Who was the first Buddhist chaplain? The Buddha. He cared for spiritual wellbeing of all beings motivated by the vast and profound vision to end the suffering and pain of the world. 

A Buddhist chaplain walks in the footsteps of the Buddha. 

They offer compassionate service to anyone in need - to fellow Buddhists, to those of others faith or of no faith. 

Buddhist chaplaincy is a new and exciting field for practitioners in Europe.

This September, the European Buddhist Union (EBU) together with Dharma Gate Buddhist College in Budapest is launching an introductory course in Buddhist chaplaincy. The Foundation Training in Buddhist Chaplaincy/Spiritual Care invites practitioners from all Buddhist traditions who are interested in healthcare, end-of-life care or prison, and sangha care.

Over almost three years, Rev Dario Girolami, Keith Munnings and myself, representing the main Buddhist traditions (Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna), have been working together on this programme.

The Foundation Training will be highly experiential and practical. Across four modules(online and residential), it will provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge as well as individual support to serve in the public sector and/or their own communities.

The course will be certified international adult learning programme and taught in English. 

We hope, by practicing and learning together across traditions, area specialisations and nationalities, it will build a strong and vibrant European chaplaincy sangha. 

Registration ends September 6th.

Are you interested? Visit europeanbuddhistchplaincy.org