Dhīra Kutir

Move in. Find yourself!

Discover temple life, community, and the joining process. Application starts with a short online questionnaire.

Move in. Find yourself!

What is this opportunity about?

ISKCON is an international spiritual community based on the practice of Krishna consciousness. In Hungary, there are two ISKCON temples - located in Budapest and Somogyvámos - where you can engage as a full-time volunteer and gain deeper insight into the monastic lifestyle.

Moving into the temple is also a form of spiritual training, aimed at developing self-awareness, inner peace, and a personal relationship with God, Krishna.

Temple life includes:

  • community living
  • daily meditation and mantra chanting
  • group and individual study of Vedic scriptures (Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Caitanya Caritāmṛta, etc.)
  • service (seva)
  • simple, clean living and high thinking

Who is it for?

This opportunity is for you if you:

  • are between 18-33 years old
  • are searching for the meaning of life
  • feel disturbed by the fast-paced, materialistic world
  • want to step away from the noise
  • are interested in spirituality and self-development
  • long for a supportive community where you can be yourself
  • want to develop a personal relationship with God
  • seek deep spiritual growth and are willing to make an effort for it

What is temple life like?

Temple life is a structured and conscious lifestyle where you can practice spiritual life in a pure environment, surrounded by like-minded people without having to worry about livelihood or managing your time.

A typical day:

  • 4:00 – wake up
  • 4:30–5:15 – morning program
  • 5:15–7:00 – mantra meditation (japa)
  • 7:00–7:40 – group chanting and dancing (kīrtan)
  • 7:45–8:30 – class from Vedic scripture
  • 8:40 – breakfast
  • daytime – service (book distribution, outreach, temple cleaning, etc.)
  • evening – dinner, personal reading, free time

Community life and regular practice support your growth.

Rules and expectations

Practicing Krishna consciousness is based on certain core principles, which we call the four regulative principles:

  • No consumption of meat, fish, or eggs
  • No use of intoxicants (e.g. alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, caffeine, etc.)
  • No gambling (e.g. lottery, betting, etc.)
  • No illicit sexual activity (celibacy in the temple; regulated sex-life for practicing members)

These principles help purify the mind and heart and protect us from the negative influences of the current age.

What should you bring?

Expect a simple lifestyle. Monastic clothing is provided.

Please bring:

  • a few changes of clothes (mainly for sleeping and for your free time activities)
  • personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, nail clippers, etc.)
  • a water bottle/thermos (we can provide one if needed)
  • a mug, cutlery, and a metal plate (we can provide these if needed)
  • a japa mālā and japa bag (we can provide one if needed)
  • a notebook and pen
  • mobile phone, laptop, headphones

Most essentials are provided by the temple.

What does temple life really offer?

Benefits:

  • deep mental and emotional purification
  • a strong, supportive, youthful community
  • full care in exchange for service (three vegetarian meals daily, accommodation, clothes etc.)
  • spiritual growth
  • understanding and applying the teachings of Vedic scriptures
  • regular guidance and connection with spiritually advanced, self-realized individuals
  • building international connections
  • opportunities to learn foreign languages
  • occasional travel to holy places (e.g. India)

Possible challenges:

  • early rising
  • less free time
  • less personal space
  • a regulated lifestyle
  • adapting to community values and goals
  • mental challenges (self-discipline, handling emotions in a community, etc.)

How can you join?

  • Fill out the questionnaire so we can better understand your situation and motivation (we receive the results via email)
  • Visit the temple for a personal conversation
  • Participate in programs (e.g. Sunday events)
  • Apply for a trial period (initially 1 week, then 1 month, then 1 year)

Give it a try! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain! 😊

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Video: “A day in the temple”

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