A Day in the Life of a Living Dharma Apprentice Practitioner

Wake to stillness experienced only in nature. Witness the sun rising above the hills, warming the earth. Engage in walking meditation on your way to morning meditation practice. Before the settled calm of Shamatha practice, begin your day generating Bodhicitta and taking refuge in the three jewels: Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha. After sitting, enjoy quiet contemplation as you pass by deer and rabbits and wild horses on your way to the community building for breakfast in noble silence with your new friends.

After breakfast, engage in being of service to the land, the community and the wider sangha during the morning work-practice period. This might include assisting in the Tara Temple, creating nourishing organic, vegetarian meals with the kitchen crew, uplifting community spaces indoors and out with housekeeping or the land and facilities team. Experience meditation in action as we share in the joyful energy of taking our practice off the cushion and into the world. Break for lunch and enjoy the camaraderie and richness of living life in a practice community with others.

Following lunch, we continue our work-practice until taking a break to study or rest or taking a walk. Every day at 5 pm we come together as a community for practice in the Tara Temple, and on Wednesdays we all gather for the offering and purification of Tsog practice.

On your off days, the options are limitless and open for you to do as you choose. Hike the land, spend time in our extensive Buddhist library, engage in a self-paced online course offered free of charge, participate in regularly offered council circles and Dharma talks, meet one-on-one with a teacher, or get support and guidance from your program coordinator. Even better, connect with other Living Dharma apprentices and head into town to enjoy the local hot springs!

Much more than just your ordinary work-study program, our Living Dharma Apprentice Program participants are able to authentically experience a Dharmic lifestyle and pursue personal growth in a vibrant and inclusive living community. With a supportive and encouraging group of practitioners to engage with everyday, you quickly begin to develop more flexibility, responsiveness, adaptability to new situations, and communication skills. You intuitively begin to understand how to apply the teachings to your everyday life, and in the process, form lasting, meaningful relationships.

The Living Dharma Apprentice Program is open to all levels of practitioners who have a sincere interest in studying the Buddhadharma. Don’t wait to apply, as there are very limited spaces available. If you have any questions, please contact Tricia Cominsky, the Living Dharma Apprentice Program Manager.