What Is a Chaplain?
A chaplain is a skilled listener and facilitator who leads an individual, and sometimes a whole family , through the process of dealing with a crisis generally this takes the form of Bereavement making plans and enabling moving forward.  Many chaplains focus on grief, bereavement and crisis issues. Their experience and their presence are a welcome influence in any chaotic situation. It is the nature of a chaplain's work to deal with everyone impacted by a crisis. On a daily basis, to help people face their inevitable transition, help the survivors come to terms with their grief, handle the mundane matters that accompany death and find a way to move the living ahead in their lives. All chaplains are skilled in the basics of counseling, such as active listening, theological reflection, case study techniques, record keeping and more.  Chaplains are bound by the same rules of patient confidentiality as doctors.Chaplains serve their patients and the patients' families by finding out what gives the family hope and learning the family's cultural, religious and spiritual traditions. Using those traditions, the chaplain supports the family through whatever situation they are encountering. Chaplains do not impose their own views ,rather, they have the knowledge and skills to support the person's own beliefs..Chaplains use tools such as prayer, meditation and relaxation, to offer support, and they are skilled in assisting anyone, . The Readig Hindu Temple is the first religious organisation to set up a Chaplaincy service for our Hindu Community in Reading.

How do I make contact with a Chaplain
Simply contact The priest at the Reading Hindu Centre on 01189 751067 who will pass on your contact details to the Chaplaincy service.

Hindu Beliefs and Practices In the Chaplaincy
The Rig Veda states, Ekam sat, vipraha bahudha vadanti, "Truth is one; seers express it in many ways." This fundamental Hindu principle is a cornerstone for good chaplaincy care. The chaplain respects religious differences while acknowledging that there is an essence of sameness, believing that truth, joy, love and light can be found on any path. One analogy that works well with patients and families is to note that when we go to a restaurant, we all go to be nourished. One orders spaghetti, another salad. We are all fed according to our interest, desire and needs. Thus each has found a path that works for them. Understanding "where people are coming from" is essential in chaplaincy.
A belief in karma is shared by many people. In counseling, the understanding that each action has a reaction and that somehow, someday, balance will be found makes it easier to understand anger and find acceptance in a situation one hasn't caused directly--such as the impending death of a loved one. This view is helpful when assisting families in processing and coming to terms with what is happening. Understanding karma helps people to have greater acceptance and even to surrender to what unfolds. If something is happening, there is always a reason behind it. It becomes the person's duty to deal with the present and not resort to pondering the "what if's" of the past that might have changed the present. Instead, plans can be made, action taken and all can move forward. Prayer, common to every religion, can be described as one's chance to talk to God, Finally, the practice of inner stillness--just being, not doing--is essential in assisting patients and families as they deal with turbulent emotions. Inner stillness, a great healing force, brings outer stillness.

How can I become a Chaplain

Hindu chaplains are needed in health facilities, in prisons, in the military and as part of disaster and emergency response teams. If you are a practicing Hindu who has the temperament to serve others in such situations, chaplaincy may be a choice for you, a background in counselling is very helpful. Specialized training may be required to serve, even as a volunteer.If you are interested in becoming a Chaplain, please contact any executive committee member at the Temple