Activate the Power of Virtuous Action

“Every kind of work can be a pleasure. Even simple household tasks can be an opportunity to exercise and expand our caring, our effectiveness, our responsiveness. As we respond with caring and vision to all work, we develop our capacity to respond fully to all of life. Every action generates positive energy which can be shared with others. These qualities of caring and responsiveness are the greatest gift we can offer.” — Tarthang Tulku

The Nyingma Institute is more than a center for classes and retreats. It is also the heart of a community of volunteers practicing the bodhisattva path of compassionate service.

The Institute’s staff, faculty, and residents are all volunteers. Volunteering is an act of generosity, a path of practice, and a means to nurture enlightened community.

Our volunteers serve the Dharma’s ancient, timeless message through projects that are vast in scope and impact. These projects include the publication of important sacred and scholarly texts. In partnership with our sister organization, Yeshe De, we have distributed over four million texts, translated into twelve languages and adopted in over 700 college and university courses. We also preserve the precious lineage of Tibetan sacred art – with its vision of beauty as a guide to enlightenment – by producing drawings, Thanka images, statues, stupas, prayer wheels, prayer flags and other artistic forms.

The accumulation of merit is integral to expanding well-being and developing wisdom. You are warmly invited to join us in our volunteer projects, which range from taking care of the buildings and grounds to participating in sacred art production. Opportunities are available to volunteer part- or full-time. If you wish to volunteer full-time and are able to make at least a six-month commitment, you may qualify for our Resident Volunteer program.