Book Production

Be a Resident Volunteer at Buddhist center in CA. Includes room, vegetarian meals, classes, stipend

About Us

Join this opportunity to live and work at a rural Buddhist center surrounded by the serene beauty of forested redwood hills, abundant wildlife and gardens. Ratna Ling Work Study Volunteer Program is seeking enthusiastic individuals to help preserve Buddhist teachings by printing, binding, and then giving away these precious texts in Asia (and also books for us!). Our book bindery is a space of creativity and dedication, where ancient and sacred Tibetan Buddhist texts are lovingly restored and reproduced.

Position Overview

You will be an integral part of our tight-knit team, contributing to the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist knowledge for the benefit of all humanity.  No prior experience is required; your energy, dedication, and willingness to learn are what truly matter.  The work is physically demanding yet spiritually fulfilling.

What you receive

• Free housing amidst the natural beauty of coastal redwoods.

• Free wholesome vegetarian meals.

• Free laundry, WiFi, and domestic phone calls.

• Monthly living allowance $200 

• Opportunity for introspection and personal growth.

• Access to a variety of free Buddhist practices and classes.

• Close to hiking trails and the Pacific Ocean.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with fellow volunteers to produce collections of ancient and sacred Tibetan Buddhist texts.

• Learn bookbinding techniques and utilize equipment to print, bind and box ornate beautiful texts.

• Wrap sacred texts in ornamental cloth and preparing for shipping to Asia.

Qualifications

• A sincere interest in inner development and an openness to techniques which are based in the Buddhist tradition.

• Physically strong without major limitations, be on your feet all day, bend, lift up to 40 lbs. 

• Mechanical aptitude is a plus but not mandatory.

• Strong work ethic, mature, high energy yet emotionally stable, and a positive attitude.

• Ability to commit to a rigorous weekly schedule (6 days a week).

You will also engage our common community activities such as gardening, landscaping, and kitchen work.

Contribute to an environment where meaningful work, personal development, and building interpersonal relationships are valued.

To learn more please see our web page  Tibetan Sacred Text Preservation project

Please note:  All volunteers are required to be vaccinated for Covid-19.