“‘Volunteering’ is really the wrong word, because it implies that we are giving something away for which we receive no compensation. In offering our time, energy, and gifts to the lineage, nothing could be further from the truth. When we offer ourselves in this way to the lineage of awakened ones, the teachers that have come before, our human teachers, and the sangha, we are creating a link with our most basic sanity. We are opening and ‘giving away’ in order that we may receive from them. Anything offered in this way arrives at the door of the awakened state itself and creates a pathway back to us, so that we may move that much more quickly and surely along the path. It is all done so our practice and that of others may flourish and ripen quickly.”
— Reggie Ray
Caroline’s Personal Message to Volunteers
Lineage holder Caroline Pfohl offers a thank you to former and current volunteers, and an explanation of how serving inside of the many kinds of volunteer roles can ground our practice, deepen our insight, and help us to clarify the teachings in our own hearts and bodies.
Volunteer Program Staff Positions
Dharma Ocean relies on volunteer support to run all of our residential and online programs. There is a unique transmission that occurs in our lineage when we serve in a program staff mandala. In this intimate setting, volunteer program staff receive training from teachers and senior practitioners in bringing the openness, warmth, and clarity found on-the-cushion into their service as program staff. It is a wonderful opportunity to offer yourself, bring the teachings to life, and receive the blessings of the lineage.
If you feel inspired and called to deepen your training in this way, please make a request by completing this form. Preference will be given to people who submit offers 4 months in advance. Previous attendance at a Dharma Ocean program is required to hold a program staff role.
Volunteer program staff positions:
Program Coordinators work closely with Dharma Ocean administration and other program staff to create a cohesive and organized container in which the program can be run. Proficiency in computer skills (Google Docs, MS Word and Excel) and a mind for details and planning are required for this position.
Practice Coordinator tends to the sacred practice spaces of the retreat. Responsibilities include working with shrines and practice materials, and coordinating special events that occur during a program. Knowledge of Dharma Ocean practice protocols is of great benefit.
Protection Mandala (kusung, kasung, desung) establish and maintain the integrity and the retreat container and ensure the safety of the participants, staff, and teachers. Generally, it is required that people who volunteer for this role are Dharma Ocean tantrikas who have completed Meditation Instructor Training.
Meditation Instructors offer mentorship to participants in the program, lead group discussions, and provide individual support to participants’ journeys. Applicants must be Dharma Ocean tantrikas who have successfully completed Meditation Instructor Training.
Media Team Members work with the A/V equipment, creating quality sound and recordings for the program. Previous A/V or media experience is preferred, but not required.
Flower Arrangers order materials, create and maintain flower arrangements for the program. Previous floral arranging experience, or training in ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) is highly recommended.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering throughout the year is a wonderful way to deepen your connection with the Dharma Ocean practicing community outside of programs and to help Dharma Ocean extend the teachings and practices to more people.
Please consider offering your time in whatever way you are inspired. To discuss your inspiration, please email volunteer@dharmaocean.org.
We look forward to hearing from you!