Volunteering visit
HELPING THE KADAMPA MEDITATION CENTRE FRANCE
Volunteering is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a rewarding break while getting involved in our growing community. It’s a unique opportunity to experience Kadampa’s Buddhist way of life first-hand amongst a dynamic and caring international team. We are united by a common sense of purpose to be of service to all, while providing a positive environment for spiritual growth.
There are many ways in which you can help out by getting involved in the day-to-day activities of the Centre, such as helping to prepare the rooms, cooking, washing up, landscaping or working on a repair project. If you don’t live in the local area, you can choose to stay on site (see the conditions for volunteering below).
Who are we?
We are a charity dedicated to the study and practice of Buddhism based on the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni. The centre holds a meditation space, chanted prayer sessions, themed retreats and special events throughout the year.
Our mission is to encourage everyone to find meaning in their actions and to develop wisdom in their daily lives, through the practice of meditation and the study of the Buddha’s teachings, adapted to our modern world.
We promote values such as compassion and wisdom, to help us maintain an inner peace that is essential to our personal spiritual development and to the environment around us.
How can people help?
Throughout the year we welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. We also offer visitors the chance to stay on site for an immersive experience.
As a volunteer, you will be actively involved in the running of the centre in general. Whether helping in the kitchen, serving meals, washing up, cleaning or carrying out other small tasks, your skills and enthusiasm will be put to good use in our centre, which welcomes visitors all year round.
Naturally, we strive to create a respectful and harmonious environment that benefits all our visitors. To this end, we kindly ask you to behave in a way that is appropriate to community life during your entire visit.
“You may not have known it:
By offering your time to help CMK France, you are also providing valuable support for the development of Temples for World Peace”.
Finding a purpose behind our daily actions
By getting involved in the life of the community and supporting the smooth running of the centre, you will also have the opportunity to receive guidance based on Buddhist teachings, attend a few meditation sessions and take part in practices such as chanted prayers (called ‘poudjas’ in Tibetan).
However, it will not be possible to take part in a full retreat as a volunteer. Thus, if you are more interested in attending a retreat in a personalised and à-la-carte way, you can do so by choosing this option: Take a Break.
Join us on a volunteering stay
Are you looking for an immersive experience lasting at least a week (7 days), with accommodation and meals included?
If you choose to stay on site, you will be expected to get involved and take an active part in various tasks throughout the day. As a result, you need to be available and in good physical and emotional shape to be able to provide active help on a daily basis in the area(s) that require it.
You will be accommodated in dormitories (women’s or men’s), designed to sleep 6 to 10 people with bunk beds. We provide sheets, pillows and duvets.
Of course, your comfort is important to us, and if you prefer a single room, you can request one, subject to availability. Please note that the difference in price between a dormitory and a single room will be charged to you.To book a room, please contact us at benevolat@kadampafrance.org
The meals served are vegetarian, with the option of a gluten-free diet. We regret not being able to offer other specific dietary options such as vegan or raw food diets, or even fasting, which cannot be catered for by our restaurant.
Please make sure you bring comfortable clothes for your stay and that are suited to the different tasks and weather conditions. For example, appropriate clothes for cleaning or DIY, closed shoes and trousers for helping in the kitchen, etc. Since this is a spiritual residence, we ask everyone to dress respectfully.
If you would like to stay on site for a minimum of one week (7 days), including accommodation and meals, please complete the form below.
Please note that a processing time of 3 days is necessary.
Legislation regulating volunteering in France
On arrival, you will be asked to sign a Reciprocal Commitment Agreement in order to take part in our Association’s activities.
We want to make sure that you can make the most of your experience without worrying about financial constraints. This is why, even if the law does not allow us to provide you with free accommodation and meals, we will fully refund all costs incurred (dormitory accommodation and meals) within the terms and conditions of your volunteer stay. You will not be asked to make any advance payment on arrival.
For any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us by email at benevolat@kadampafrance.org or by telephone on +336 56 68 18 15.