About the Spiritual Care Program

There is a recognized need in our society today for the development of more effective ways of meeting the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of people who are facing death or a serious illness. Despite dramatic advances in medical technology, it is clear that fundamental questions remain at the boundary of life and death that are not subject to technical or scientific solutions.

Our mission

The aim of the Spiritual Care Program is to demonstrate practical ways in which the compassion and wisdom of the Buddhist teachings can be of benefit to those facing illness or death and also to their families and medical caregivers. Based on the teachings of Sogyal Rinpoche and his classic bestseller, The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, together with insights drawn from hospice experience, we offer an integrated approach for people from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Our seminars, study groups and trainings emphasize universal spiritual principles which many people find resonate with those of their own tradition. Read more about the philosophy behind SCP.

History and development

Sogyal Rinpoche responded to the widely recognized need for more effective ways of meeting the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of people facing death and serious illness by founding the Spiritual Care Program in 1993, after the publication of his book. Christine Longaker, who had worked as a hospice director in California for several years, led the program's development.



	In the US, SCP offers volunteer training through the Visiting Project

Since then many others have helped further the program internationally, focusing initially on seminars for the public, and in-service trainings for medical professionals working in hospitals and hospices. The program develops at its own pace in different countries, and each year we reach more and more people. For example during 1999 in the United States the Spiritual Care Program reached more than 1,600 professional caregivers, volunteers or individuals.

What we offer

The Spiritual Care Program offers a wide variety of trainings and services to both medical professionals and the general public, including study groups, special seminars and workshops led by Christine Longaker and others, and volunteer projects in hospices in Europe and North America. Study groups and seminars are offered in a number of countries including Australia, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States. For a detailed description of SCP work in these and other areas see SCP Projects.