Dharma Work Exchange Program

Application LINK HERE (microsoft word.doc)  (view as .pdf)
　

Beginning October 1, 2009, the Detroit Zen Center will accept applications for its Dharma Work Exchange Program.  Through a 3 or 6 month exchange, we hope to provide a unique and valuable opportunity to live a simple, sustainable, and service-oriented life in a community setting, based on the principles of Zen Buddhism. 

In exchange for room, board, and a small stipend, students will participate in 25 hours/ week of manual work under the guidance of skilled workers and monks, including work in the on-site organic/raw café and co-op, composting, recycling, woodworking, farming, gardening and general maintenance.  In addition, exchange students will work with the Director to design a schedule in the meditation hall.  All Zen Center residents are expected to regularly attend the Sunday evening meditation and Dharma talk held from 5-6:30pm.

Students will work along with the resident monks and students as well as a diverse mix of volunteers and visitors.  Hwalson Sunim, the Center founder and a monk for 35 years, is our much-admired resident teacher.  He provides guidance and inspiration to all who come to work and practice here, and is available to exchange students around questions and exploration of zen practice during their stay.   Through this program, we hope to help develop a solid foundation to anyone wanting to create a more grounded life with purpose and meaning.

The Zen Center daily schedule can be viewed online at www.detroitzencenter.org.  This schedule is followed by the monks and full-time students.  Exchange students are NOT expected to follow the full schedule, and will work along with the Director to design an individual schedule that incorporates the minimum work hours and some participation in the meditations.   After their stay, students can apply for another exchange, or could apply to become a full-time student or training monk.

The Detroit Zen Center is located in the center of the district of Hamtramck, near the epicenter of Detroit.  The neighborhood is relatively safe and home to over 32 ethnic groups.  It is a poor, diverse, dense and extremely urban setting.  Detroit is home to many urban pioneers, in a way the Zen Center is one, which creates a unique setting. We work to foster an environment that is warm and engaging while maintaining the focus and sense of urgency that is imperative in any serious spiritual training environment.   

Through clear meditation, work, and relations with others, may we realize our underlying union with all things, and begin to live accordingly.