Volunteer

Tsegyalgar West is a spiritual center dedicated to the teachings and practice of Dzogchen, under the guidance of the Tibetan Chögyal Namkhai Norbu, a foremost authority on Dzogchen.  It is also a 3,000-acre eco-reserve set in a tropical desert environment, with 600 – 800 year old fig trees; 5,000 foot mountains; wildlife; water springs, and an arroyo with smooth granite rocks, waterfalls and pools.

TW encourages volunteering and helping out  We  also offers a limited number of “resident volunteer” (work exchange) positions to which people must apply in writing, beginning with the form below.  After an interview (in person, by Skype or by phone) and after checking references, volunteers can be approved to stay at the gar for a pre-determined period of time.  All volunteers are subject to a probation period.

Residents have the opportunity to become acquainted with the Dzogchen teachings and practices; to use and improve skills; and to make friends from around the world. Volunteers can earn personal retreat time while working and can get job references after they leave. Volunteers can attend Dzogchen retreats which occur during their service without paying for tuition, as much as their duties allow.

Resident volunteers are expected to work for 4-6 hrs a day, 6 days a week, under the direction of the retreat center manager in exchange for accommodations, which consists of comfortable tent lodging with access to hot showers, or a casita when available. Volunteers contribute to the actual cost of food with $10/day for 3 meals.

We need volunteers for general cleaning, grounds keeping, cooking, and composting, but especially we need volunteers with gardening, handyman, carpentry and construction skills.

We prefer volunteers who are bilingual Spanish and English or can at least manage conversational Spanish.  We also recommend all volunteers to acquire their own emergency health insurance.

If you are interested in volunteering or arranging work exchange at Tsegyalgar West, please fill out the following form and we will get in touch with you!