Buddhist Spiritual Care and Counselling Initiatives

To put our mission of “Compassion and Fraternity” into practice, the Society commenced Buddhist Spiritual Care and Counselling initiatives in 2023. In collaboration with different institutions, the Society involves in public programs, professional training, and services. Our current service programs include:

• Buddhist Patient Care, multifaith denominational visit program at Vancouver General Hospital

• Visit program to Windermere Care Centre

• Visit program to Villa Cathay Care Home

• Buddhist Chaplain, University Multifaith Chaplain Association at the University of British Columbia

• Buddhist Chaplain, Multifaith Centre at Simon Fraser University

In times of crisis and life changing events, it may be resourceful and supportive to stay connected with your religion and faith traditions, identifying and reaffirming meanings, values, and strengths. You and your family may have different needs, feelings, or anxieties about an upcoming treatment, or need assistance in coping with unexpected health or life developments. Based on Buddhist teachings and practices, the Buddhist Spiritual Care and Counselling Services (the Services) of Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society (the Society) provides emotional, spiritual, Buddhist religious care and resources and values to support care seekers and their families.

Our Buddhist monastic or lay ministers are considered denominational ministers or non-staff religious practitioners visiting the University, hospital, care home for the elderly (refer to as Institutions herein). We are not healthcare workers or staff. Even though we welcome care seekers from all backgrounds, we reserve all rights to refer your case to other spiritual care or counselling services if appropriate.

Regarding our Services, please note the following:

• Our Services are rendered free of charge as part of our community services upon the request of Buddhist care seekers and/or their families (refer to as “you” or “care seekers” or “families” herein) with your permission. They are not for missionary purposes.

• Our monastic or lay ministers appointed by the Society have relevant experience and training to support your religious needs. However, we may not be fully knowledgeable about your traditions and your preferences. You are welcome to indicate your preference, and you could decide to adopt or not adopt our recommendations or resources for religious care. We respect the beliefs and cultures of yours and your families.

• The Society has the right to assign visitors from our appointed lay or monastic minister or other designated providers of religious care.

• Our services are not substitutes for professional medical advice.

• At any time during our Services, you have the right to end the session at any time for any reason, and we will respect your decision.

• If you have any concerns or questions about our Services, please feel free to communicate with us at any time.

• We are committed to confidentiality and privacy.

• While the Society is a registered charity, we do not solicit nor expect any donation because of our Services.

• We may share with the Institutions observations regarding safety concerns or others that might be important to your care, as long as they are not in conflict with our own religious oath of confidentiality.

• Our Services are subject to change at any time without notice, please refer to our website www.tlkycs.ca for any update.

• This English language version shall prevail in case of any inconsistencies with translated versions, if any.

For questions, inquiries, or feedback, please email [email protected].