Prison Chaplaincy

The Buddhist Council appoints and provides support to its Buddhist chaplains who visit NSW correctional facilities on a periodic basis.

Buddhist chaplains who visit correctional facilities provide pastoral care to inmates, not only those who are already Buddhists but also those who are inquiring or just beginning to explore an interest in Buddhism.

Chaplains can run individual and group instruction in the theory and practice of Buddhism, as well as provide guidance with reading matter and providing free literature on Dharma and meditation. Prison chaplains make a valuable contribution to the people they see and can help inmates transform their lives and take a more positive direction.

Many of those helped by prison chaplains have had difficult lives and an upbringing which limited their opportunities to find a spiritual path. A prison chaplain provides encouragement and can teach simple forms of meditation which the inmates can use to bring calmness and clarity to their minds.

Because of the lack of Buddhist chaplains in some correctional facilities, the Buddhist Council is looking to appoint more Buddhist chaplains.