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. Volunteers need not have any particular relationship with Buddhism to participate, just an open-minded respect for oneself, members of the community, and the place itself. While Ratna Ling does not function as a traditional monastic community, it does uphold Buddhist principles such as appropriate behavior toward others, cleanliness, and not harming animals or insects. Please be aware that all residents are asked to respect certain simple practices to help maintain the respectful atmosphere. Examples of this are not wearing outdoor shoes indoors and keeping rooms and common areas clean and neat. Volunteers are assigned to jobs outside of regularly scheduled work hours, such as meal clean-up and chores to maintain the community spaces.
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. This community setting coupled with challenging work and spiritual goals encourages the development of valuable qualities which can enrich one's life such as self-reliance, inner discipline, willingness to offer one's energy fully, and the capacity to work cooperatively with others. This environment also provides opportunities for personal reflection and the latitude to make positive changes in one's life. We encourage volunteers to take advantage of this unique environment by participating in classes and utilizing free time for more than customary entertainment such as socializing, watching movies or surfing the internet. Though these activities are not restricted, we have found that people appreciate and benefit from their experience more if they take advantage of the new possibilities that living in a spiritual community can accommodate. Examples of alternative activities include, enjoying the beauty of the gardens and the natural wildlands of the center and surrounding areas, attending classes, engaging in meditation practices, participating in side projects of personal interest, and developing one's knowledge and 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 sample class schedule.) Most classes do not require any prerequisite knowledge in order to attend and are generally suited for beginners and more advanced students alike.
While some classes may have from 20-25 attendees, others may only have a class size of 10 or fewer. 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 Buddhist center (www.ratnaling.org) is home to the Yeshe De book project and its volunteers. Ratna Ling is perched on a stretch of coastal Northern Californian land located 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 extremely dry in the summer and quite 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, trailers, platform tents, and yomes (also known as yurts). All accommodations are fully furnished including bedding and pillows, though 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.
See photos of volunteer housing in the photo gallery.
Meals
During the work week, Monday through Saturday, vegetarian lunch is made daily by the Ratna Ling kitchen staff and served buffet style in the Main Lodge. (See a sample menu.) Volunteers prepare their own breakfast and dinner using designated kitchen supplies including a variety of fresh local produce, dairy, bread, and other pantry staples. Volunteers are also welcome to reheat any leftovers from lunch. In addition, snacks are provided during the work day in the bindery break room. On Sundays, the kitchen staff is given the day off, and volunteers may drive to town for a meal out or dine on the premises at the Main Lodge.
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. Volunteers are also welcome to supplement their meals with food they prepare on their own in order to meet their specific dietary needs.
For more pictures of community life, visit our photo gallery (on the Nyingma.org website).