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. 

Services: 

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 current service programs include:

• Buddhist Patient Care, multifaith denominational visit program at Vancouver General Hospital
• Visit program to Windermere Care Centre
• Visit program to Chénchenstway Care Home 
• 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

We are also in touch with the following sites, please contact the Spiritual Care Practitioner or Social Worker onsite for referral.

• Burnaby Hospital
• Surrey Memorial Hospital
• St. Paul Hospital
• Mount St. Joseph Hospital
• GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre
• Vancouver Hospice Society
• Canuck Place

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.

By continuing to use the Services, you agree to abide by the Terms of Services.

Professional Training:

To promote professional training in spiritual care and psychospiritual therapy, the Society establishes a scholarship fund (Scholarship) for Buddhist clergies currently enrolled in accredited courses by Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC/ACSS) or other courses approved by TLKYCS. Students may apply for the scholarship to cover the tuition paid. Students must submit a completed application form with relevant supporting documents. Please note that scholarship applications are reviewed and awarded semi-annually.

The submission deadline in 2025/26 is August 31, 2025 and January 31, 2026. Funds are limited and may vary from year to year. TLKYCS also offers limited opportunities to eligible applicants for residence program at the Society.

Apply Online

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