Experienced Based Non-Salaried Internship

Welcome to Tara Mandala!

Tara Mandala is a vibrant global Buddhist community and retreat center offering a complete path of practice, study, and deep retreat in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Nestled in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains of Southwest Colorado, Tara Mandala Retreat Center rests on 700 acres of pristine wilderness. Anchored by the magnificent three-story Tara Temple, the center provides a space for meditation, teachings, and spiritual exploration.

Tara Mandala is committed to fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all people to explore the teachings of the Buddha, and we are committed to cultivating a community that values diversity and inclusion.

“Tara Mandala was created to bring people together to support each other, practice, and do retreat in order to reach realization. The second purpose of Tara Mandala is to be a temenos for the emergence of the sacred feminine, through the lens of Vajrayana, leading to the balance of genuine partnership between the masculine and feminine in our world.” – Lama Tsultrim Allione

Tara Mandala seeks candidates who are familiar with and live by Buddhist principles.  We strive to have an open heart, cultivate compassion and empathy for others whether co-workers, visitors or retreatants. We are here to serve the Dharma first and foremost.

Experienced based non-salaried Internship

An experienced based, non-salaried internship at Tara Mandala in Colorado provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant environment rooted in wisdom, compassion and the benefit of others. Interns can choose from a variety of service-oriented roles, including organic vegetarian cooking, training as a “Dakini Store” retail associate, or assisting with high-altitude gardening featuring native, drought-resistant plants. These internships offer a valuable chance to deepen your understanding of nonprofit work and heartfelt service. Through hands-on, practical experience, you will nurture personal/professional growth and spiritual development. These Internships are designed to enhance your skills and knowledge while guiding you toward a deeper, more meaningful connection with the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

GARDENING & GROWING

High Altitude, Native Plant-Based Gardening Internship at Tara Mandala,Colorado

Areas of Responsibility:

• Plant and maintain native gardens suited for the high-altitude, drought-prone environment.
• Learn about and implement practices to improve soil fertility and structure in harsh high-altitude conditions.
• Monitor and adjust irrigation systems to ensure efficient water use, particularly for drought-resistant plants.
• Regularly weed and prune gardens to maintain healthy plant growth and aesthetics.
• Identify invasive species and manage their removal to protect native plant populations.
• Keep detailed records on plant health, growth progress, and any pest or disease issues.
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including hot summer sun, and at an elevation of 7,800 ft.
• Collaborate with fellow interns, staff, and garden coordinators to ensure that garden goals align with the retreat center’s ecological and aesthetic vision.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas on sustainable gardening practices.

What we are looking for:

• Basic understanding of gardening practices (e.g., planting, watering, pruning).
• Experience with or a strong interest in native plants, particularly those suited for high-altitude and dry climates.
• Ability to work in high-altitude conditions (7,800ft) 
• Physical stamina for tasks such as lifting, digging, bending, and walking long distances.
• Capability to work in hot, sunny conditions for extended periods during summer.
• Capacity to take initiative, solve problems independently, and handle challenges in a garden setting.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively,  especially when working independently.
• A collaborative mindset, contributing to community projects and group decision-making.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and approaches for growing plants in high-altitude climates.
• Emotional stability and maturity in moments of stress or conflict

What we Offer:

• Hands-on training in high-altitude gardening with a focus on native, drought-resistant plants.
• Opportunity to work with experienced gardeners 
• Live and work in a spiritually enriching environment surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
• Full access to the Retreat Center’s facilities, including meditation spaces, morning and afternoon group practice, free online Tara Mandala Teachings and onsite summer Retreats (number of Retreats TBD).
• Meals: organic vegetarian meals provided
• On-site Housing: Glamping tents and yurts are provided for the duration of the internship.
• Gain physical endurance by working in the outdoors and learning how to manage strenuous tasks at high altitudes.
• Engage in activities that strengthen stamina and overall well-being.
• Be part of a collaborative team of like-minded individuals who share a passion for environmental stewardship and native plant gardening.
• Build lasting relationships with Retreat Center Staff, Volunteers and and other Interns.
• Access to valuable networking opportunities in sustainable agriculture, gardening, and land stewardship.
• Monthly Hot Springs passes provided to the world’s deepest hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Co.
• References and recommendations upon successful completion of the internship.

