Description

Join our dedicated team at Kalapa in person to support the accomplishment of Shar Khentrul Rinpoche’s altruistic aspirations! Create merit by supporting the Dzokden community at Kalapa in this sacred retreat place in the beautiful Austrian mountains.

Role Overview: Multi-Area

This is a residential position for a dedicated practitioner wishing to live and work at Kalapa for months or longer. As our residential team is small, every member contributes across multiple areas. We especially welcome support in the following eight fields:

1. Marketing / Social Media
2. Finances / Accounting / Dharma Store
3. Fundraising Campaigns / Funding Applications
4. Architecture / Interior & Exterior Design / Decoration
5. Construction & Labour Work / Handwork / Repairs & Renovations
6. Cooking for Retreats (Main Cook or Cook Assistant) / Food Management
7. House Care Activities / Laundry / Cleaning
8. Project Management / Coordination

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a dedicated person who can both manage tasks independently and effectively collaborate within a group. Key qualities:

• Positive and adaptable mindset apt for problem-solving
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Diligence and stress resilience
• Open-mindedness and readiness to live and work in a multicultural setting

Activities may be developed in person, online, or in a hybrid format, depending on the project area.

Additional Information

Commitment: Minimum of 40 hours per week. (This means at least 160 EAP hours per month.)

Start Date: Beginning in 2026 (flexible according to profile and areas of activity).
Languages: English is usually required (there are exceptions). Additionally, German is strongly recommended for those wishing to stay one year or more, though some activities are conducted entirely in English.

Required Pathway to Long-Term Residency

1. Volunteer remotely for Dzokden or Dzokden Kalapa to show your commitment and stability.
2. Join us as a volunteer during a Kalapa Care Week or Retreat so that we can get to know each other in person.
3. Receive an invitation to a one-month stay and complete it.
4. Receive a subsequent invitation to a 3-month stay and complete it.
5. Receive a subsequent invitation to a 6-month stay and complete it.
6. Receive a subsequent invitation to a stay without a specific time limit.

These required steps can occur continuously or separately with breaks in between, depending on the circumstances. A few steps could be skipped on a case-by-case basis.

What Kalapa offers

• Food supplies (you can cook independently when no events are running)
• Individual Room in the Retreat Center (shared during events if necessary)
• Access to the Yoga Room, Kalapa Library, Kālachakra Stūpa, and Kālachakra Temple
• Free Access to Dzokden worldwide online Courses, Teachings, and Empowerments during residency
• Access to Facilities such as wi-fi, etc.
• An Inspiring Environment of a devoted dedication to the Three Jewels

For long-term stays, additionally:

• Borrowable digital devices (laptop, phone, etc.) — these can also be borrowed for you for shorter stays if available, depending on your roles.
• If you have received an invitation to a 6-month or longer stay, you will have free access to Empowerments, Teachings, and Retreats offered in person at Kalapa.
• Possible monthly financial support: Upon receiving an invitation to stay without a specific time limit, you may be eligible for financial assistance that covers part of your working hours, if so requested by you, depending on the yearly budget and role.

Application Process

• Fill out the Dzokden Volunteering Form
• Additionally, send an email to [email protected] to announce your candidature, informing three or more areas from the list of eight areas above that you see as your strengths or for which you have experience.
  Agreement for joining: Volunteering does not establish a working relationship between the participant and Dzokden or Dzokden Kalapa. When starting, you must cover your own personal health and further social insurance costs as needed. Assistance with health insurance and financial support for those staying long-term is possible, but cannot be guaranteed beforehand.

Agreement for joining: Volunteering does not establish a working relationship between the participant and Dzokden or Dzokden Kalapa. When starting, you must cover your own personal health and further social insurance costs as needed. Assistance with health insurance and financial support for those staying long-term is possible, but cannot be guaranteed beforehand.