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What does a normal day look like? How much interaction is there with other staff members? What is the staff housing like?
Working at a Dharma Center
It is important to realize that working at Vajrapani will, in essence, be like any other job. We are a professional organization that operates through projects, goals, and deadlines. Full-time staff are expected to work 35 hours per week.
The big difference in working here, however, is that, within this framework, taking care of one's mental, emotional and spiritual life is primary. If staff members become stressed, angry, or unhappy, then Vajrapani's "product", the sacred space, will be lost. Our working culture includes as much flexibility as possible to take care of these important needs.
Duties vary depending on the position. However, everyone is always called on to:
- Welcome guests
- Clean up after meals
- Periodically serve dinner during events
- Attend weekly meetings
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Your Co-workers
One of the nicest things about living and working at Vajrapani is experiencing the comradery with other spiritually minded people. We eat together, clean together, and practice together.
At the same time, you can be as isolated or as social as you like. We often have staff classes, meditations, study groups and outings but staff members don’t have to participate. You could also start something of your own! the type and frequency of group activities depend on the people currently on staff.
Generally, since we all have our own houses, staff members retire to their own spaces after work.
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Living in the Woods
In the rainy season, it is very wet and quite cold. We are located deep in a temperate rain forest.
There is quite a variety of staff housing options sine the houses were built at different times by different people. The range included everything from multi-storied cabins, to small modern studios, to yurts.
Most of the housing options are not accessible by car. Some require a 5-10 minute walk through the steep forest. Good shoes are a must!
All of the housing options have:
- Showers (mostly outdoor)
- Heat (propane or wood)
- Refrigerators
- Phone Lines
- Electricity
- Gas cooking stoves
- Basic bedding, dishware, and furniture
Where you stay will depend on what’s available when you arrive. If a new house opens up, staff members are given the option to move, based on seniority.
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