Areas of Responsibility:

• Product merchandising 
• Product photography
• Backend work for online store in Shopify
• Check-out process in Shopify for point of sale 
• Fulfilling online orders in Shopify
• Process shipping labels in Shopify and other methods of shipment
• Familiarity with Buddhist ritual items, texts, books, etc
• Email correspondence with customers
• Ordering process
• Invoicing process
• Receiving process
• Counting cash drawer
• Processing refunds in Shopify
• Tracking/updating inventory

RETAIL INTERNSHIP at the DAKINI STORE

Brick and mortar/online retail experience at Tara Mandala, Colorado

What we are looking for:

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Assisting customers with a warm and welcoming demeanor
• Maintaining tidiness of store
• Merchandising products in a beautiful and magnetizing way 
• Supporting the Store Manager as directed
• Communicating any customer or store needs to the Manager
• Emotional stability and maturity in moments of stress or conflict
• Physically able to live in a rugged, high altitude (7,500ft), mountainous environment

What we offer:

• Opportunity to learn about all aspects of brick and mortar and online retail
• Hands-on training in Vajrayana Buddhist ritual objects, texts, books and thangkas
• Build lasting relationships with retreat center staff, volunteers and and other Interns
• Meet many wonderful Buddhist practitioner from around the world
• Have full access to the Retreat Center’s facilities, including meditation spaces, a vast library, morning meditation practice outdoors on “Prayer Flag Ridge” and afternoon group practice in the Temple, free online Tara Mandala Teachings and onsite summer Retreats (number of Retreats TBD).
• Meals: organic vegetarian meals provided
• On-site Housing: Glamping tents and yurts are provided for the duration of the internship.
• Monthly hot springs passes provided to the world’s deepest hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Co. and addition vibrant outdoor community activities
• References and recommendations upon successful completion of the internship

VEGETARIAN CULINARY TRAINING INTERNSHIP

Areas of Responsibility:

• Assist in the preparation of vegetarian meals for 50 – 100+ retreatants
• Accommodate dietary needs such as vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options
• Adherence to Standards: Ensure compliance with health codes, sanitation practices, and Tara Mandala policies.
• Foster a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, collaborating with the community to enhance dining experiences. Work with staff to improve whenever possible.
• Attends weekly meetings with Kitchen Manager and kitchen staff during retreat season.
• Working with Head Chef to ensure food is ordered and stocked
• Work with Head Chef to create additional menus throughout the Retreat Season
• Rely on supportive strategies during stressful moments
• Cook and serve breakfasts a few times a week with other kitchen support Staff and volunteers
• Learn to guide “Karma Yogis” (retreatants) to serve after meals with food leftover storage, dishes and general kitchen cleaning.

What we are looking for:

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Ability to take direction and an openness to learning
• Some experience in a kitchen, basic knife skills and food prep
• Passion for nourishing others with organic, healthy vegetarian cooking
• Attention to detail regarding beautiful food presentation
• Emotional stability and maturity in moments of stress or conflict
• Presenting a good attitude regarding kitchen upkeep, including cleaning
• Physical stamina

What we offer:

• Opportunity to learn about all aspects of a commercial kitchen: cooking, food presentation, purchasing, menu planning and budgeting
• Hone cooking skills and techniques for large groups
• Build lasting relationships with retreat center staff, volunteers and and other Interns
• Meet many wonderful Buddhist practitioner from around the world
• Have full access to the Retreat Center’s facilities, including meditation spaces, a vast library, morning meditation practice outdoors on “Prayer Flag Ridge” and afternoon group practice in the Temple, free online Tara Mandala Teachings and onsite summer Retreats (number of Retreats TBD).
• Meals: organic vegetarian meals provided
• On-siteHousing: Glamping tents and yurts are provided for the duration of the internship.
• Monthly hot springs passes provided to the world’s deepest hot springs in Pagosa Springs, Co. and addition vibrant outdoor community activities
• References and recommendations upon successful completion of the internship

 An example of Interns schedule 

(Service 5 hours per day, five days per week, specific work times may vary due to selected intern position)

7:00AM Prajnaparamita practice on Prayer Flag Ridge
8:00AM Breakfast
9:00AM All Staff Meeting
10:00AM – 12:00PM Service Period
1:00PM Lunch
2:00PM – 4:00PM Service Period
5:00PM Evening Practice in the Temple
6:00PM Dinner
Free Time

Tara Mandala is an equal opportunity employer and seeks diversity with respect to race, religion, ethnicity, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, and physical abilities.