Dechen Chöling is the European land centre of the Shambhala lineage, situated in the midst of beautiful soft green hills and magnificent old trees in the region of Limousin, France. People from any spiritual or religious background come from all over the world to discover the richness of their own potential through practicing meditation and other contemplative disciplines. We offer a wide variety of programmes and retreats contributing to create a culture of basic goodness within the society. We’re welcoming hundreds of participants each year, beginners or experienced practitioners.
We are hiring
We currently don’t have any openings. However, feel free to have a look at our “Meditation in Action” program, in case you would like to spend time at Dechen Chöling.
Staff conditions
The heart of Dechen Chöling is a community of practitioners. Working in Dechen Chöling goes together with daily practice and community life on land.
The working day is varied and depends on your role and department. Staff have the opportunity for at least two hours of personal practice per day, regular teachings by local and visiting teachers, community celebrations, study classes and, in the summer, the Dechen Chöling tradition of swimming in the near-by River Vienne. The day starts at 8.30 am with morning meditation, followed by the “daily gathering” at 9.30 am, where work and other issues are discussed, before starting work at 10 am.
- All staff participate in a rota to do household jobs.
- Practice times are in the morning from 7:30 to 8:30 and in the evening from 17:45 to 18:45.
- There are two days off per week and staff receive 5 weeks holiday per year.
- All staff have a meditation instructor and the opportunity for regular interviews and teachings
- All staff go through a probationary period for the first month to see if they and Dechen Chöling are happy with the arrangement before making a longer term commitment.