Internship Opportunity

Reflections:

An Invitation into Sacred Service

Are you being called to live your practice more deeply?

Sangha House NOLA is welcoming applications for our Service Internship—a 3-month immersive period of sacred service, spiritual companionship, and communal care.

The Ground We Tend

Rooted in the historic 7th Ward on the sacred land of Bulbancha (New Orleans), we live and serve in rhythm with the land, ancestors, and one another.

Interns work closely with Venerable Clear Grace Dayananda and core group members, offering 25 hours per week of service (not including Sangha activities, practice periods, or personal care of shared spaces) in areas such as administration, communications, temple care, meal preparation, gardening, and more—while engaging daily in practice, self-reflection, and shared community life.

Your internship is a complete practice period with its own beginning and end. This is a mutual offering, not a paid position. Rooted in generosity, your service is met with shared living space, nourishing meals, guidance in practice, and the wealth of teachings and community life we tend together.

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Before applying, please read the [Service Internship Guide] carefully. Your reflections will be read personally by Venerable Clear Grace Dayananda. Click to Open Retreats and Stay Guide

Yes, I have read and understand the guide(Required)

Yes

What is drawing you to this opportunity?(Required)

What does sacred service mean to you?(Required)

Why Sangha House NOLA specifically? What about our vision and practice resonates with you?(Required)

Describe your experience with meditation, spiritual practice, or contemplative living. (Required)(Required)

Have you practiced Buddhism or studied Buddhist teachings? If so, in what tradition(s) and for how long?(Required)

Have you lived in intentional community or shared living spaces before? If so, describe your experience. If not, what draws you to this way of living?(Required)

How do you feel about engaging in all forms of service?(Required)

This internship requires 25 hours per week of service work (administration, cooking, garden care, temple maintenance, etc.). This does NOT include Sangha activities and practice periods (Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday gatherings, meditation, monthly events and other sangha events) or your personal responsibility for cleaning up after yourself in shared spaces. Understanding this full scope of commitment.

How do you feel about living within these parameters for 3 months?(Required)

Noble Silence is observed from 9 PM to 8 AM daily, and mindful speech is practiced throughout the day. Phone and video calls are minimized.

The Five Precepts include practicing celibacy during your stay. Are you prepared to honor this commitment?

Yes

I have questions about this

Interns participate in all weekly Sangha gatherings (Tuesday Dharma Night, Thursday Evening Practice, Saturday Morning Meditation) and monthly events (Community Day of Mindfulness, Core Group potluck). This is required, not optional. Does this align with your availability and commitment?

Yes

I have scheduling conflicts I need to discuss

Conflict Resolution

As we practice together, we recognize that conflict and difficulties may arise as part of our shared human experience. When concerns surface, we approach them directly and with mindfulness.

The process:

First, seek resolution directly. A one-on-one conversation will first be held to address the matter with clarity and care as soon as possible. Do not let concerns linger or accumulate, find the right time to have a conversation. This allows space for honest dialogue, accountability, and mutual understanding. You may also bring concerns to your weekly conversations with Venerable, where feedback and guidance are shared.

If it is discerned that a more intricate approach is needed, such as when a situation involves multiple people or impacts the collective rhythm of community life, a circle may be called to support deeper reflection, communication, and resolution. In such cases, Venerable Dayananda and at least one core group member (more when available) will be present to help guide the process in alignment with our shared practice and values.

Our intention is always to meet conflict with awareness, honesty, and care, creating conditions for understanding, reconciliation, and continued harmony within the Sangha.

How do you typically respond to feedback, especially when it's difficult to hear? Share an example if possible.(Required)

What do you hope to offer to this community during your 3 months? (Not what you hope to receive, but what you bring.)(Required)

This is an unpaid internship sustained by mutual generosity. How do you plan to support yourself during your 3-month stay?(Required)

Are there any personal, professional, or family commitments that might impact your ability to be fully present for 3 months?(Required)

Can you commit to the full 3 months?

Yes, I can commit to 3 months

No, I need a shorter commitment

I'm unsure and want to discuss

Preferred Start Date(Required)

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References 1

Please provide two references - people who can speak to your character, reliability, and ability to live in community.

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References 2

Please provide two references - people who can speak to your character, reliability, and ability to live in community.

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Relationship

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Is there anything about the internship requirements (25 hrs/week service, communal living, Noble Silence, celibacy, unpaid position, 3-month commitment) that concerns you or that you'd like to discuss before applying?(Required)

Anything else you'd like us to know(Required)

If it feels aligned, we will follow up with the full registration form and schedule a conversation with Venerable Clear Grace Dayananda for mutual discernment.

If this path stirs something true in you, we welcome your reflections.

Boundless Love in Action · Liberation in Practice