We have a Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy Support Network

Please share this offering with those who may benefit.

The application period for our 2026-2027 program is closed.

If you would like to be on our mailing list, please email buddhistecochaplaincy@gmail.com

Course Description:

This program offers basic Buddhist training in the wisdom and skill needed to be a Buddhist Environmental Chaplain, i.e., those who work to support people in developing healthy, compassionate, and mutually supportive relationships with each other and with the natural world. It will offer experience-based activities and contemplative practices that deepen individuals’ own relationships with the natural world, as well as provide them with skills to be spiritual caregivers, helping others (re)connect with nature and face contemporary socio-environmental crises with wisdom and compassion.

Areas of Training:

• Environmentally Based Spiritual Care: Purpose and functioning of an environmental chaplain, applications and settings for ecologically oriented spiritual care, engaged Buddhism
• Histories of Environmentalism: Environmental Movements, Environmental Justice, learning to engage with contemporary issues of social/environmental justice
• Eco-Chaplaincy Skills: Spiritual counseling, collaboration with others, nature-based ritual, more-than-human storytelling, council practice, nature-based rites of passage
• Buddhist practices and teachings related to environmental care
• Practices, rituals and ceremonies for ministering ecological death, dying, grief and loss
• Deep nature connection and practices for (re)connection to nature
• Cultural competency
• Conflict resolution
• Design and implement personal project related to Buddhist Eco-chaplaincy

Details and Logistics:

The BEC training program will run for one and a half years (18 months) and will include ten one or two-day online retreats and two seven-day residential retreats (California based location). Courses will include teachings, sessions of meditation, skills training, reflection, group work, community building and practice in nature. In between courses, participants will be assigned readings, writings, and exercises, and have regular meetings with other participants. A key learning component of the program is for participants to create and engage in a personal project of their choosing that aligns with the goals of the program; this is putting into action the intention of the training and what is learned. This program is offered and instructed by Gil Fronsdal, Kaira Jewel Lingo, Ram Appalaraju, Kirsten Rudestam, and Susie Harrington. Kaira Jewel will not be attending the residential retreats in person but will participate in virtual sessions; Susie Harrington will not attend the virtual sessions but will be present for one residential workshop. Gil, Ram and Kirsten will be supporting all virtual and both residential workshops. The workshops will also feature guest teachers and facilitators skilled in specific areas of teaching and inquiry. Upon completion participants will receive certificate of completion in Buddhist Eco-chaplaincy Training from the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies.

This program includes two one-week retreats and 17 days/10 online sessions. Dates below are subject to slight modification.

2026-2027 Dates:

This program includes two one-week retreats and 17 days/10 online sessions

The cost for the eighteen-month program is a sliding scale of $4000-6000. The sliding scale allows participants to choose the level they are able to support the program and the teachers. Your generosity is appreciated and will also help provide support for those who need financial assistance. We offer work exchange opportunities and a limited number of scholarships for those who need assistance. Our wish is to not have funds prevent people from participating.

Criteria for Enrollment:

• Four years of regular and committed Buddhist practice and study, and 21 total day on Buddhist meditation retreats. Equivalent involvement with other contemplative or spiritual traditions may qualify also.
• Education and/or experience related to environmental issues and/or nature-based practices.
• Some training in counseling, leadership skills, or teaching.

Faculty: