Mindfulness Internship Position in New Zealand

About the Centre:

Dharma Gaia is a Mindfulness Practice Centre, nestled among the Beautiful Coastal hills of the Coromandel Peninsula, on the North Island of New Zealand. Dharma Gaia was established and continues to be inspired by the Teachings of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and the Plum Village Tradition. Our daily mindfulness practice is deeply nourished by the peaceful surroundings, with gardens, bush, streams, hills and birdlife reminding us to stop, come home, and ‘ Be Present ‘ in our work, play and rest. Throughout the year we offer regular retreats, mindfulness weekends and specific practice periods of meditation and mindfulness.

Dharma Gaia is presently entrusted into the care of Sister Shalom and 4 Lay Practitioners (including one joyful 6yr old). Sister Shalom is an ordained Buddhist nun committed to living deeply. Her life and teachings naturally encourage and support others to practice for healing and transformation. We enjoy practicing mindfulness in Community to nourish our peace, joy, and concentration, deepening our understanding and clarity for the benefit of all beings.

Dharma Gaia offers an environment for cultivating mindfulness and concentration.

Living with mindfulness as the foundation of our life, we can see what is really going on, and this is a deeply rewarding and transformative path.

Being an Intern at Dharma Gaia:

We are looking for interns who are committed to:

• Daily mindfulness practice as a path of happiness and healing.
• Being in community, taking good care of each other, the Centre, our guests and oneself as one body
• Practicing the 5 Mindfulness Trainings (precepts)
• Mindful working meditation
• Participating and contributing whole heartedly

Life at Dharma Gaia provides many opportunities for mindfulness practice in formal and informal ways.

*** Commitment to Sangha and personal practice is an essential aspect to this internship.

Including:

• Daily community practice, morning walking and sitting.
• Meals in silence
• Sangha practice (2-3 evenings a week )
• During Retreats, interns are expected to participate, support guests and fulfill Centre responsibilities.

Details:

Qualifications: Experience in the Plum Village Tradition.

When: The Internship opening is for 9 months (October 2015- June 2016). Applications with a commitment for 1 month or longer within this period will be considered

Cost: Interns are asked to pay $240 per month towards food costs, we buy mostly organic. This is greatly appreciated if possible, but partial or full scholarships are available

Accommodation: Cabin, Dorm or Tent

Food: The food prepared at Dharma Gaia is: vegetarian, simple, wholesome and nutricious, using produce organically grown from the garden or locally sourced.

Typical Daily Schedule:

6am- 7.15 Morning sitting and walking practice

7.30 am    Breakfast , clean up and household delights.

8.30 am    Community gather, sing, share

9 – 1pm     Working meditation

1.15          Lunch and clean up

2- 6pm      Rest period and Personal time

6- 6.45      Dinner

7pm          Sangha practice ( 2-3 evenings per week )

The working meditation period includes:

• projects on the land
• gardening
• retreat preparation, cleaning and cooking
• general centre care and maintenance

Monday is rest and personal practice day.

With a deep commitment to practice, this Internship Position offers an opportunity to learn and cultivate mindfulness in daily life, developing wholesome relationship within oneself and the world whilst supporting Dharma Gaia in BEING an offering of peace, for rest and transformation.

Application Process: If this Internship Position interests you please email us at: peace@dharmagaia.org

Before contacting us, please consider deeply your needs and expectations and ours. If you feel there is harmony and your interest is strong, we look forward to hearing from you.

For further information about Dharma Gaia, visit: http://dharmagaia.org