Tibetan Buddhist Centre

About the workproject

We need 4 volunteers

We are currently looking for Starting 17 Feb
2-3 builders/carpenters to aid with the completion of our workshop and studio accommodation plus 1-2 people to help out with housekeeping, cooking, garden and land work.
The estate is a 180-acre ‘island’, which lies within a National Nature Reserve. The ‘island’, once only accessible by boat, can now be reached across the peatland via a one-mile single-track road. The beauty and seclusion of the estate make it a perfect place for the practice and study of the teachings of the Buddha.

We have created a small, but thriving, resident community which manages the day to day running of the centre. When there are vacancies it is possible to join the community as a short-term or long-term volunteer. As a resident volunteer you would be involved in a range of activities, according to your interests and skills. We ask for 6 hours work – 5 days per week in exchange for meals and lodging.

Please note that the centre is extremely isolated. It is a large estate set within a much larger National Nature Reserve. Taxi rides to the nearest village takes about 15 minutes and costs about 15 GBP each way, and we cannot currently provide rides into the village. So, this is best suited to those who don't mind country living.

The 180 – acre estate is managed under a conservation stewardship agreement enabling all our land management to have conservation as its priority. We are committed to a practical policy of sustainability and self-sufficiency. This includes harvesting renewable energy equivalent to our needs (wood and sun), tending an expanding organic vegetable garden and orchard, and ensuring that all our operational practices nurture and sustain the environment.

The centre is an ideal place for anyone who is interested in learning about the teachings of the Buddha and meditation. Being a Buddhist is by no means a prerequisite to stay here--anyone who practices kindness and consideration of others, with an interest in selfless service, is welcome.
Building and construction — we are currently completing the workshop with additional rooms above.
We host a range of Buddhist teachings, seminars and retreats throughout the year with various visiting teachers and our resident Lama.
We have daily meditation practice which is open to all.
Residents and volunteers share our meals together, and teamwork is central to the workday. As we are a small resident community, helpers can expect to spend free time on their own, undertaking their own studies and reflection and enjoying the many walks around the estate and surrounding Nature Reserve.

Shared or single accommodation (depending on availability) with shared bathroom. We have lovely, warm rooms with beautiful views of the estate. Delicious vegetarian meals are prepared by the kitchen team and shared together in our dining hall. Helpers have a small fridge in which they can store personal snacks, though kitchen access for personal food preparation is not available at this time.