To apply, please complete the Peace-Chaplaincy-Application-2026 and email to buddhistpeacechaplaincy@sati.org.

Course Description:

How can we meet these painful times of polarization, divisiveness, and domination? What is needed to build bridges of compassion and understanding in places of conflict? And how might the inner work of cultivating peace translate into promoting peace in the wider world?

The Buddhist Peace and Conflict Chaplaincy program (PACC; pronounced like pax) draws on foundational Buddhist teachings and practices to uncover the innate potential of the human heart to foster peace within and without. Participants will intimately explore the role of a Buddhist Peace Chaplain – a spiritual caregiver who is dedicated to the flourishing of peace and supports those enmeshed in conflict with clarity, kindness, and impartiality.

This will combine training in Buddhist practice, peace building, conflict transformation, and chaplaincy. Bringing these four together creates unique opportunities to work for peace through spiritual perspectives and maturation. As chaplains are known for caring for the spiritual and/or inner life of whoever they meet, peace chaplains care for the hearts of everyone involved in conflict. Peace chaplains also work to de-escalate conflict, build dialogue and understanding, and search for alternatives to force and violence. To ground the training in Buddhist practice, the program includes two retreats mostly focused on Buddhist practices.

Program modules will offer participants the opportunity to develop practical skills in meeting conflict situations and strengthen their inner capacity to engage in peace work. An integral part of the learning journey will be to deepen and broaden one’s understanding and practice of the Buddha Dharma as it relates to peace, nonviolence, and harmlessness. Honoring both, the inner and outer dimensions of peace, offerings will include: guided meditation practice and retreats, as well as the direct application of the learnings through experience-based exercises and a personal peace project.

Areas of Training:

• Buddhist practices and teachings related to peace and nonviolence, including contemplations on Othering, belonging, interconnectedness and the Brahmaviharas
• Peace Chaplaincy: History, philosophy, theories, practices, roles, and areas of engagement
• Conflict transformation: Basic skills for intervening in conflict situations, including nonviolent communication and deep listening
• Peace Chaplaincy competences: Spiritual counseling, collaboration with others, storytelling
• Designing and implementing a personal project related to PACC
• Grief, trauma, healing processes, self-care, and resourcing
• Ritual and ceremony for promoting peace
• Understanding group, leadership, and power dynamics

Details and Logistics:

The Buddhist Peace and Conflict Chaplaincy program will run for one and a half years (June 2026 to December 2027) and includes 14 one or two-day online retreats as well as two seven-day residential retreats (based in California).

The individual modules will include teachings, meditation practice, discussion, reflection, skills training, group work, and community building. In between modules, participants will be invited to engage in the training content through readings, video documentaries, movies, podcasts, and creative media for peace work (song, poetry, art, etc.).

An integral part of the program will be to engage in a personal peace project. Here, participants apply what they have learnt by creating and implementing a project, which is aligned with the values and intentions of PACC. The project is of their choosing, can be implemented in collaboration with other participants and will be supported through individual mentoring and peer reflection.

PACC will be facilitated by Gil Fronsdal and Kerstin Deibert. Some modules will also feature guest teachers and facilitators skilled in specific areas.

Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion in Buddhist Peace and Conflict Chaplaincy from the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies.

Dates: 

8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Pacific Time

2026:
June 1^st – 2^nd
July 1^st
August 10 – 16 (in-person retreat in California)
October 27
November 9 – 10
December 8

2027:
January 12
February 16
March 8 – 9
April 6
May 18
June 24 – 30 (in-person retreat in California)
August 6
October 1^st – 2^nd
November 1^st – 2^nd
December 2

Tuition:

The cost for the eighteen -months program is a sliding scale of $4000-8000. The sliding scale allows participants to choose the level they are able to support the program and the teachers with. Your generosity is appreciated and will also help provide support for those who need financial assistance. We have a few 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.

In addition, there is an application fee of $100 which covers the application processing and an interview discussion with faculty.

Criteria for Enrollment:

• Four years of regular and committed Buddhist practice and study, including at least four 7-day Buddhist meditation retreats. (Equivalent involvement with other contemplative or spiritual traditions may qualify also.)
• Education and/or experience related to peace promotion and/or conflict transformation
• Familiar with the concept of chaplaincy / spiritual care and deep commitment to non-harming/nonviolence
• Some training in counseling, leadership skills, or teaching.
• Some ability and willingness to be in the midst of conflict.

Application Details:

To apply, please complete the Peace-Chaplaincy-Application-2026 and email to buddhistpeacechaplaincy@sati.org by March 15, 2026.

As part of your application, we ask that you include a letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or colleague in one of the above areas. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions at buddhistpeacechaplaincy@sati.org

Applications received before March 15, 2026 will be processed by that date and subsequent applications will be processed in the order received until the course is full.

For More Information please email buddhistpeacechaplaincy@sati.org

Faculty: