Volunteer and job opportunities
Volunteering or working at Lerab Ling offers a unique opportunity to be part of an international spiritual community in the south of France and to contribute to the vision and activities of Lerab Ling and Rigpa.*
Lerab Ling is home to a diverse international community of monastics and lay practitioners, as well as Buddhist and non-Buddhist staff members. As a Buddhist center, we aspire to apply Buddhist values such as non-violence, compassion, patience, generosity, and mindfulness to our lives, our work, and our interactions with others.
The positions listed below are currently open. Some roles require a certain level of on-site presence at Lerab Ling, while others can be carried out remotely (in France or even in another country, depending on the position), or a combination of both. The terms of employment or volunteering are described with each position.
*Rigpa is a network of Buddhist centers worldwide. Lerab Ling is Rigpa’s main international retreat center.
> More information about Lerab Ling, its vision and its mission.
> Visit our YouTube channel to gain a clearer sense of Lerab Ling and its activities.
Here are some experiences shared by people who have recently lived and helped at Lerab Ling:
“Living and working at Lerab Ling for a period of time was an absolute privilege for me. It infused my daily life with appreciation, tenderness, and beauty, and allowed me to form a deep connection with the many blessings of the place. The environment is so profoundly ‘good’ that I felt it would take care of me whenever I needed it. At the same time, being in this space enabled me to turn inward and witness myself in a way that is rarely possible in other environments. In this sense, it was wonderful to live among loving and supportive community members, and to be able to laugh, dance, hug, or simply enjoy a pleasant conversation when needed. Overall, it was astonishing, raw, and magical; I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend time there.”
Emma
“If you are looking for an experience out of the ordinary, a position at Lerab Ling may be just right for you. You will find regular work combined with the opportunity to observe up close a group of individuals striving to make a difference. You will have deep conversations with people who are seeking to bring an added dimension to their daily lives. They will share their motivation, struggles, and small victories in a very open way. I found it deeply rewarding to be part of this community and to taste ‘a life that makes a difference.’ It was a joyful experience. As for me: I will be back for more!”
Béatrice
“At first, I thought I wouldn’t be able to fit in at Lerab Ling because I had no knowledge of Buddhism, and my professional skills and experience were in technical and financial management. However, I soon realized that this was exactly what Lerab Ling needed. In 2000, I joined the Lerab Ling teams to help organize the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and from 2001 to 2006 I took on a management role overseeing catering, accommodation, and the site. In 2006, I left Lerab Ling and worked elsewhere for the following 15 years. However, in 2021, I was delighted to return to work at Lerab Ling. For me, it is a privilege to work in such a spiritual environment. It is an opportunity for my own personal development, while also offering my professional expertise and experience. At Lerab Ling, there are many opportunities to work collaboratively with the community, and I find that I can share my knowledge and experience for its benefit. Moreover, I have become aware that I am playing my small part in contributing to the establishment of the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism in the West.”
Hervé
