< Issue No. 17 (2022)Article
The Emergence of Buddhist Chaplaincy Training in Ontario, Canada
Shiu, C.H. Henry, University of Toronto
Abstract
The development of Engaged Buddhist movements in Asian countries in the 1960s led to the heightened awareness of various forms of mundane suffering in Western society and the commitment to alleviate it through skilful knowledge, selfless dedication, empathy, and compassion. This commitment to socially engaged practice serves as a bridge between traditional Buddhist practice and the recent development of Buddhist chaplaincy as a new phase of development of Engaged Buddhism in the 21st century. With regard to chaplaincy training in Ontario, other than Emmanuel College and Knox College at the University of Toronto, two other universities offer professional training programs recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO): the MA in Counselling and Spirituality offered by St. Paul’s University at the University of Ottawa and the MA in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy offered by Martin Luther University College at Wilfrid Laurier University. Neither program offers any courses on Buddhism. Competent Buddhist chaplains who are practicing in Canada have not received training through accredited programs. Although it demonstrates that many Canadian organizations accept the validity of the informal training of Buddhist chaplains, this article looks at the development of an accredited Buddhist chaplaincy training program in Ontario and examines this unique form of chaplaincy utilizing Buddhist contemplative care as its essence.