Welcome to our sanctuary, dear WWOOFers. I'm Lama Dragpa, and here at our hermitage, we embrace the tranquil rhythms of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, particularly the Nyingma Dudjom lineage. Nestled amidst the serene expanse of the Catskill mountains, our 500-acre haven beckons those seeking solace and connection with nature.
Our cornerstone is our organic, no-till market garden, a labor of love awaiting your gentle touch. Here, amidst the meadows and forest, we cultivate not just vegetables, but also a sense of community and spiritual growth. Our community is home to a diverse assembly of spiritual practitioners, with our revered head teacher, Ven. Khenpo Tsewang Dongyal Rinpoche, gracing us with his wisdom and presence. His teachings illuminate our path as we strive to embody Bodhichitta, the compassionate heart of Buddhism, extending harmony and goodwill to all beings.
Our veggie garden and greenhouse stand as a tangible expression of this ethos, inviting you to join us in nurturing its bounty. Beyond tending to the land, we offer a spectrum of meditation retreats and Dharma study programs, enriching experiences that delve deeper into the teachings of our tradition.
Come, be part of our mandala, where nature's beauty intertwines with spiritual enlightenment. Join us in our shared journey of growth and compassion, as we cultivate not only vegetables but also a sense of belonging and purpose.
Depending on the season, we are usually looking for volunteers to fill two primary roles: 1. Veggie Garden Lead and 2. Veggie Garden Assistant. In the summer we sometimes have a volunteer Permaculture Lead who helps us with design and overall operations.
Some activities include:
- crop planning and bed design
- raised bed prep
- sewing
- cultivation and daily harvesting
- greenhouse management and repairs
Our center offers 3 Lacto-ovo vegetarian meals per day in our community hall dining building.
Accommodations options are shared dorms, or if someone prefers it a bit more outdoors, the option to tent on our 500 acres.
This is a unique opportunity for someone with a passion for regenerative agriculture AND spiritual interests. Whether one is interesting in learning Tibetan Buddhism or has an established practice, this is a rare opportunity to have exposure, access and meditation interviews with a Tibetan Dzogchen Master while having the connection of a lively spiritual community.
We have daily evening group meditations and chanting that guests may attend.
In addition to helping in the veggie garden and outdoor plant work, there are also opportunities for helping with odd jobs, light construction, landscaping, and various kitchen responsibilities, which usually offers a more well-rounded and varied experience. Just let us know if that interests you too.
Some common hobbies include hiking the trails on our 500 acre property, bird watching, mediating in the forest, biking, and exploring nearby swimming holes.
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Flower farming
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
202.3
Hectares
|
500
Acres
