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Unique opportunity to live, work and learn at a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist retreat center.
Ratna Ling's all-volunteer community is dedicated to preserving Tibetan Buddhist culture and expanding human potential. Our programs include secular and traditional Buddhist studies such as meditation, work as practice, Tibetan yoga and traditional Dharma teachings. The wide variety of onsite projects have both local and global reach.
Located on a ridge in the beautiful coastal mountains in northern California, Ratna Ling is surrounded by natural beauty. Though we are only about 3 hours north of the Bay Area, this is a very rural location with no shopping for miles. Hiking trails, redwood forests, wildlife and starry skies abound. Salt Point State Park and the Pacific Ocean are less than 15 minutes away.
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About Ratna Ling Work Study Volunteer Program
This residential volunteer opportunity combines meaningful work with opportunities for self-growth. No religious affiliation is required to volunteer, although we are seeking those with a sincere interest in self-reflection, respect for Buddhist teachings, and a strong work ethic. It is not a work exchange program, but a full-time, 6 days a week volunteer work-study experience.
We require an initial commitment of 6 months, beginning with a one month trial period. For those who find our community and lifestyle a good fit, longer-term volunteer opportunities are possible.
Our work-study volunteers are full-time residents who work for one of three sister organizations located onsite:
- Ratna Ling Retreat Center
- Dharma Publishing
- Tibetan Book making - Text Preservation Project
All of our organizations are non-profits. Funds raised from our retreat center support our sister organizations whose projects and activities work to preserve the Tibetan Buddhist culture, including the Yeshe De Tibetan Text Preservation Project, which replicates rare Buddhist texts and distributes them to monasteries around the world.
At Ratna Ling we welcome and treat with respect all people regardless of religion, race, skin color, gender identification, economic background or class. We welcome you as guests, retreatants, volunteers or visitors and provide a place for acceptance, personal growth and self discovery with offerings from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition as brought by our founder, the Venerable Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, one of the first traditionally trained Tibetan Buddhist teachers to arrive in America.
The Employee Experience
Our volunteers have come from all over the world! Most volunteers stay 6 months to a year, but many stay longer and some become long-term community members.
Ratna Ling's full-time volunteer weekly schedule is rigorous with 6 days per week dedicated to working as a means for self-development and to benefit beyond ones self. Classes in a variety of subjects (Buddhist Studies, Kum Nye, a body/mind practice, meditation, Skillful Means-how work can be a path to inner knowledge- and more) are offered both on site and online by our sister organizations, but it is up to the individual volunteer to investigate what is available, register, attend, and do any additional class preparation. Schedules and selection of subjects vary.
Volunteers are also able to participate in Buddhist celebrations, ceremonies, and practices if they wish. Work-study participants learn valuable job and life skills with opportunities for personal growth, expanding beyond previously held limitations and tapping into inner potential. Being a part of our work-study program is an immersive and often life-changing experience.
Ideal Candidate
All candidates for Ratna Ling's work-study program should be reliable, hardworking, steady, open-minded, and interested in living in a community. Though it is not necessary to be Buddhist to participate, work-study participants should have an interest in self-development, introspection, and respect for Buddhist values.
Our requirement for all residents and visitors to be fully vaccinated before arrival demonstrates caring for fellow volunteers and ourselves.
We ask that applicants demonstrate:
- Sincere interest in living in a community that values cultivating compassion and awareness
- A volunteer spirit and a heartfelt dedication to service as a practice
- Physical, mental, and emotional health
- Flexibility and willingness
- A cooperative, respectful attitude towards community life.
International Applicants
We welcome volunteers from around the world; however please be aware that if you do not hold a USA passport or green card we cannot by law assist you in obtaining a visa for entry, visiting or residing in the United States. We cannot issue any letters of invitation or confirmation for volunteering at our work-study program.
Room and Board
As a volunteer in our work-study program, you will receive:
- Free housing - you may have a roommate(s), but no fees!
- Free vegetarian meals
- Free laundry, Wi-Fi and domestic phone calls
- A modest monthly living allowance
- Free classes in a variety of courses-such as meditation, mindful movement, self development, and Buddhist studies-subjects and schedules vary
Employee Perks
- Clean, fresh air, open spaces, natural beauty, close to hiking trails and the Pacific Ocean
- Opportunity to engage in an environment where meaningful work and self-development are valued
- Support of a community that aspires to caring, respect, and compassion for self and others
Getting Here and Getting Around
Some volunteers drive, which is welcome, but not necessary. The nearest large city is an hour and a half away, so even with transportation volunteers don't choose to leave often.
There is bus transportation available from most major nearby airports to our pick-up point, Fort Ross. Accepted applicants will receive further direction as to transportation recommendations.
For Fun
Enjoy hikes around the property or on the trails of neighboring Salt Point State Park. The ocean is about a 15-20 minute drive from Ratna Ling. There is also a trail that leads to the ocean which volunteers can walk to or coordinate carpooling to the trailhead. Cycling is also popular on the road past our property, but roads are small, winding and can be steep!
WiFi is available in the lodge, Ethernet and WiFi in living quarters. Cell phone service varies - currently Verizon is the only service provider that works (usually) at our location. Ratna Ling has extensive libraries, primarily of Tibetan Buddhist teachings by our own founder, but work-study participants bring and exchange books as well.
We have a shared building near our work-study housing with a music studio and a media center, with a limited DVD library. Our volunteers often get together there on their day off for movie and popcorn nights, jam sessions, and celebrations.
Ratna Ling is home to a beautiful meditation temple exclusively for our residents and a yoga room that is available in between group visits.
How to Apply
Visit our website, to apply, or to find out more about volunteering at Ratna Ling. Go to Contact Us to ask us questions, request an emailed application, share your aspirations, or submit your resume and photo. Email your application, photo, and resume to volunteer@ratnaling.org.
Please note: We require all volunteers and visitors to be fully vaccinated against COVID before arrival.
We receive many inquiries and will work to get back to you as quickly as possible. Thank you!