We are very grateful to have recently begun work on a new monastic residence for the brothers. The building is one-story, approximately 3,590 square feet, stick-framed, drywall on interior, siding rain-screen on exterior with metal roof.
The building will feature sustainability measures such as natural air-flow ventilation, increased thermal insulation, rain-screen exterior wall, high efficiency heat pumps, a separate grey water system for irrigation of slope garden, rainwater collection, potential humanure composting and the use of sustainable materials.
We are doing much of the work with volunteer practitioners in order to build community, and reduce costs for the monastery. We will practice a 30-40h/week mindful working schedule that will include weekly Dharma sharing. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to practice one day of mindfulness a week with the community on Sunday. Food and lodging will be provided by the monastery.
We hope you will be able to come during the period in which your skills are most needed! Thanks for volunteering!
Schedule status:
We received our permit on April 23! We are currently in the process of completing preparations for pouring concrete.
Construction dates
Concrete: April 30 to May 20, 2024
Framing: May 20 to June 30, 2024
Roofing, rough-ins: June 30 to August 12
Drywall: August
Finishes: September/October
3 responses to “Volunteer to Build the Monks Residence”
I studied & practiced Zen Buddhism first, & then daily Taoist meditation for 7 years before joining the sangha of HE Khandro Rinpoche in 2004, with whom I took my refuge vows & bodhisattva vows in the Nyingma tradition. I have not yet studied specifically in Thay’s tradition, but have reached the point where I need to now. I hope that I may volunteer with you in California, & in that process, perhaps, join the sangha there, & return to the zen roots that set me on the buddhist path in the first place. I am currently a college student at the University of Wisconsin, studying Comparative Literature, Spanish & French. My studies have always been of paramount importance to me, & I now look forward to joining a formal sangha again. In years past, I have volunteered in residence at Karma Cho Ling in Vermont, & at Pema Ling in Loray, Virginia, including temple duties, cooking for the sangha, organic agriculture, grounds & facilities maintenance, & serving Her Eminence Khandro Rinpoche. I would be most humbled to serve the sangha at Deer Park in the near future, if & when there may be a place for me.
Howzit, My name is Ken Knight. I have spent the last 40 years (30 in San Diego) being a union carpenter building high-rises, treatment plants, commercial buildings and homes as a worker and a foreman. I am VERY versed in concrete ( footings, slab on grade and cast in place) and wood framing (commercial and housing).I would like to meet with you to see the plans to see how I can help most. I have only been to Deer Park twice, RSVP fills up quick. Please let know if I can help.
I took novice Soto Zen vows in 2009 and am grateful to order my time and talent to help provide space for people to grow.
I have my own tools and equipment, as I do side jobs in my free time. From grading to paint, I have experience to give.
May you all be at peace today.