Ati Ling is a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center nestled in the redwood forests of northern California, about two hours north of San Francisco. Rooted in the Nyingma tradition, it offers a peaceful environment for spiritual practice and personal growth. Through its work exchange program, volunteers support the center’s daily life while engaging in meditation and land stewardship.
About the work exchange program
Ati Ling’s “Meditation, Forestry and Fire” work‑study personal retreat invites sincere Dharma practitioners to live on site full‑time — approximately 25 hours of service per week in exchange for room and board . Nestled within the 485‑acre Padmasambhava Peace Institute in the coastal redwood hills of Northern California, the program integrates meditation practice with land stewardship, particularly forest restoration.
Requirements
- A minimum commitment of three weeks; longer stays can be considered afterward .
- The applicant must be a regular Dharma practitioner with some experience in personal or group retreat practice .
- Physical fitness is needed (e.g. lifting around 20 lbs) plus stable mental health .
- Punctuality, a good work attitude, and respect for tasks and community life are expected .
- Individuals must abstain from smoking or drugs, and minimise alcohol use.
- Respect for all guests, regardless of background, and the ability to live simply in a remote setting are required .
- A fondness for dogs —Ati Ling’s Labrador may be present in the staff house .
Your responsibilities
- Service commitments include food preparation (bread, kombucha, yoghurt), general housekeeping, cleaning butter‑lamps, and shrine‑room upkeep .
- Outdoor duties may include forest clearing, gardening, restoration, tool work, and—optionally—participating in supervised prescribed burn days using drip‑torches and other equipment.
The weekly schedule typically runs 9 am–1 pm plus an additional hour in the afternoon, with days off usually on Sunday and Monday; burn‑day schedules may vary but will never exceed 25 hours total.
What’s in it for you?
- A private room (twin or double bed, desk, chair, storage) with linens and towels provided, shared bathroom and common spaces.
- Three vegetarian meals per day — lunch is prepared by residents, while breakfast and dinner are self‑serve.
- Access to a large, dedicated shrine‑room and a Dharma library (with material from multiple schools), open 24/7 .
- Invitation to twice‑daily puja with the resident sangha.
- High‑speed Wi‑Fi, structured daily routine, and opportunities to socialise with international residents, plus occasional outings to nearby scenic locations.
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Map
Accommodation offer
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Flight offer
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Contact
Address: 23125 Fort Ross Road,
Cazadero CA 95421, U.S.A.
Phone: (707) 632 5629
Contact host directly: https://atiling.org
