BUDDHIST MEDITATION CHAPLAINCY: SPIRITUAL CARE FOR DEATH

Abstract

Chaplaincy is a form of serving others to relieve suffering. Buddhist chaplains volunteer to go into hospitals, schools, prison and orphanage on a periodic basis. Each chaplain does this as a form of our own Buddhist practice - method of insight meditation and a form of Dharma in Action. Buddhist chaplains propose emotional and spiritual support, loving-kindness and compassion. Buddhist chaplains bring a caring presence and willingness to listen, especially during times of diffi culty and depression. Buddhist Chaplaincy has ordained monastic chaplains, as well as lay people with careers in addition to retirees. Death has central roles in Theravada Buddhism, as we do in most Buddhist traditions. They are important catalysts for engaging in Buddhist practice and are frequently used as themes of refl ection to deepen one’s practice. In offering spiritual care to Theravada Buddhists one should be prepared to respond to people’s needs and concerns related to death.