Lead Cook at Retreat Center

The Lead Cook assists the Kitchen Manager in meeting the needs of retreaters and staff as it relates to meal service. At Vajrapani Institute, we strive to cultivate a contemplative environment and the kitchen department is at the heart of that endeavor – nourishing our staff and guests’ bodies so they have the energy to nourish their minds in spiritual growth. Our Kitchen philosophy is to provide a meditative atmosphere that allows a calm, peaceful, and loving energy to flow into the food. The intention is to cultivate a sense of pervading peacefulness and serenity so that anyone who steps into the kitchen and dining areas feel that sense of support and nurturing.

 Our food services provide meals for group retreaters in our main dining room, along with delivering meals to solo retreaters in our ridge cabins. The Lead Cook also helps with the organizing and cleaning the kitchen. 

Vajrapani Institute is located on a secluded 70 acres of land within the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Our purpose is to inspire deep spiritual growth by providing supportive conditions to both guests and staff members from all religious background. For over 40 years, we have been hosting retreats in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of our founders Lama Yeshe and Kyabje Lama Zopa Rinpoche.  

For a detailed job description and to apply for the position: http://www.vajrapani.org/employment-and-volunteering/