Bodhisattva Centre Working Holidays
Enjoy a meaningful one week break in your life
Bodhisattva Centre is a special place of tranquility, rest, reflection and friendship. It is home to an international Kadampa Buddhist community of 25 lay and ordained residents who share a similar wish to make their lives meaningful by finding lasting peace and happiness from within and helping others to do the same. It is located within two acres of quiet leafy grounds and is a haven of peace in the city of Brighton. The Centre brings benefit to the local community in many ways including a Peace Garden (from 9am to dusk most days of the year), a World Peace Café, school visits, and meditation classes & courses open to everyone.
At Bodhisattva Kadampa Meditation Centre we offer many exciting projects that are an ideal opportunity for you to spend time with our thriving Buddhist community as well as enjoying the peaceful environment and positive atmosphere of our Centre.
A recent working visitor commented - “I had an amazing time and found the whole atmosphere of Bodhisattva Centre really friendly and welcoming. I loved the classes on Buddhism and was greatly inspired to see a community that was striving to put the teachings into practice. It was nice spending time with other working visitors too.”
The voluntary work
There are many ways you can help! The work is varied and could include cooking, gardening, office work, decorating, or helping in our cafe etc. We also have various building projects on the go at any one time that you could get involved in. We are always interested to hear about any specific skills you may be able to offer. Although the work is not always strenuous you will need to be reasonably fit and active to come on a working visit.
The Spiritual Programme at Bodhisattva KMC
As a working visitor you are welcome to take part in the spiritual activities at Bodhisattva Centre. In the evenings you can attend our meditation classes on Buddhist thought and meditation or you can attend daily prayers in one of our two beautiful meditation rooms. On some weekends we hold meditation retreats & these are free to working visitors. Please note there are no classes during our term breaks.
What we offer our working visitors
We will provide seven days free dormitory accommodation and three vegetarian meals a day in exchange for 35 hours of work (usually spread over five days). Working holidays are usually offered for one week but can be extended for special projects. Working holidays MUST be booked in advance. We offer comfortable dormitory accommodation – all you need to do is bring a sleeping bag, and if possible work clothes and boots.
Your weekends are free time and this is an ideal time to visit Brighton and the surrounding areas. We are just a few minutes walk from local parks and the sea front and a ten minute drive from the South Downs National Park – an area of protected countryside and natural beauty. There is something here for everyone so come and visit!
Please note: Since Bodhisattva Centre is a Buddhist Centre, visitors are asked not to drink alcohol or smoke on the premises. We also ask the visitors not to play musical instruments or sound systems on the property.
How to apply for a working holiday
If you wish to find out more please click on the button below and fill out an online application form. This form will take about five minutes to complete and, after its submission, we will contact you within a week to discuss the diffferent ways Bodhisattva Centre can benefit you through its volunteer program. If you have any questions regarding the application form do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!
