Through work we can learn to use our energy wisely so that all of our actions are fruitful and rich.
Skillful Means
Community Living
Ratna Ling is an intentional community striving to learn how best to live together as a group of individuals with diverse backgrounds, yet shared goals and values. We uphold basic Buddhist principles such as appropriate behavior toward others, cleanliness, not harming animals or insects and simple practices such as observing essential speech while working, wearing modest clothing during work even in hot weather and removing outdoor shoes for classes and practice.
Our intentional community demands that all volunteers exhibit the sincere intention to work and live harmoniously with others, contributing to a healthy and pleasant living environment. Volunteers are assigned to jobs outside of regularly scheduled work hours, such as meal clean-up and chores to maintain the community spaces.
The environment also provides opportunities for personal reflection and the latitude to make positive changes in one's life. We are seeking volunteers who wish to take advantage of the unique environment by participating in classes and utilizing free time for meditation practice, reading and study, participating in sacred art projects or developing new skills.
Classes
Ratna Ling offers nightly classes on a number of subjects related to the Buddhist teachings and practices highlighted within our community. (See a class schedule.) Most classes do not require any prerequisite knowledge and are generally suited for beginners and more advanced students alike.
Class size varies from fewer than 6 up to 20 or more. New volunteers are generally advised to take 2 to 3 evening classes per week. More classes can be added later, depending on the volunteer’s interest and ability to commit their time.
Location
The Ratna Ling, (www.ratnaling.org) home to the Yeshe De book project and its volunteers is located in the coastal Redwood hills, 100 miles north of San Francisco in Sonoma County. The natural setting of this country center is 120 acres of forest (including redwoods), open meadows, and ponds. The closest town, Gualala, has a population of 600 people and is about 50 minutes away by car.
The weather is relatively mild, but is dry in the summer and rainy and wet in the winter. During the dry season, average daytime temperatures range between 60 and 80 degrees Farenheit. Nights can be significantly cooler, but still comfortable. During the rainy season, average temperatures drop, but do not generally fall below 40 degrees Farenheit.
Housing
Volunteers live in shared accommodations, usually two people to a room in on-site buildings. All accommodations are fully furnished including bedding and pillows. Volunteers are expected to bring their own towels and personal toiletries. Housing is situated throughout the property with a beautiful outdoor walk to the kitchen and dining area, laundry facilities and, in some cases, to the bathroom and shower facilities. Use of laundry facilities is free and detergent is provided.
Please note: to maintain the standards of our community housing, we collect a refundable security and cleaning deposit of $100 cash upon arrival. This will be held and returned to the volunteer at the time of their departure after a routine check-out.
Meals
Vegetarian meals are provided Monday through Saturday lunch. Saturday evenings and Sunday residents make their own meals using designated kitchen supplies or leftovers. Snacks are provided during the work day. (See a sample menu)
We are not always able to accommodate special dietary needs so if you have multiple or unusual food allergies, you may need to purchase some of your own food.
Ratna Ling is a vegetarian community. We ask that volunteers please refrain from storing, consuming, or cooking meat in all common areas. For individuals with special or restricted diets, our kitchen staff often prepares wheat and/or dairy free options for the lunch buffet.
For more pictures of community life, visit our photo gallery