Volunteer Program
In addition to being an off-grid, holistic retreat center on the Big Island, Hawaii, Kirpal Meditation & Ecological Center (KMEC) is an intentional community, composed of free-thinking individuals who value awareness, understanding, equanimity, personal development and love, living and working together to serve a higher purpose.
We are fulfilled by living a life of seva (“service”) for our community, guests, and land, co-creating a positive, uplifting environment and supporting all inner work, so that each of us may be empowered to progress and develop on our personal paths. Each day, it is important, we also honor and serve ourselves - nourishing our bodies with organic medicine straight from the garden, centering our minds with yoga and other forms of movement meditation, and awakening your souls through meditation and communion with the divine. “True selfless service encompasses helping more than our own physical family; it includes all humanity.” - Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj
We are blessed to be living on a secluded ten acres of thriving organic fruit trees with views of the ocean and the fields of volcanic rock from the most recent lava flows, creating the perfect backdrop to unearth your inner peace. The land also provides plenty of natural resources and opportunities for self-sustainable living. We support all Souls on their own paths while sharing our intent to build a more equitable and sustainable community.
The Community Experience
Our Community Members see selfless service as an essential part of going deeper into their practice and aim to live with a Loving mindset. You will be committing to serve 25 hours a week in exchange for a comfortable bed in one of our hand-built cabins, utilities, amenities and access to various classes or workshops that may be held during your stay. This includes daily Yoga led by certified instructors in our sunrise, ocean-viewing Yoga Hale and group Satsang in our meditation pavilion. Many Community Members have found this to be an deeply-rewarding and life-enriching opportunity to contribute to a vibrant community of healers, teachers, artists, and spiritual seekers.
Please note that due to the 2018 Lava Flows we are far removed from the nearest town (approximately 35 minute drive), the nearest swimming beach (approximately 30 minute drive), and most social gatherings. This is a serene and peaceful location for those looking to deepen their individual journey in community setting that is off-grid.
Our Accommodations
KMEC offers simple and comfortable shared cabins. Furnished with a twin bed, clean sheets, and storage. We provide Wi-fi, hot showers, flush toilets, laundry machines. Plus all the necessities to be supported as you spend your time working and living in tropical paradise, only half a mile from the Ocean.
Our Community As Living Education
We encourage all of our community members to share their interests and gifts with the community by way of classes and workshops. These can be donation based or even offered to our guests to earn extra income. We are actively experiencing and growing together as we steward the land and cultivate healing and growth for ourselves and others.
Tuition Cost
1 month commitment: $625 monthly fee (~$20/day)
2 months or more commitment: $469 monthly fee (~$15/day)
Volunteer program tuition covers the cost of 3 nutritious plant-based or vegan meals daily.
Leadership Opportunities
As we continue to grow as a community, we are open for the right-fit applicants with the relevant experience, values, ambition and eagerness to help co-create something lasting and beautiful with us. Most of our leadership positions are currently filled, we will make way for leadership opportunities as they arise.
We are excited to search for a long-term certified Yoga instructor. The right fit for a yoga instructor will include working with other volunteers to support the community as a whole. Meditation leading is a plus! All individuals interested long-term positions begin within our volunteer program. This yoga instructor would begin as a volunteer and could begin as a long-term leader starting Summer 2024.
Interested in contributing to our mission here at the Kirpal Meditation and Ecological Center?
We are very excited to learn more about you and how you might fit in our community.