Service as the Path (2024)

11 March – 29 September 2024

Application & Registration Process

Service is at the heart of Awakening – by giving our energy with the intention to wake up, and to support others in this great work, we open consciously into the stream of generosity which sustains all beings.

“Service as the Path” (SAP) is an opportunity for those interested in coming to Wangapeka to offer service to the Centre, to practice and study dharma together in a small community, for the benefit of all. Click this link to read more about the background to SAP – SAP Background Document

There are opportunities to join SAP in three different ways:

1. Wangapeka Centre Work Service

• Specific tasks to support the ongoing running and wellbeing of the Centre and its retreatants.
• A commitment to individual and community meditation practice and classes.
• 2 options for work service: 3 hours per day or 5 hours per day, 6 days a week. (see costs for detail)
• Guidance for meditation practice is provided.
• Minimum period: 2 weeks

2. Meditation Retreat Work Service

• Practicing meditation in a retreat environment with support.
• A commitment to individual and community service and practice.
• Guidance for meditation practice is provided.
• 1-2 hours of work service, 6 days a week.
• Minimum period: 2 weeks

3. Long-term Solo Retreat

• Deep meditation retreat time for experienced practitioners.
• Minimum period is 3 weeks, solo, in a hut (or camping, in season).
• Mature practitioners with confidence may practice on their own.
• Meditation guidance available with Bonni Ross; if requested.
• Support with some cooked meals might be possible.
• This option requires Board of Trustee approval and the completion of the SAP solo retreat form. Please enquire if interested.

Work Service and Meditation Retreat Work Service – what is offered and what you will be committing to:

• The opportunity of work service in a variety of ways, to support the Wangapeka Centre and its community, depending on what is needed.
• A commitment to live, work, practice and inquire, in community.
• Daily group practice and ongoing support to learn meditation skills.
• Integrating study, practice and work service, into a life motivated by service to the greater good.
• A weekly sangha/community sharing circle this is a meditation on listening and communication where we share our authentic experience and questions.
• A weekly dharma class – these will be crafted around the theme of dharma and service.
• Creative and spontaneous group sessions.
• Community days – inviting & supporting the wider community to join.
• Time for individual study and practice of mediation.
• The chance to spend time in the beautiful environment of the Wangapeka whenua.
• Shared meals including community cooking and clean-up.

Service as the Path: Costs

1. Work Service

• Option (a) – 3 hours service work, 6 days a week with one day of no work: (2 week minimum).
• Free accommodation.
• Food: $150 per week, self and group catering.
• $150 covers all basic meals and snacks. Extra and special diet food at your own cost and organised by you.
• Administration Fee $100
• Option (b) – 5 hours service work, 6 days a week with one day of no work (2 week minimum).
• Free accommodation.
• Food: No cost—self and group catering.
• All basic meals and snacks covered. Extra and special diet food at your own cost and organised by you.
• Administration Fee $100

2. Meditation Retreat Work Service

• With Service as the Path Community Programme (2 week minimum).
• Accommodation – First two weeks at full price: $672 members, $812 non-members. After two weeks: accommodation costs by Dana.
• Food: $150 per week, self and group catering.
• $150 covers all basic meals and snacks. Extra and special diet food at your own cost and organised by you.
• Administration Fee $100

3. Long-term Solo Retreat

• Self-directed for mature practitioners (3 week minimum).
• Accommodation – First two weeks at full price: $672 members, $812 non-members. After two weeks: accommodation costs by Dana.
• Food: $150 per week, self-catering. Or self-catering and organise your own shopping, budget and shopper.
• $150–Take supplies from the Service as the Path food pool. Covers all basic meals and snacks. Extra and special diet food at your own cost and organised by you.

Work Service and Meditation Retreat Work Service – Example of Daily Schedule

SAP – Daily Schedule

• 6:30am – Movement & Meditation
• 8:00am – Breakfast
• 8:45am – Group orientation of SAP participants
• 9:15am – Service tasks & individual practice
• 12:30pm – Lunch
• Service tasks & individual practice
• 6:00pm – Dinner
• 7:30pm – Evening practice

SAP – Weekly Schedule

• Weekly Dharma Class
• Weekly Sangha/Community Sharing Circle
• Creative Community Sessions

Application Process

If you are interested in applying, please respond to the following questions and email your application to: – serviceasthepath@gmail.com attention: Kath and Mark – we would love to hear from you!

Please share:

1. Your aspiration for “Service as the Path”. What is inspiring you to apply and what do you wish to develop in your life by attending?
2. Your background with meditation/mindfulness and if you have any specific interest regarding dharma and practice.
3. The specific skills you can offer at Wangapeka.
4. How is your health, in mind and body? Do you have any health concerns or needs that may impact your time during SAP?
5. When, and for how long you are interested in attending? People need to stay for a minimum of 2 weeks and ideally, arrive at Wangapeka on a Friday.
6. Is there anything else you feel would be relevant to share and any further questions you have regarding SAP?

Next steps…

1.  Once your application is received and accepted you will be sent a link inviting you to complete an on-line registration form.

2.  Fill in the registration form and pay your $100 deposit. Once this is submitted you will receive an email acknowledgement and a copy of your registration form.

Please note – your place and dates on SAP are only accepted after you have received the confirmation email from the SAP Coordinator. This will include the costs, payment methods, and arrival/departure logistics.

Co-ordinator Role

We are looking for someone who would like to offer work service as Coordinator for the SAP community over the 6 months.

The role involves:

• Living at Wangapeka and full involvement in the SAP community.
• 6 days a week with 1 day free.
• Communicating with Kath, Mark, Centre Caretaker, Land Caretaker and Office Caretaker, SAP participants and Course Managers for tandem retreats.
• Helping co-ordinate work service participants and tasks.
• Overseeing admin and coordinating SAP arrivals and departures from the centre.
• Costings for participants and overseeing payment.
• Food budgeting and ordering.
• Miscellaneous tasks as needed.
• The coordinator would be offered food and accommodation at no cost.
• Contact Mark and Kath if you are interested. serviceasthepath@gmail.com

If you would like to offer support to “Service as the Path” in any way, please feel welcome to contact us at serviceasthepath@gmail.com

May all beings be well and happy, may all beings be free!