Odiyan Country Center

Odiyan is a volunteer-based community in Northern California offering a Resident Volunteer Work-Study Program. Odiyan is dedicated to preserving and activating the sacred teachings, symbols, and values of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded in 1975 under the guidance of Tibetan Lama Tarthang Tulku, Odiyan exists to serve peace and harmony for all beings through meaningful work, mindful living, and a shared commitment to ancient wisdom. At the heart of Odiyan’s 1,000-acre sanctuary stands a living mandala of temples, sacred art, and spiritual structures—hand-built over decades by volunteers from around the world. Every day, we care for this sacred site with devotion and intention, knowing that the work we do today helps carry timeless teachings into the future. Volunteering at Odiyan is not just a way to give—it’s a way to grow. We offer a rare opportunity to step away from the distractions of modern life and toward a way of living rooted in mindfulness, service, and connection. Volunteers participate in projects like sacred art creation, temple care, organic gardening, and community living, all while engaging in Buddhist study and meditation. If you're searching for deeper meaning, self-understanding, and a chance to make a positive impact in the world, Odiyan welcomes you. What We Offer: - Room and board in a beautiful, peaceful setting - A monthly living allowance - Daily vegetarian meals, often grown on-site - Buddhist classes, meditation, and practice opportunities - Hands-on training in traditional arts, sustainable living, and collaborative work - A supportive, mission-driven community dedicated to transformation—inner and outer Odiyan is a place for those who feel called to contribute their energy to something greater. If you’re ready to live with purpose, work with your whole heart, and discover what’s possible when intention meets community, we invite you to explore life at Odiyan.