Service-Study Application

The Service-Study Program at Land of Medicine Buddha
This program is a calling for those who long to serve with open hands and open hearts, embodying the timeless values of compassion, wisdom, and generosity.
As a Service-Study participant, you are invited to weave your unique gifts into the fabric of our community, offering your talents in service, nurturing harmony, and supporting the life of a retreat center dedicated to healing and awakening.
Here, amidst redwoods and stillness, your daily work becomes spiritual practice. Each task is both an offering to others and an opportunity to deepen your own learning, presence, and connection with the Dharma.
Service-Study participants are not only helpers; they are vital threads in the tapestry of Land of Medicine Buddha. Their contributions sustain the heart of our center, and their presence is cherished as part of our collective path of service and transformation.

Basic Information

Current Address(Required)
Please attach a recent resume
Max. file size: 2 GB.

Emergency contact and health

In the past five years, have you experienced any significant mental or emotional health challenges (including depression, anxiety, or substance use)?(Required)

Your Spiritual & Dharma Path

If so, please explain what you found difficult and what you found rewarding
Things such as carpentry, housekeeping experience, computer skills, kitchen work, etc.
All jobs in the Service-Study Program require the ability to lift 30 pounds and engage in physical, repetitive activity as well as being on one's feet for up to five hours at a time. Are you capable of meeting these requirements?(Required)
Are you comfortable with a vegetarian diet when dining/cooking on-site?(Required)
The food provided at LMB's kitchen is vegetarian only.
Are you willing to abide by the 5 Lay Precepts?(Required)
All people who live, work, and visit LMB are asked to adhere to the 5 Lay Precepts while on-site at LMB. The 5 Lay Precepts are: Avoid killing any living being (including mosquitoes or any other insects) Avoid stealing Avoid lying Avoid sexual misconduct Avoid intoxicants (including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, etc.)
Please provide the name, phone number, and email address of two professional or academic references (not related to you)
Please use this space to give any further explanation about the above questions or other things you think we should know

Cohort

When can you come?(Required)
To foster a harmonious rhythm in our community life and workflow, we ask everyone to arrive together so we can begin the onboarding process as one team.
Can you stay with us for a minimum of 2 months after your trial period of 3 weeks?(Required)

Agreements and Land of Medicine Buddha Work-Study Guidelines

1. Purpose of the Service-Study Program(Required)
The Service-Study program is not only about service to the center but also a living practice of Dharma in action. Lama Yeshe often reminded us that the real monastery is in the heart—our daily tasks become opportunities to awaken compassion, wisdom, and joyful perseverance.
2. Attitude of Service(Required)
Approach each task, whether simple or complex, as an offering to the Three Jewels and to all beings. Lama Zopa Rinpoche teaches: “Even cleaning a toilet can be done with the motivation to purify the mind and benefit all beings.” Remember that no work is too small; every action contributes to the flourishing of the Dharma and the wellbeing of the community.
3. Community Living(Required)
Live harmoniously with fellow residents, staff, and retreatants, cultivating patience, kindness, and respect. Maintain mindfulness of speech and action—let words be gentle, true, and supportive. Alcohol, recreational drugs, and harmful behaviors are not part of this path.
4. Spiritual Practice(Required)
Begin and end the day with a few minutes of meditation, prayers, or reflection. Participate in community practices where possible (morning puja, evening prayers, group meditations). Study Dharma through available teachings, texts, or recorded talks, integrating learning with daily life.
5. Work Practice(Required)
Commit to a balanced daily schedule of service (25 hours per week over 5 days). Be reliable and communicate clearly with coordinators about your tasks and availability. Treat tools, facilities, and natural surroundings with care and gratitude.
6. Learning and Transformation(Required)
Approach challenges with curiosity and patience; difficulties are part of the practice. Lama Yeshe reminded us: “The real practice is your everyday life. Do your work with a good heart and it becomes the path to enlightenment.” Let mistakes and feedback be opportunities to deepen humility and wisdom.
7. Environment and Land Stewardship(Required)
Land of Medicine Buddha rests on sacred ground. Treat the redwoods, animals, neighbors, and environment with reverence. Be mindful of waste, water, and energy use. Choose simplicity and sustainability whenever possible.
8. Commitment and Accountability(Required)
Work-Study participants agree to stay for the scheduled period arranged with the coordinator. Respect boundaries, schedules, and commitments and if difficulties arise, communicate openly with the program coordinator to seek resolution.
9. Service-Study Program Commitment(Required)
The Service Study Program is a residential offering that combines service, Dharma study, and personal practice. By applying to the Service Study Program, you acknowledge that flexibility, reliability, and participation in these elements are essential parts of the experience. Participants are asked to commit to:
I agree to do my best to follow the guidelines of Land of Medicine Buddha and to treat residents, teachers, staff, neighbors, and the environment with respect and care. I understand that participation in the Service-Study Program is an opportunity to grow spiritually, and if my conduct is found to be disrespectful or inconsistent with these guidelines, Land of Medicine Buddha reserve the right to ask me to leave the program.(Required)
10. Arrival & Departure Agreements:(Required)
For the harmony and respect of LMB community and other work studies, I agree to arrive and depart on the scheduled dates as arranged with Land of Medicine Buddha.