Volunteer to Build the Monks Residence

Rendering of the new monks residence

The new monks residence construction will start in August or September 2023 and will take 6-7 months to build. 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, separate grey water system for irrigation of slope garden, rainwater collection, potential humanure composting and the use of sustainable materials.

We are also planning to do most of the work with volunteer help to reduce costs and build community. Volunteers will practice a 30-40h/week work schedule and Dharma sharing. Food and lodging will be provided by the monastery. We hope volunteers may come and stay with us during the period in which your skills are most needed.

Please note that currently plans are being developed and permitted, so schedule is subject to change, check our status page for details.

Schedule status:

Permitting: in progress, expected completion November 2023

Preliminary construction dates.

Concrete: December 2023 Aug, Sep ‘23

Framing: January/February 2024 Oct, Nov ‘23

Rough-ins: March/April 2024 Dec ’23 – Jan `24

Roofing, rough-ins: May 2024 Dec ’23 – Jan `24

Drywall: June 2024 Jan – Feb ‘24

Finishes: July/August 2024 Feb – Mar ‘24

Preliminary Interest Form to Build the Monks Residence

Name(Required)
Your Location
Email(Required)

What skills are you able to offer?

Mark any/all that apply.
Material procurement
Framing
Roofing, Sheet Metal
Concrete
Drywall
Finish Carpentry
HVAC, Sheet Metal
Plumbing
Electrical
Painting
Landscaping
Labor
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3 responses to “Volunteer to Build the Monks Residence”

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

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