The Spiritual Care Programme

Rigpa's Spiritual Care Programme offers practical ways in which the wisdom and compassion of the Buddhist teachings can benefit those facing illness or death, and help support their families and care-givers.

The Education part of the Programme offers seminars and training delivered by a team of highly trained educators and facilitators. Over the past 19 years, we have worked with hospitals, hospices and universities, and trained more than 30,000 healthcare professionals and volunteers in Europe, Australia and the United States in all areas of healthcare and social services, and supported many people facing serious illness, death, or bereavement, and their families.
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Dechen Shying | Spiritual Care Centre in Ireland

Dzogchen Beara, Rigpa's centre for long-term and secluded retreats in the west of Ireland, is an important the centre of activity for the Spiritual Care Programme. Over the years, it has welcomed people affected by motor neurone disease (ALS), multiple sclerosis, and those dealing with cancer, and other long term illness, and their families.

The Spiritual Care Centre Dechen Shying, opened at Dzogchen Beara in 2009. It offers a sanctuary of rest, reflection, healing and inspiration for all those facing the challenges of serious illness or disability, or loss.
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Sukhavati | New Spiritual Care Centre in Germany

Approximately 70km south east of Berlin, in the old spa-town of Bad Saarow Rigpa will start building a new Spiritual Care Centre. This beautiful location has excellent transport connections to Berlin and a well-developed infrastructure of local medical services.
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International Spiritual Care Conference in 2009

In April 2009 in Ireland, the Spriritual Care Programme held a ground-breaking conference entitled Compassion and Presence - Spiritual Care for the Living and Dying. Leading experts from the fields of medicine, science, psychology and pastoral care presented different spiritual and contemplative approaches to care, and showed how they could be applied in any setting.
More information | read a report about it in the VIEW magazine.