housekeeping: Cleaning common spaces, dining hall, guest rooms and yurts, temple, and other practice areas.
- Retreat Logistics: Assisting with the setup and movement of practice spaces and materials for retreat programs.
- Dakini Store: Learning about brick-and-mortar and online retail, including Vajrayana Buddhist ritual objects, texts, books, and thangkas.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for Buddhist practitioners whose motivation, communication, and way of being are aligned with Tara Mandala’s values. The qualities below help create a stable, kind, and reliable environment for retreat participants and the resident community.
Heart and communication
- A natural heartfelt motivation to be of benefit
- Kindness and warmth with staff and guests
- Good communication skills
- A team-oriented, mature, level-headed, flexible, and compassionate attitude
- Flexibility to help where needed
Practice and responsibility
- Self-motivation, responsibility, and the ability to work independently
- Capacity to respond quickly and skillfully to problems during a program and coordinate with team members
- A committed meditation practice and dedicated Buddhist practice
- A strong connection to the lineages at Tara Mandala (preferred)
- Willingness to uphold Buddhist values, conduct, and the Tara Mandala Code of Conduct
What We Offer
Land, practice, and learning
- Time on the sacred land of Tara Mandala in the San Juan Mountains
- Full access to the Retreat Center’s facilities, including meditation spaces and morning and afternoon group practice
- Access to online self-paced courses while at the Center volunteering
- Access to onsite retreats appropriate to your level of study (number of retreats to be determined)
- Opportunities to engage in community practices, weekly Dharma talks, and monthly council meetings (when offered)
- Teachings with our resident Khenmo (Ph.D. in Buddhist Philosophy)
- Ritual Arts Studies
Living conditions and care
- Organic vegetarian meals provided daily (during the Retreat season).
- On-site housing in upgraded private glamping tents for the duration of your volunteering
- Morning meditation at Prayer Flag Ridge and afternoon practice in the Temple, as your service schedule allows
- Time for rest, reflection, and simple enjoyment of the land, trails, and nearby hot springs
An Example of the Volunteer Schedule
The days follow a steady rhythm that balances meditation, work, meals, and rest. Service is typically 4–5 hours per day, five days per week; specific work times may vary by season and need.
- 7:00 AM – Morning Practice on Prayer Flag Ridge (for example, shamatha practice)
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Service period
- 1:00 PM – Lunch
- 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Service period
- 5:00 PM – Evening practice in the Temple
- 6:00 PM – Dinner
- Evening – Free time and rest
FAQ: Buddhist Residential Study-Volunteer Program at Tara Mandala
What is a Buddhist Residential Study-Volunteer Program at Tara Mandala?
A Buddhist Residential Study-Volunteer Program at Tara Mandala is a residential stay (1 week – 3 months) for sangha members and committed practitioners who offer 4–5 hours of daily service in areas like kitchen, housekeeping, grounds, retreat logistics, or the Dakini Store while living on the land, joining group practice, and participating in community life near Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Who can apply to the Residential Study-Volunteer Program?
Learning Dharma Practioners/Volunteers are generally practitioners who live by Buddhist principles, have a regular meditation practice, and feel a genuine wish to be of benefit. A strong connection to or curiosity for the lineages at Tara Mandala is preferred, and volunteers agree to uphold the Tara Mandala Code of Conduct.
How long can I stay?
The minimum commitment is one week. Many participants choose to stay longer, and it is often possible to serve for several weeks or much of the summer season, depending on program needs and mutual agreement.
What kind of work will I be doing?
Your service may include kitchen support, housekeeping, landscaping and grounds care, retreat logistics, or helping in the Dakini Store. Specific duties are matched as much as possible to your skills, experience, and the needs of the retreat center during your stay.
How do I apply?
To apply, complete the Residential Study-Volunteer Program Application form and share your practice background, relevant experience, and preferred dates of participation.. The Tara Mandala team reviews applications, follows up with next steps, and coordinates arrival, housing, and scheduling details.