Yasodhara Ashram Kitchen Learning Residency is intended for individuals who want to broaden and deepen their understanding of food preparation and the practice of Karma Yoga. Karma Yoga is the practice of selfless service, and is an essential part of life at Yasodhara Ashram.
In the summer, many of our vegetables, fruits and berries come directly from our garden and orchards.
Each day the kitchen team is responsible for feeding 50-130 people two nutritious, organic, mostly vegetarian, buffet-style meals. (Breakfasts are prepared by karma yogis and residents.)
Working alongside our Red Seal trained chef, your role will be to help create beautiful, nutritious meals made from fresh, organic food. We serve a whole foods diet, including grains, vegetables and fruit with occasional use of dairy, eggs, fish and chicken. The three-fold goal is to create meals that are:
- Healthy and nutritionally balanced
- Seasonally-responsive
- Simple and well-presented, honouring the nature and flavour of the foods
HELPFUL SKILLS & ABILITIES
- A curiosity and openness to explore living in a spiritual community
- Willingness to learn
- Interest and knowledge about food and sustainability
- Ability to oversee both big picture and day to day tasks
- Communication skills for reporting, cooperation and instruction
- Ability to prioritize and adjust plans easily
- Organizational skills (records, tools, people, supplies)
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work in a changing environment
- Keen observation
- A desire to bring care into all actions
KITCHEN SPECIFIC SKILLS & ABILITIES
Some of these can be acquired through the program, however previous experience is an asset:
Technical
- Some experience or knowledge of quality food preparation and nutrition
- Experience in a commercial kitchen
- Understanding of vegetarian and vegan principles
- Baking experience
- Ability to prepare foods according to prescribed recipes or to follow lead cooks’ instructions
- Knowledge of methods, materials and practices of volume food preparation (helpful but not essential; you will learn this!)
- Knowledge in the use of standard food preparation equipment and utensils
- Ability and desire to learn through hands-on experience, oral instruction and observation, as well as through written materials.
Physical requirements
- Ability to work hard physically (chopping, lifting, moving bags of food etc)
Interpersonal Leadership and Communication
- Ability to make work meaningful by encouraging an atmosphere for reflection and spiritual practice, embodying the spirit of Karma Yoga
- Ability to prioritize and oversee daily, weekly and seasonal activities
- High level of personal motivation and self-management
- Desire to work in and help maintain a harmonious work environment
- An attitude of service, a positive disposition and an interest in living and learning within a spiritual community.
Intake Dates and Application Process
Applications for learning residences close one month ahead of each intake date. Early applications are encouraged. Intake spots may be limited to one resident per intake period.
The three month residency dates for 2018 are:
- May 1 – Jul 23
- May 29 – Aug 20
- Jun 26 –Sep 17
- Jul 24 – Oct 15
- Aug 21 – Nov 12
- Sep 18 – Dec 3
To apply, please fill out and submit the application form.