Live, work, and learn at Odiyan, a Tibetan Buddhist community in California

The Odiyan Retreat Center in Northern California offers a work-study program that combines community living, hands-on projects, and Buddhist practice. Volunteers support the center through gardening, cooking, construction, and sacred arts while exploring mindfulness in daily work. With room and board provided, this six- to eight-month program is a chance to grow personally, learn practical skills, and live simply in a supportive environment.

About the free volunteer program

Words from your host:

” Odiyan is a one-of-a-kind Buddhist volunteer community nestled on a 1,000-acre ridge in Northern California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1975, Odiyan is a living mandala—a sacred space designed, built, and cared for entirely by resident volunteers. The type of work available to residents is always changing, but always includes some form of sacred art restoration and construction, gardening, cooking, caring for animals (horses, mini horses, yaks, birds), and general construction. Work is full-time, 40 hours per week plus 2 hours of chores on the weekend.

Requirements

• Minimum age 21; couples are welcome (shared room), no children or pets.
• Minimum commitment: six months.

What’s in it for You?

We provide free housing, meals, and utilities which includes:

• spacious two-person rooms with balconies and views of the ocean or temple grounds,
• home-cooked vegetarian meals served three times a day,
• $200 monthly stipend ($300 after one year),
• wi-fi,
• access to Buddhist classes taught by long-term residents, Buddhist text libraries, and temple ceremonies,
• a supportive community and a thousand acres to explore!”

Video

Map

Accommodation offer

You might need to book a cheap accommodation on your way to California, the USA. If you book your stay through our website, you support hopperjobs.com to list more great and free job opportunities worldwide. Click here for booking!

Flight offer

You’ll probaly need to book a cheap flight to California, the USA. If you book your flight through our website, you support hopperjobs.com to list more great and free job opportunities worldwide. Click here for booking!

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