Volunteer Weekend at Tashi Gadu

Event Details

Dzokden Tashi Gadu — Volunteering Weekend
We warmly invite you to join us at Dzokden Tashi Gadu in California for our community volunteering weekends. These gatherings are a meaningful opportunity to offer service, accumulate merit, and help support the flourishing of the Dharma while spending time with fellow Sangha.

Dzokden Tashi Gadu is in the early stages of development, and volunteers have the rare opportunity to help establish and shape this new Dharma center in the United States from the very beginning. The efforts made now help lay the foundation for a place where the teachings of the Kalachakra Tantra and the Rimé tradition can flourish for generations to come.

Many of our activities support the development of the Dzokden Store – Tantric Treasures, as well as the beautification and preparation of our practice spaces. Current projects include painting and preparing the Mandala House, translation work, contributing to Dzokden AI, preparing Sangha practice booklets, working on Rinpoche’s throne and shrine, and supporting the creation and installation of the Kalachakra Mandala.

Volunteers contribute in many different ways depending on the needs of the moment. Activities may include painting, organizing the store, preparing sacred objects, decorating the shrine, arranging materials, or supporting the ongoing development of the space. You are welcome to contribute in whatever way you feel comfortable, and to learn new skills along the way.

Offering service to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha is a powerful way to accumulate merit and deepen one’s connection to the path. Shar Khentrul Jamphel Lodrö Rinpoche often reminds us that what matters most is not expertise, but our altruistic motivation and sincere wish to benefit others.

By participating, you are not simply helping complete practical tasks — you are helping create the conditions for the Dharma to take root and flourish in this place, supporting a vision that may benefit countless practitioners in the future.

EAP — Enlightened Activities Program Hours
Volunteering at Dzokden Tashi Gadu can also count toward the Enlightened Activities Program (EAP) for students progressing on the path of the Six Vajra Yogas of Kalachakra. Offering service to support the Dharma, the Sangha, and Rinpoche’s activities is considered an important aspect of integrating practice with daily life. By participating fully in a volunteering weekend, practitioners can accumulate EAP hours through acts of service that help build and sustain the conditions for the teachings to flourish.

Community Practice and Time Together
Our volunteering weekends also include time for shared practice and connection. During the weekend we usually gather for Kalachakra Tsok Feast and Guru Puja, practicing together as a community. Evenings may include time to rest, study Dharma, meditate, or simply enjoy meaningful conversations with fellow practitioners. Participation in practice activities is completely optional, and volunteers are welcome to focus on service if they prefer.

Food and Community Potluck
At Dzokden Tashi Gadu we usually follow a community potluck structure. Participants are encouraged to bring food or cook together to share with the group. Preparing and sharing meals together creates a warm and collaborative atmosphere and is an important part of building Sangha. During practice gatherings we also share the tsok feast offerings as part of the practice.

Accommodation
We have a guest room with three beds, and the space can accommodate up to six people staying overnight for the weekend if needed. If you plan to stay overnight, please let us know in advance so we can organize sleeping arrangements. Day volunteers are also very welcome to join even if they are not staying overnight.

Joining a Volunteer EAP Weekend
Whether you can join for a single day or the entire weekend, your participation is greatly appreciated. These weekends are not only about completing projects — they are about building Sangha, supporting Rinpoche’s vision, and helping establish a place where the Dharma can flourish long into the future. By contributing your time and energy now, you are helping lay the groundwork for a living Dharma community in the United States. If you would like to join or have questions, please contact us and let us know when you plan to come.

Available Event Dates:

Friday to Sunday
March 27-29
April 24-26
May 29-31
June 26-28
September 25-27
October 23-25
November 20-22
December 18-20