Living & Working in Great Places

Odiyan or Nyingma Centers

Has anyone had any experience that you can share with me about these centers?

Permalink Reply by Jim on February 1, 2009 at 8:01pm: I too am very curious about these people. I met a woman last summer in Yosemite who was going to work for one of these centers. Unfortunately we didn't exchange contact info. I hope she's doing well.

These Buddhist centers are going to be a magnet for misfits and soul-searchers, which my friend was. I'm one too! Let's hope we get some feedback on this site from people who are living at one of these places. Enquiring minds!!! Jim; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by reggie on February 1, 2009 at 8:19pm: from what just read u have to give up alot of things hardly any outside contact u cant eat any type of meat and theyre very relgious; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jim on February 1, 2009 at 8:58pm: Reginald:
Hmmm. I could do with not eating meat, but I do love to drink wine, which probably isn't allowed. Sounds like a cult to me if they don't allow outside contact. Scary. However, I'll keep an open mind until we hear from some people who are living in one of these centers that seem to be located in some gorgeous areas.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brenda on February 1, 2009 at 10:34pm: I worked with a guy last summer that was heading to a place called UPAYA out in new Mexico. it's a zen Buddhist center. We did exchange emails, and I have emailed him but he has not responded. He told me when we were up there at the North Rim what they live like. they have there meditation time and there work time. It's not really that scary just because they don't contact others. it's because they are focusing on there creation and there own journey and a higher power. I am not Buddhist but I have gone through a similar time because of my religious affiliation. It's actually very peaceful and it quiets the inner self from this hectic world. A lot of people don't understand about it until they go through it themselves. I don't know weather the two mentioned centers above are zen centers but if they are then I believe it would be an interesting place to stay for a time. The other kind of Buddhist I know nothing about or how there run.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jim on February 2, 2009 at 7:33am: You are right Brenda. We, or rather I :) need to keep an open mind. The peace and quiet part appeals to me greatly. I'm just not an "organized religion" type of person and pursue inner calm and peace on my own. It will be interesting to hear from your friend who, like my friend, hasn't been in touch. Jim; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by ynpgal on February 2, 2009 at 6:42am: OK, kids...our ignorance is showing.
Buddhist Centers are places where folks can go and disconnect from the modern world for a while. They spend time being quiet and looking for a deeper peace and a connection to one's self so they can learn to avoid some of life's inherent pain and suffering. It's simple and totally voluntary... And, definitely not a cult. I can't imaging standing Buddha and that guy in Texas side by side and calling them the same kind of people.

Namaste
ynpgal; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Brenda on February 2, 2009 at 10:29am: No reason to call names YNP. some of them may not know period. Granted, the word ignorant does mean lack their of knowledge, to not know something, but theirs a nicer way to explain that then to refer to people in that kind of manner.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kathi on February 2, 2009 at 5:25pm: Let me just make a suggestion. Call each place and ASK THEM. They'll tell you exactly what it's like. If you're interested in Buddhist theory and practice, then it's the place for you. If you're not, then choose a national park maybe.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michal Wisniowski on April 1, 2009 at 7:36am: Just wanted to share with you guys this little FAQ I wrote about Odiyan... http://www.mentisworks.org/2008/03/odiyan-frequently-asked-question...

I was there for six months in 2006. Wow, that seems like ages ago now, but it's still pretty fresh in my mind ^_^.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kathi on April 1, 2009 at 7:43am: Michael,
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. That's a well thought out and wonderful FAQ.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Katie Pence-Robbins on October 3, 2009 at 5:47pm: Hi,
I'd like to respond to this thread. I've been involved w/ Nyingma Centers since 1980, let's see that's 29 years now...
All I can say is I've only seen integrity in the way Odiyan participates w/ people,students,volunteers.It's not easily understood, we come from a western perspective.Mostly it's about energy, understanding it, working with your own potential.Using, directing it into something positive.
Then it's about preserving Tibetan Culture. We are at a critical time for this as most high Lama's from Tibet(born and educated in that culture, before the Chinese invasion and destruction) have already lived out their lives and there are very few left who understand how and what's important to preserve about this peaceable culture, this land that was not invaded for almost 2000 years and held the essence of Buddhist teachings. A very sophisticated lineage, well documented and spiritually advanced techniques.
I think it's a wonderful way to participate and learn about the very essence of these teachings to volunteer there.
I volunteered for four years part time,I lived there for eight wonderful, but hard years. They took a rough stone , gave it shape,confidence and brilliance. I have continued to work there as a volunteer and participant for the remaining years.I am happy and live a good life.
One of "these people", Katie; ▶ Reply to This