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Volunteering at Root Institute

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Root Institute! Volunteering with us is a wonderful opportunity to live in the blessed environment of Bodhgaya while benefiting others.

Dharma Centre Volunteers

Each winter Root Institute seeks four seasonal volunteers (an office receptionist, kitchen manager, housekeeping/grounds manager and shop manager) to work alongside the Centre Director, Centre Manager and Spiritual Programme Coordinator to form a team of dedicated FPMT students working to fulfil Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche's wish for students to meet and practice the Dharma in Bodhgaya.

Minimum qualifications for Dharma Centre volunteers include:

• dedication to Lama Zopa Rinpoche and the FPMT
• flexibility, patience, enthusiasm, hospitality skills
• basic computer skills
• willingness to work long hours as required
• fluency in English
• available at least October - February (ideally September - March)

Root Institute also has periodic need for graphic designers to assist with advertising and newsletter layout and design.  As this work is infrequent, it is not necessary for the volunteer to be located in Bodhgaya.

For more information, please contact director@rootinstitute.com and include an explanation of why you would like to offer service at Root Institute, a list of previous service in FPMT centres, your current connection with FPMT, and references.

Health Programme Volunteers

The Shakyamuni Buddha Community Health Programme has long benefited from the service of volunteers who have come from other countries. Nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists work alongside our Indian staff as teachers and mentors, helping them develop additional skills as well as helping to create systems that sustain the programme long-term.

Experienced nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists are welcome year-round for a minimum stay of 3 – 6 months.  If you are unable to commit to this length of time, or are inexperienced in these fields, you are welcome to observe our work in the on-site clinic and the village health programme on a short-term basis.

Persons interested in volunteer service who are able to bring special skills and a kind and compassionate heart are encouraged to Contact Us for additional information.

Volunteer Benefits

All on-site volunteers receive a private room, three delicious vegetarian meals per day and a great deal of satisfaction and merit (positive energy) from benefiting so many people.