VOLUNTEER & EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteering or working in Lerab Ling offers a unique opportunity to become part of an international spiritual community in the South of France, and contribute towards the vision and activities of Lerab Ling & Rigpa*.
Lerab Ling is home to a diverse, international community of monastics and lay practitioners, Buddhist and non-Buddhist staff. As a Buddhist centre, we aspire to apply Buddhist values such as non-harming, compassion, patience, generosity and mindfulness to our life, work and our interactions with each other.
The following positions below are currently available. Some roles require a degree of physical presence in Lerab Ling, while others can be carried out from a distance (in France or even in another country, depending on the location), and or a combination of the two. The volunteer or employment conditions are outlined with each position.
*Rigpa is a network of Buddhist centres around the world. Lerab Ling is Rigpa’s main international retreat centre
> More information about Lerab Ling and its vision and mission.
> Check out our youtube channel, to get more of a feel for Lerab Ling and its activities.
Here are some experiences of people who have recently lived and helped in Lerab Ling:
“Living and working in Lerab Ling for a period of time was an absolute privilege to me. It imbued my day to day life with appreciation, tenderness, and beauty, and allowed me to forge a deep connection to the many blessings of the land. The environment is so profoundly ‘good' that it felt like it was taking care of me in times of need. At the same time, being in this space allowed me to look inward and bear witness to myself in a way seldom possible in other environments. In this it was wonderful to live amongst the loving and supportive community members and to have a laugh, a dance, a hug, or just a nice conversation when needed. All in all, it was amazing and raw and magical, and I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend the time there.” Emma
“If you are looking for an experience that is out of the ordinary then a job at Lerab Ling might be your thing. You will find a regular job combined with the opportunity to have a closer look at a group of individuals that strive to make a difference. You will have in-depth discussions with people who try to give an extra dimension to their daily lives. They will share their motivation, their struggles and their little victories in quite an open way. I found it very gratifying to be in this community and have a taste of “a life with a difference”. It was a happy experience. As for myself: I will be back for more!” Beatrice
“At first I thought I couldn't support Lerab Ling because I wasn't familiar with Buddhism—my professional skills and experience were in the technical and financial management areas. However, I quickly realized this is exactly what was needed in Lerab Ling. 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 accepted a management position overseeing catering, accommodation and site. In 2006 I left Lerab Ling and took a job elsewhere for the next 15 years. However, in 2021 I was delighted to once again return to work in Lerab Ling. For me, it's a privilege to work in such a spiritual environment. It is an opportunity for my own personal development, while at the same time offering my professional expertise and experience. In Lerab Ling there are plenty of opportunities to work collaboratively with the community, and I find that I am able to offer my knowledge and experience for their benefit. In addition, I have come to realize that I am playing my small part in contributing to the establishment of the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism in the West." Hérve
