Part of a special section on Buddhist Chaplaincy in the United States and Japan.
Editors’ note: Dr. Elaine Yuen served as chair of the master of divinity program at Naropa University. Cross-trained as a meditation teacher, Buddhist chaplain, and public health researcher, she continues to teach and is interested in how social contexts inform spiritual and contemplative care practices. Dr. Yuen’s contribution below draws from experience leading a pilot program providing disaster training for volunteers with Tzu Chi USA, a Taiwan-based charity active around the world in providing financial and food support after disasters. Yuen quotes from her trainees’ field reports and self-reflections as they remark on the challenges and rewards faced as they attend to the physical and spiritual needs of those they meet. Yuen’s study provides examples of how individuals may deepen their understanding of the four noble truths and four great vows through interacting with those they serve. Her article is valuable for emphasizing that chaplaincy is not just about professionally trained and licensed individuals undertaking paid work. Rather, we can draw upon the in-depth understandings and practices found in North American master’s level and clinical pastoral education programs and apply them to training motivated laypeople in the community who wish to deepen their spiritual practice while serving those facing crisis.