Unlimited Lights Academy

We are an academy with a 20 year history located in the center of Taipei. While we are not a monastic temple, we do have residential monastics and a daily practice schedule or special events that you are welcome to join or may be asked to help with preparing and set up. We focus on Buddhism and Confucianism values and run classes throughout the semester, as well as provide a deep understanding of traditional Chinese culture.

While the main programming is in Mandarin there are English classes (on Wednesday and Sunday) and two Mandarin classes with live English translation (on Monday and Saturday).

Volunteering is about 5-6 hours a day, some light chores, and flexible schedule. We have two options: a two week stay in Taipei or a one week in Taipei and one week on our farm in Dongshi option. We provide homecooked vegan/vegetarian lunch and dinner (breakfast is self serve), and a central location that makes exploration easy.

We are a vibrant community that embraces kindness and Buddhist/Confucian ethics. Our members span various generations, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with diverse individuals. Additionally, we manage a Organic Farm in Dongshi (2hrs south of Taipei) that offers a longer term more quiet volunteer experience.

Many of the staff are dedicated practitioners and volunteers in their own right who not only do administrative work but lead classes online and in person. Most staff members speak English and have been proactive in expanding their understanding of foreign culture.

Volunteers to ULA are welcomed into the daily routine here, while your own travel needs are accommodated. We try to find work and have time for discussions that would be valuable for you. While we do have some general ground rules as an all ages academy, we find a lot of joy in learning together, inquiry, and community events. Quite often there are special events (like Yi dancing at the Confucian temple or making Sangha offerings at rural temples) or esteemed visitors and guests or outings. We try to give volunteers opportunities they might not otherwise experience as travelers in Taiwan.