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who are increasingly common in hospitals, hospices Today, however, they are more mainstream.In a first-
and prisons, where the need for their services rose of-its-kind report published in May, Sanford and a
dramatically during the pandemic. colleague identified 425 chaplains in the United States,
Canada and Mexico representing all major branches of
In a profession long dominated in the US by Christian Buddhism, though the researchers say there are likely
clergy, Buddhists are leading an ever more diverse field many more.
that includes Muslim, Hindu, Wiccan and even secular
humanist chaplains. More than 40% work in health care, the Mapping
Buddhist Chaplains in North America report found,
Buddhist chaplains say they’re uniquely positioned while others serve in schools, in prisons or as self-
for the times due to their ability to appeal to a broad employed counsellors.
cultural and religious spectrum, including the growing
number of Americans – roughly one-third – who Two-thirds of respondents reported holding a Master
identify as nonreligious.In response, study and training of Divinity, another graduate degree or a chaplaincy
opportunities have been established or expanded in certificate. Most of those working as staff chaplains also
recent years. completed clinical pastoral education internships and
residencies in health care and other settings.
They include the Buddhist Ministry Initiative at Harvard
Divinity School and the Buddhism track at Union Maitripa College, a Tibetan Buddhist college also in
Theological Seminary, an ecumenical Christian liberal Portland, has seen increased interest in its Master of
seminary in New York City. Divinity track since its launch 10 years ago, said Leigh
Miller, director of academic and public programmes.
Colorado’s Naropa University, a Buddhist-inspired
liberal arts college, recently launched a low-residency It appeals to a broad range, from older Buddhists with
hybrid degree chaplaincy programme. 20 years of practice to new college graduates who just
started meditating, from spiritual seekers to people
Non-accredited certifications such as those offered by with multiple religious belongings.
the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care or
the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico, are also Hospitals and other institutions are eager to hire
popular. Buddhist chaplains, Miller said, in part to boost staff
diversity and also because they are adept at relating to
“The programmes keep expanding, so it seems clear others using inclusive, neutral language.
that there’s a growing demand from students. And the
students appear to be finding jobs after graduation,” “Buddhist chaplains are in the habit of speaking in
said Monica Sanford, assistant dean for Multireligious more universal terms, focusing on compassion, being
Ministry at Harvard Divinity School and an ordained grounded, feeling at peace,” she said. “A lot of Christian
Buddhist minister. chaplains fall back on God language, leading prayers or
reading Bible scriptures.”
In the past, Buddhist chaplains were often hired by the
likes of hospitals and police departments specifically Meanwhile, training in mindfulness and meditation, as
to minister to Asian immigrant communities. During well as beliefs regarding the nature of self, reality and
World War II, they served Japanese American soldiers in the impermanence of suffering, give Buddhists unique
the military. tools to confront pain and death.