Background Information

As part of the FPMT, we value the bodhisattva ideal – letting go of self and serving others. We are committed to compassionate service – cherishing others more than ourselves and to doing as much as we are able, to bring happiness to all.

Offering service to the centre is about far more than receiving lodgings in return. It’s important to understand that while offering your service and performing your karma yoga, you are learning how to apply the Buddha’s teachings in day-to-day life, learning to offer service joyously, generating love and compassion. You are a student as much as those carrying out retreats or taking part in courses at the centre.

We work and live harmoniously, to serve, to learn and to interact with the community, with care and integrity. To support this focus, we ask you to be aware of the whole as well as individual needs, and while humbly serving others, keep thinking, ‘I am here in training, to practice serving without expecting anything in return. I am working so that others may benefit from the Dharma. Let me help them by setting a good example, and in so doing help myself as well. Let me offer service with a kind heart and with joy that I have this opportunity to serve others.

The staff and their responsibilities

Venerable Nangsel (Director)

Britta Tiefenbacher (Centre Manager)

Hannah White (Spiritual Program Coordinator) 

Rachel Wills (House Manager)

Our commitment to you

We are committed to having a relationship with you based on respect, trust, openness and clarity.
We will provide you with clean, warm accommodation, and access to kitchen and bathroom facilities. (kitchen subject to availability during courses and retreats). We are thankful for your work and support and will try and find work suited to your interests and skills. We are very blessed by the natural environment we live in and encourage you to enjoy it to the full. The Meditation room (Gompa) is always open for you to use.  We offer daily meditation classes and videos on Buddhist Philosophy and practice for those who are interested. If you are interested in participating in any of the courses being held at the centre, we will try to accommodate this. Volunteers will also receive a discount on all courses being held at the centre. 

In return we ask you to agree to;
Complete a work exchange agreement form. If you don't have a valid work permit you will need to offer 50 cents per day for accommodation, with your work time being offered as a donation to the centre.  This keeps us in ethics with immigration requirements. 

Abide by the five basic precepts:
Protect living beings –refrain from killing even tiny insects
Respect others belongings - refrain from stealing
Speak truthfully – refrain from lying
Respect Mahamudra as a space for spiritual introspection and development – refrain from sexual conduct
Cultivate clarity of mind and body – refrain from using intoxicants, alcohol, tobacco, etc….

In exchange for your accommodation we ask our volunteers to work 4 hours each day. Unfortunately we are not in a financial position to provide food. The work is varied but gardening, maintenance, accommodation preparation and household is ongoing. One day in seven is off. 
If property is damaged due to neglicence, we ask that the centre be reimbursed or the damaged item replaced.
Some areas of the land are designated retreat areas. This means the huts are occupied by people engaged in meditation and spiritual practice. Please maintain silence when near these areas and take your interaction cue from those on retreat. If they are quiet and do not engage in much conversation, then please just enjoy their presence and allow them the quiet they need.

The rhythm of being here

In order to facilitate a harmonious work environment, we encourage all residents to start the day together in meditation. Guided Meditation sessions are held in the Gompa each morning between 8.00 and 8.30 am. Sunday mediation takes place between 10.00 am and 10.30 am.
The work period begins with a  meeting at 9.00am, enabling us to outline priorities for the work period 9.00 am - 1.00 pm.

Usually after lunch and cleaning up, the centre settles into a more contemplative and restful mode. Sometimes there is conversation, sometimes we need time alone or in nature so the afternoons are a time to listen to your inner needs and follow them. This is your free time and a perfect chance to go off exploring some of the local beaches, bush walks, and alternative communities. We are situated across from riding stables.
During your stay feel free to make use of the library and teaching videos, which can be watched throughout the day, until 9pm. We simply ask that you treat the books as holy objects and refrain from putting them on the ground or taking them off the property. 

In order to support the retreat environment, we ask that people are mindful of the noise levels after 9pm. It is important that these time frames are respected and we ask you to support others in this process.

Sharing with us

The living space (kitchen, lounge and bathroom) are shared by staff and paying guests, so we ask you to please take care not to leave personal toiletries in the bathroom and be scrupulous about cleaning up after yourself. If you leave things untidy it encourages others to do the same, so please leave the space tidy for others to enjoy.
Help to deter animals by storing food properly in sealed containers. We have opportunistic rats and possums around. Be aware of your voice level around the house and practice silence around the Gompa and  when returning to your dormitory in the evening.

Length of stay

We prefer long term volunteers.

When you are leaving

Please leave the areas you have used clean and tidy, putting any used bed linen or towels by the washing machine and vacuuming your room.  Please let us know if anything needs repair.

These guidelines have evolved over time and are based on the experience and insight of many practitioners, visitors and other Centres. We welcome your feedback.

We look forward to having you with us. Come and Enjoy – it’s a very special place!