The Arts of Contemplative Care: Pioneering Voices in Buddhist Chaplaincy and Pastoral Work collects together in one volume the voices of pioneers in the widening field of ?Contemplative Care”?an exciting new domain of vocational Buddhism informed by practices of compassion and meditation. This collection captures the richness and diverse practices of socially engaged Buddhism within the context of the fields of chaplaincy and ministry that until recently were dominated primarily by Judeo-Christian faith-traditions. The stories in this volume reveal to the reader how the practices and concepts of the Buddhist tradition are uniquely suited to nourishing both those who give and those who receive care. These stories also show us that care itself is a practice, and can be cultivated as a spiritual path to deepen compassion and wisdom. While this book is a resource for those individuals interested in pursuing training in contemplative care, its appeal is much broader. The stories in this book will inspire anyone interested in applying their spiritual practice to an engaged context, and anyone called to serve through giving care. This anthology launches what we hope will be an ongoing discussion of the ways that mindfulness and meditation practices can be adapted to engaged pastoral work, and can enhance the depth of spiritual care offered to those seeking relief from suffering.

Each of the essays is first-person, vividly showing days-in-the-life of a chaplain or pastoral worker and also presenting a distillation of lesson’s learned and wisdom gained?and each of the sections in this volume focuses on the specific challenges present and skills needed in the different venues in which a chaplain might work: with the terminally ill and actively dying (and their families) in hospice; amid the ever changing hectic urgency of a hospital; with college students struggling to discover themselves and make meaning with their lives; helping the ?low-density” populations of non-Christian religious people in the military keep peace within themselves and on the war-front; and with prisoners who’s daily life is a hell realm many of us can’t even imagine.

Inspiring, powerful, life-changing, vista-opening?resonate with professional caretakers and volunteers alike.

This book also includes a thoughtful recommended reading list, and pointers to a variety of resources.