Offered by the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies please join us for our 2026-2027 Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy program
To be led by Gil Fronsdal, Kaira Jewel Lingo, Susie Harrington, Kirsten Rudestam, and Ram Appalaraju
This program offers basic Buddhist training in the wisdom and skill needed to be a Buddhist Environmental Chaplain, i.e., those who work to support people in developing healthy, compassionate, and mutually supportive relationships with each other and with the natural world. It will offer experience-based activities and contemplative practices that deepen individuals’ own relationships with the natural world, as well as provide them with skills to be spiritual caregivers, helping others (re)connect with nature and face contemporary socio-environmental crises with wisdom and compassion.
The application period for our 2026-2027 program is now open. Applications received before May 1st will be processed by that date and subsequent applications will be processed in the order received until the course is full. We are committed to forming a cohort that is truly representative of the full diversity of our society and aspire to have at least 40% of the participants be BIPOC. Scholarships are also available for those in need.
The BEC training program will run for one and a half years (18 months) and will include ten one or two-day online retreats and two seven-day residential retreats (California based location). Courses will include teachings, sessions of meditation, skills training, reflection, group work, community building and practice in nature. In between courses, participants will be assigned readings, writings, and exercises, and have regular meetings with other participants. A key learning component of the program is for participants to create and engage in a personal project of their choosing that aligns with the goals of the program; this is putting into action the intention of the training and what is learned. Offered by Gil Fronsdal, Kaira Jewel Lingo, Susie Harrington, Ram Appalaraju, and Kirsten Rudestam. The retreats will also feature guest teachers and facilitators skilled in specific areas of teaching and inquiry. Upon completion participants will receive certificate of completion in Buddhist Eco-chaplaincy Training from the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies.
This program includes two one-week retreats and 17 days/10 online sessions. Dates below are subject to slight modification.
2026-2027 Dates:
This program includes two one-week retreats and 17 days/10 online sessions
Application Details:
To apply, please complete the Eco-Chaplaincy-Application-2026 and email to buddhistecochaplaincy@gmail.com. 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 don’t hesitate to contact us with questions at buddhistecochaplaincy@gmail.com. Applications received before May 1st will be processed by that date and subsequent applications will be processed in the order received until the course is full.
More info and to register here.