Opened in the in the Fall of 2009 in central Berkeley, Mangalam is a center for the study and translation of Tibetan Buddhist texts. Mangalam serves as the office base for a variety of work projects.

Volunteers work at Mangalam Centers and live in residence at Nyingma Institute on the hill over-looking the San Francisco Bay.

Lunch during the work week is served in the dining room at Mangalam. Evening meals and classes are at Nyingma Institute.

There are between 10 and 20 volunteers of all ages from throughout the world living at Nyingma Institute and working at Mangalam. An additional 10 or 15 people may also be in residence attending retreats, workshops, or special work projects.