Live and Volunteer at a Buddhist Temple
Experience Life at a Buddhist Temple
Imagine waking each morning surrounded by forests, enjoying peaceful meditation, sharing meals with people from around the world, and spending your days contributing to a community dedicated to kindness, wisdom, and inner peace.
Our Buddhist Community Life Experience Program offers more than a place to stay—it is an opportunity to experience life at a Buddhist Temple and to become part of a welcoming community. Whether you’re seeking a meaningful break from everyday routines, a chance to reconnect with nature, or a deeper understanding of Buddhist culture and meditation, being part of this program provides a unique opportunity to live simply, serve others, and discover a more peaceful way of life.
As part of this program, you’ll live amongst our resident community of Buddhist practitioners, including monks and nuns, and fellow spiritually-minded participants from many different backgrounds. Together, we create an environment of mutual respect, generosity, and joyful cooperation, where our daily activities become an expression of caring for others and supporting a place that benefits thousands of visitors each year.
More Than Volunteering
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Buddhist Community Life Program is the opportunity to experience a way of life that many people rarely encounter. Daily life at the Temple is centered on learning about Buddhist practice and meditation, compassion, kindness, community, and benefiting others.
The spiritual activities in the Temple are the heart of our community, and everyone who stays at the Temple helps with maintaining the facilities for our community and visitors. As part of the community, you'll have the opportunity to experience Buddhist life as it is lived each day. You have the opportunity to join our daily chanted prayers, meditation classes and retreats. You’ll also have the opportunity to work alongside Buddhist practitioners maintaining this place, and learn how to integrate meditation and Buddhist thought into every activity. Whether you're cleaning the Temple, preparing a room for an arriving retreater, tending to the grounds, or helping prepare our community meals, you’ll learn how to incorporate meditation and Buddhist thought into every activity.
Through sharing conversations over meals, spending contemplative time in the Temple, or enjoying quiet moments in nature, you'll experience the warmth and richness of living in a supportive spiritual environment.
Our program participants and residents come from many different places, cultures, and walks of life, creating opportunities for meaningful friendships and genuine cultural exchange. Living and working together allows everyone to learn from one another, broaden their perspectives, and appreciate the universal values of compassion, patience, and generosity that bring people together across cultures.
This program offers you an authentic appreciation for a way of life centered on inner peace, compassion, and wisdom—qualities that can enrich life long after your visit has ended.
What You’ll Receive
In exchange for approximately 25 hours of volunteer service each week, you’ll receive:
Comfortable shared accommodations
Delicious vegetarian and vegan meals
The opportunity to participate in our daily chanted prayers, meditation classes, special events, or retreat sessions
Time to enjoy our peaceful 82-acre woodland property, nearby hiking trails, and the beauty of the surrounding area
A welcoming residential community where friendships often last long after your visit has ended
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities vary throughout the year and may include:
Preparing and serving meals
Housekeeping and guest accommodations
Gardening and caring for the grounds
Helping in our World Peace Cafe
Event preparation and hospitality
General maintenance and community projects
No special experience is necessary. We are looking for people interested in exploring a spiritual way of life with a willingness to help, learn, and contribute with a positive attitude. We strive to match participants with roles that suit their interests and abilities, as well as the needs of the community.
Many volunteers tell us that the greatest gift of their stay isn’t what they accomplished, but what they experienced: meaningful friendships, moments of genuine peace, new perspectives, and an appreciation for the happiness that comes from living with purpose and contributing to others.
Whether you stay for a few weeks or several months, we hope your time here will be an opportunity to rest, grow, connect, and return home inspired by the simple joys of community, meditation, and compassionate living.
If this experience speaks to you, we’d be delighted to welcome you. Complete the Volunteer Visitor Application to begin your journey, or contact us at volunteervisits@kadampanewyork.org or (845) 856-9000 if you have any questions.