Volunteer Opportunities

Nalanda Monastery, Lavaur

We are a unique monastery for Western monks in the Gelukpa tradition, located in the South of France in the beautiful Tarn department, about 45 km from Toulouse. Nalanda is a residential home for about 28 monks, 10 male students and some workers. Living with us offers a rare opportunity of living a different way of life, focusing on cultivation of the mind, practicing compassion and wisdom. We emphasize personal evolvement and practice, as well as high philosophical studies (we have few long term study programs running at the same time).  We are always in need of volunteers. You don’t have to be Buddhist to visit, but should have an interest in learning and living in Buddhist community, and abiding by the certain guidelines to keep the community happy. Please read more, including how to apply.

Cooks and Builders Needed

Kalachakra Center, Paris

We are seeking friendly and committed cooks or builders with skills and practical experience to work at our retreat facility close to Paris, where we host a range of group and individual retreats all year. Ideally you would be able to come for a period of 1 to 6 months. Food, lodging and allowance will be offered as well as help for your travel expenses. If interested, please contact the center.

Volunteer and Student-Resident Positions Available

Institut Vajra Yogini, Lavaur

Institut Vajra Yogini is a busy Buddhist teachings and retreat center set in the beautiful rolling hills of South-West France, 45 minutes from the city of Toulouse, ten minutes away from sister center Nalanda Monastery. Located in an old and impressive château on top of a hill and in the middle of a beautiful park, the Center offers a friendly and calm environment for people willing to offer service and to deepen their connection with the Dharma. The Institut is home to a resident Tibetan geshe, ordained Sangha and a dedicated lay community. We offer all year round a wide range of teachings, retreats, universal education courses and other wellbeing programs.

“Live in volunteers” and student-residents are welcome all year round to help in the kitchen, for housekeeping, reception, grounds work or small building works for periods ranging from a few days to three months. Student-residents can take part in the center’s activities or/and set up their own individual study program through readings and videos, while usually offering five half-days a week to the center as karma yoga. Main service language is French but language is not an obstacle as many of the center’s staff, volunteers and visitors do speak English. English speaking student-residents staying for a few months can be helped to set up their own study program using Discovering Buddhism or Basic Program. Please contact the Institut for more details.

Participez à la diffusion du Dharma!

Éditions Mahayana, offre de merveilleuses occasions d’offrir ses services et de participer, de façon concrète, à la diffusion du Dharma dans les pays de langue française en tant que traducteur, relecteur, coordinateur de projet ou en offrant vos talents de mise en page et de graphisme. Lire les annonces détaillées.

Interpreter Needed

Istituto Lama Tsong Khapa, Pomaia

We are starting our fourth FPMT Masters Program in February 2023, and we are looking for a qualified Tibetan to English interpreter. The Masters Program is an intensive, full time, residential program; it is the FPMT’s most advanced education program, so as our Masters Program interpreter, candidates need to be familiar with the MP subjects and have an excellent knowledge of Buddhist philosophical terminology. We are looking for an interpreter interested in fulfilling this position for the entire six years of the program. Alternatively, we will consider applications for the individual subjects.  Please read our full advertisement for more information, including application details.

Spiritual Program Coordinator Needed

Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center, Kathmandu

We are located in the heart of Kathmandu. We are looking to recruit a dynamic and organised person as the Spiritual Program Coordinator (SPC). If you are interested in this unique position, please read more about it.

Qualified Teachers Needed

Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu

We are looking for qualified, experienced teachers, in English, Science and Math, to help out at the Kopan School and the Nunnery school. A minimum commitment of 3 months is required, and longer commitments are welcome. Please read our information about the positions, which includes how to apply.

Volunteer Opportunities

Chandrakirti Meditation Center, Nelson

We are a friendly community and rural retreat centre, located in a scenic region of New Zealand. We are looking for volunteers to join our friendly community. We invite volunteers to join our study program and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the center. If you have skills you would like to contribute to our Dharma community we would love to hear from you. Visit our website or email us to find out more!

