SANGHA RESIDENT PROGRAMME
Be part of Lerab Ling’s Spiritual Community
The Sangha Resident Programme is for Rigpa sangha members (retired or working) to come and stay in Lerab Ling for a month or up to a year or even longer, take a break from city/village life, immerse yourself in a spiritual environment and simply be part of the spiritual community - living and practising together, joining (or creating!) community activities and supporting Lerab Ling through service.
You will:
- change your environment for a while
- be part of the spiritual community
- have a carer/spiritual friend to check in with about your study and practice
- participate in a range of different group practices
- have the option to take vows or commitments during your time here
- help with simple tasks around Lerab Ling (approximately 1 hour/day)
- have time to enjoy the relaxing, calm surroundings and blessed environment
Retired or working sangha members are welcome!
WORKING FROM A DISTANCE IN LERAB LING
Many people have discovered the flexibility of working online or at a distance. In many cases it will be possible to continue your working life (self employed or working for a company) while staying in Lerab Ling as part of the Sangha Resident Programme. Check with us if your work can be continued while you are in Lerab Ling.
HOW IS LIVING IN THE COMMUNITY DIFFERENT FROM BEING THERE FOR TEACHING OR PRACTICE RETREATS?
With a mixture of retired, working, monastic and lay members in the community, each person has their own activity and practice focus, and the community comes together for practices and occasional social activities.
Each person is independent, and community members support each other whenever needed, with anything from running errands for others, driving someone to the doctor, and bringing meals if someone is unwell, to solving problems with personal computers. As a community, we aim to be aware of how we can help others, and to ask others for help when we need it ourselves: quite simply, this is an expression of loving kindness and compassion.
It’s important to be aware that the terrain in Lerab Ling can be difficult and the weather is unpredictable, especially with snow and ice in winter.
Several services that are available during major retreats aren't available off-season, such as onsite transport. Each person is responsible for their own laundry and cleaning their accommodation (including shared bathrooms).
HOW TO REQUEST TO JOIN THE SANGHA RESIDENT PROGRAMME
Duration: It is possible to join from 1 month - 1 year with an option to extend.
Request: Fill-in the request form below then one of the team will get back to you to clarify and confirm details.
For requests to stay more than one month, one of the Lerab Ling team will arrange a call with you to discuss the details of your stay.
If you have a question or want to know more please email us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
*Note: Currently it is possible for sangha to join this programme for 1 month - 1 year with the option to extend. In summer months most accommodation is needed for the annual summer retreats.
In the next stage of the Sangha Resident Programme we hope to offer the option for sangha members to stay for years or even for the rest of their life. Before we can do that, we need to research the facilities and support required to properly meet the needs of long term residents and ageing sangha members living in Lerab Ling.
SPECIAL RATES FOR SANGHA RESIDENT PROGRAMME
Different types of accommodation are available depending on the season, ranging from a simple wooden cabin in the forest to a retreat room or studio.
A special package for Sangha Resident Programme includes:
- Accommodation is offered at 65% reduced rate as part of an all inclusive meals, accommodation and services* package
- There is 25% reduction to join any Lerab Ling events
- There is a one-time administration fee of 150€ for each person joining the Sangha Resident Programme
Doing retreat? If your main reason to come to Lerab Ling is to do retreat, please register for a Practice Retreat for the Sangha.
Read the new Guidelines for Living as a Spiritual Community
*Services include general community services such as free access to the extensive dharma library, self-service laundry, (paid) self-service printing, maintenance of the Lerab Ling site, essential maintenance of accommodation.
**Note: A simple internet connection is available for residents but it is recommended you have a French mobile phone SIM with adequate data to make sure you have a reliable internet connection for video calls, streaming or other high usage needs.
