Volunteer Opportunity in Canada at a Dharma Centre

• Exchange hours per day
  6
• Accomodation Provided
  Yes
• Meals Included
  Yes
• Amenities
  Wifi, Garden, Kitchen
• Types of Help & Learning Opportunities
  Gardening & Planting, General Maintenance, Spiritual Growth

About The Dharma Centre of Canada:

The Dharma Centre of Canada, established in 1966 by Namgyal Rinpoche, is one of the oldest meditation centers in North America, located on a sprawling 400-acre property near Kinmount, Ontario. The center serves as a peaceful retreat environment conducive to study and meditation, offering individual and group retreats of varying lengths, from weekends to months. Over the years, it has become a significant hub for spiritual learning and community engagement, welcoming individuals from various backgrounds to explore and practice Dharma—a universal truth aimed at liberation from suffering.

Initially founded in Toronto and incorporated as a nonprofit organization, the Dharma Centre was created to promote the instruction and practice of meditation alongside philosophical study and charitable works. The site near Kinmount serves as a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual growth and understanding, hosting diverse educators, including meditation masters, artists, scientists, and healers. This rich educational environment fosters a sense of community, as participants often engage in shared practice while contributing to the upkeep and development of the retreat facilities.

As the center has evolved, it has remained dedicated to nurturing a compassionate community focused on personal transformation and the welfare of all beings. The Dharma Centre has also played a crucial role in bridging cultural and spiritual exchanges, notably by inviting Tibetan spiritual leaders to visit and establishing several sacred monuments on its grounds. Through its long history and commitment to spiritual principles, the Dharma Centre continues to support countless individuals on their paths of awakening, contributing to a global network of Dharma practitioners and fostering a deep sense of connection and purpose within its community.

About Volunteer Opportunity in Canada at a Dharma Centre:

The Dharma Centre of Canada offers several engaging volunteer opportunities for individuals seeking to deepen their meditation practice while contributing to the maintenance of the center. The main roles include becoming a Server-Meditator, which involves working alongside the staff during retreats, and participating in the Day Guest Volunteering Programme for short-term projects. Volunteers can expect to immerse themselves in various tasks that support the center’s operations, ranging from landscaping and gardening to trail clearing and small maintenance tasks. This experience not only fosters a strong sense of community but also promotes personal growth, generosity, and a deeper understanding of the Dharma.

Volunteer Opportunities Duties and Benefits

**Duties and Responsibilities:**

– **Server-Meditator Role:**
– Work 4-6 hours daily depending on the week.
– Engage in tasks supporting the Property or Kitchen staff during retreats.
– Attend courses/retreats without paying a registration fee.

– **Day Guest Volunteering Programme:**
– Short-term volunteer work ranging from 1 to 4 days.
– Assist with landscaping, gardening, trail clearing, painting, cleaning, and small repairs.

**Length of Stay:**
– Server-Meditator: Varies according to the retreat schedule.
– Day Guest: 1 to 4 days.

**Hours per Day:**
– Server-Meditator: 4 hours per day (first two weeks), up to 6 hours per day (third week).
– Day Guest: Flexible based on tasks.

In exchange for your work of 4-6 hours a day, you receive accommodation and nutritious meals at the Dharma Centre.

Week 1 & 2 – ( 4 hours per day, free accommodations and $25 per day for food)
Week 3 – ( max 6 hours per day, free accommodations and food)

**Days Off per Week:**
– Time available outside of work to attend classes and focus on Dharma practice (specific days off may not apply as volunteer responsibilities can vary).

**Type of Accommodations:**
– Free accommodations with nutritious meals provided at the Dharma Centre.

**Benefits for Volunteers:**
– Free meals and accommodations in exchange for their service.
– Opportunities to attend retreats or courses without registration fees.
– Experience in meditation practice and community service.
– Personal growth through engagement in the spiritual and communal environment of the Dharma Centre.
– Skills development in teamwork and maintenance tasks.
– Cultural immersion in a spiritually focused community.

Contact Details

Exchange Type

• Home for Time

Regions

• Canada

Gallery

Video

Location