Opportunity to Serve As National Coordinator

We welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals to serve as the FPMT Spanish National Coordinator.  The National Coordinator supports local FPMT affiliates and study groups in their work to offer the FPMT Five Pillars of Service and fulfill the FPMT Mission statement. FPMT regional and national coordinators provide support by working as a local link between affiliates and International Office, as part of FPMT regionalisation strategy.  Please read more, including how to apply.

Positions Available

Oseling Retreat Center, near Granada

Oseling is set high in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains near the historic city of Granada in the south of Spain. In the boundaries of a national/natural park, the rustic environment offers an ideal place to meditate and a peaceful place to work. We are looking to fill two full time positions: a retreat caretaker, and an assistant center manager.  We also have openings for a short term vegetarian cook. Please read our advertisement for more information about each position, and how to apply.

Volunteer Opportunities

Yeshin Norbu, Stockholm

Yeshin Norbu is an urban meditation centre  and the first FPMT centre in Sweden! We are a non-profit organization run by hard-working volunteers and core staff. Without people kindly offering their time, skills and service, we would not be able to exist. Volunteering at Yeshin Norbu is a great way of deepening your practice, offering service to others and being a part of a community that wants to contribute to a more peaceful world. We’re always looking for an extra pair of hands to help out with a wide array of tasks. In return, we offer accommodation; a stipend to cover basic food and transportation costs around beautiful Stockholm; all courses, events, pujas at the centre free of charge; and a precious chance to live and work with likeminded people, build community and deepen your knowledge and experiences of Tibetan Buddhist practices. For more info visit our website or email the director.

Spiritual Program Coordinator, and Cafe Manager Needed

Jamyang Buddhist Centre Leeds

We are based at Clyde Works in Holbeck.  As well as our Buddhist temple, our center reaches out to our community and includes a café, shop, library and offices as well as well-being spaces available for hire to charities and local groups. 

We are looking for an SPC to design and manage the spiritual program at our new centre, which is  in an office/warehouse space south of the city centre.  This is a remunerated position, paying at the UK national living wage (£8.91 p/h) for 28 hours a week.  We are expanding all operations and a new SPC is needed to work with the Director, Wellbeing Coordinator, and other team members to create a new and inspiring program for the new venue.  Find out more.

We are also seeking to recruit an enthusiastic and reliable person as our new Cafe Manager to help us continue to make a difference. You will work with the Director and other members of the Management Team to create a safe, warm and welcoming environment for all our visitors.  This is also a paid position.  Find out more.

Director and Spiritual Program Coordinator Needed; Volunteer Opportunities

Land of Joy, Northumberland

We are a small retreat centre in rural Northumberland in the north of England, offering a programme of group retreats, facilities and support for solitary retreat and a developing community programme. This coming year will see changes in the on-site team, as travel is allowed again.

The Board of Trustees is seeking a new Centre Director to continue developing Land of Joy as a warm and welcoming retreat centre, where people from all walks of life can develop their natural potential to live responsibly with compassion and wisdom. We are looking for a flexible and resourceful Director to lead a harmonious team, confident of working effectively with the Land of Joy stakeholders.  If you are interested in applying for this position please read our further details. We look forward to welcoming you at Land of Joy!

We also have an opportunity to serve as Spiritual Program Coordinator (SPC).

Additionally, we will need a new housekeeper and general manager. So, a time of opportunity  to take on the challenges, and the joys, of living and working as part of this very special community. No financial rewards but the benefits package is inestimable – a fantastic place to live, practice and offer service – and skies of merit!  More information and the application form for these service opportunities can be found on our website.

Director Opportunity

Shantideva Center, New York

We are a small but growing non-residential teaching center located in Brooklyn, New York. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for study and practice of the Buddhist path, enabling Dharma students to develop their natural compassion and wisdom. We are looking for an experienced, dynamic, hands-on director, who can motivate, support and lead staff and volunteers at Shantideva Center. The director will ensure that the center provides the best possible service to all sentient beings and fulfils the vision of Lama Zopa Rinpoche. If you are interested in this position, please read our full advertisement.