Volunteer

Come support the Mandala this summer!

Tara Mandala offers Sangha members, apprentice teachers, and Buddhist practitioners the opportunity to offer their service, experience and support to others who are on retreat in Colorado this summer. 

Volunteers can opt to stay on the land before and/or after their own retreat at Tara Mandala. Other options include coming to volunteer for an amount of time, with a minimum commitment of one week, up to the entirety of the summer. In addition to time spent serving in various areas of need, volunteers will be immersed in the dharma, enjoy trails to hike and the power of the land, swim in the river and soak the nearby hot springs, and interact with a community of friendly, experienced practitioners. Join us for a summer of giving and growing!

“Tara Mandala was created to bring people together to support each other, practice, and do retreat in order to reach realization..” – Lama Tsultrim Allione

We warmly invite those who live by Buddhist principles, are passionate about community, love supporting the Dharma, and are ready to embrace the gifts of mountain wilderness and meditation. 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.

Service activities may include:

• Kitchen Support: Assisting the kitchen crew with meal prep and serving, washing dishes, cleaning work areas.
• Landscaping Support: Helping keep the grounds, paths, and flowers looking beautiful.
• Housekeeping: Helping clean common spaces, dining hall, guest rooms and yurts, temple, etc.
• Retreat Logistics: Assisting with the set up and movement of practice spaces/materials as needed for retreat programs.

 What we are looking for:

• Practitioners with the natural heartfelt movement to be of benefit
• Good communications skills
• Flexibility to help where needed
• Kindness and warmth with staff and guests
• Self-motivated, responsible, and able to work independently
• Ability to respond quickly and skillfully to problems during a program and coordinate with team members
• Team player that is mature, level-headed, flexible, and compassionate
• Committed meditation practice and dedicated Buddhist practice 
• Strong connection to the lineages at Tara Mandala preferred
• Uphold Buddhist values and conduct and Tara Mandala Code of Conduct

What we Offer:

• Time on the sacred land of Tara Mandala
• Full access to the Retreat Center’s facilities, including meditation spaces, morning and afternoon group practice
• Access to online self-paced courses (while at the Center volunteering),
• Access to onsite retreats appropriate to your level of study (number of Retreats TBD).
• Organic vegetarian meals provided
• On-site Housing: upgraded glamping tents and yurts are provided for the duration of your volunteering.
• Opportunity to engage in community practices and special events
• Weekly Dharma talks and monthly council meetings
• Morning meditation at Prayer Flag Ridge and afternoon practice in the Temple

An example of the Volunteer schedule 

(Service 4- 5 hours per day, five days per week, specific work times may vary)

7:00AM PJP on Prayer Flag Ridge Shamatha Practice
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