Buddhist Chaplains in the US Army
(By Tsem Rinpoche and Beatrix)
What is a Chaplain?
A chaplain is either a priest, minister, pastor, imam, rabbi or a lay delegate of a religious tradition, who is attached to a secular institution such as a hospital, prison, military unit, school, police department, fire department, university or a private chapel.
The word was originally used to describe representatives of the Christian faith, but today it is also used to refer to people of other religious traditions as well, in this case Buddhism. The number of chaplaincies have increased over the recent years, especially in American universities. These chaplains have received professional training and can be found throughout many different types of institutions.
History
The earliest Buddhists to serve in the US army were the Nisei Americans. Nisei is a Japanese term used to describe children born to Japanese immigrants to the United States, hence they are also known as second generation Japanese. In 1944, a total number of 50 soldiers at Fort Snelling are believed to have been the first batch of Buddhist troops that served in the US army. Many of these servicemen had also studied Japanese at Buddhist-run schools in the US. However, Nisei units such as the 442nd Infantry Regiment and the Military Intelligence Service were only permitted Christian chaplains. This was because Assistant Secretary of Defense John J. McCloy feared that negative American perceptions of Buddhists would compromise the reputation of such a unit.
Chaplains in the Army
The first commission of a Buddhist chaplain within the United States Department of Defense was Lieutenant Junior Grade Jeanette Gracie Shin in 2004. Lieutenant Shin is a former enlisted Marine who graduated with a Master of Arts degree in Buddhist Studies.
Within the United States army, Thomas Dryer was appointed as the first Buddhist chaplain in 2008. In recent years there has been a growing number of Buddhists in the American military, so the work of Buddhist chaplains are growing. Buddhists chaplains are endorsed by the Buddhist Churches of America.
Buddhist Chapels
According to one source, there is only one Buddhist chapel in the United States military. It is located in the basement of the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel. This chapel also houses chapels of other religions. The Buddhist chapel was built in 2005.
Source: www.wikipedia.org
A Buddhist Prospective US Army Chaplain Candidate on the election
October 31, 2016 by Justin Whitaker
A guest post by Robert Shuken Ju-Etsu McCarthy
My name is Robert McCarthy, my dharma name is Shuken Ju-Etsu, the meaning is “kind humble and goes beyond,” I would say that these elements are reflected in both my spiritual and secular life. I was born and raised in Western Michigan in a fairly conservative working class town. I am currently enrolled at the University of the West’s Masters of Divinity program learning to be a chaplain, with the ultimate goal to find employment in either the US Army or a hospice program.
How has Buddhism shaped your political preferences?
With mention of the US Army’s Chaplain Candidate program you could gather that I am mildly conservative. As a Buddhist I tend in the direction of quiet political awareness and participation in the form of public service. For example, I worked in multiple elections as an election official, helping others get to the polling places and ensuring that everyone had a safe and enjoyable experience, not espousing for or against any candidate. I believe in remaining apolitical as a Buddhist, the Buddha was not a member of any political party and his teachings were available to anyone regardless of political bent.
How has Buddhism helped you through this very stressful political season?
As a student of history I can see that this election is just part of the wheel turning, meaning this happens all of the time in the history of humankind. I will continue to remain civil and help my fellow humans regardless of outcome.
How do you see your Buddhism mixing with politics in general?
I see Buddhism and politics as water and oil and they really should not mix. The idea of the separation of church and state is important to me. Political groups tied to religious organizations often cause trouble, I believe that when Buddhist groups, or any faith group for that matter, become involved in politics it is a slippery slope, eventually leading to the ostracizing of the religious group and the permanent association of the faith/sect with a particular political leaning. One of the reasons I was so attracted to Buddhism was that it was patently unpolitical, I was not being told how to cast my ballot. I would personally like to see Buddhism continue the trend of remaining secularly apolitical in the future, let us be a sanctuary from the chaos not a participant in it.
Are there particular issues (war, environment, security, economics, etc) that you feel particularly drawn to because of your Buddhist practice?
The most pressing issue is that of the military. I am applying to the US Army’s Chaplain Candidate program because I would like to go where I can be of the most use. For me the Bodhisattva vow is all about being of service to others. Service is ultimately where I believe that Buddhism and politics can indeed mix. As Buddhists we are called to imitate Kshitigarbha, descending into the most chaotic and dangerous of situations to provide succor for all sentient beings.
Robert “Shuken Ju-Etsu” McCarthy is a 27 year old graduate student living in Pico Rivera, California. He writes: “I am currently enrolled in the University of the West’s Masters of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy. I consider myself Irish-Dutch American, born and raised in a factory town on Michigan’s west coast. I have been practicing Zen Buddhism for close to 9 years now and I am preparing to ordain as a novice Soto Zen Priest in March 2017. After graduation I plan to either serve as a chaplain in the United States Army or as a chaplain in a hospice setting, I am up for whatever the world throws at me.
Gassho,
Robert “Shuken Ju-Etsu” McCarthy”
Source: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/americanbuddhist/2016/10/a-buddhist-us-armys-chaplain-candidate-on-the-election.html
For more interesting information:
- Is Dharamshala Safe for Tibetans?
- The Heroines Time Forgot
- Shall We Hate The Jews and Those Different Than Us?
- Are You Secular Or Spiritual?
- Pilgrimage to Mount Wutai
Please support us so that we can continue to bring you more Dharma:
If you are in the United States, please note that your offerings and contributions are tax deductible. ~ the tsemrinpoche.com blog team
Well chaplain is an ordained member of the clergy or so call spiritual leader. That’s awesome having a chaplain in hospital, military base or even a prison giving spiritual guidance and counselling. Chaplain provides spiritual guidance and offer support to people of all faiths and beliefs. They will also assist individuals and families in difficult times within a secular institution. Those inmates and military personnel been away from families truly needed emotional and spiritual support. Within the United States army, the first Buddhist chaplain was appointed back in 2004, endorsed by the Buddhist Churches of America. The number of Buddhists in the U.S. military has grown, leading to an increased need and presence for Buddhist chaplains. Many of the chaplains are attracted to Buddhism as that it was patently un-political. Buddhism continue the trend of remaining secularly apolitical in the future, providing comprehensive spiritual support serving the diverse needs of military forces on bases worldwide. Good to know that US military forces such as the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force allow having Buddhist Chaplain in as it brings diverse spiritual support and promoting holistic well-being for all service members. Buddhist Chaplain has in-fact show that the military values diversity, with different faiths working together.
Great sharing thank you
It is very nice to know the army is open for religion practice and Buddhism is benefitting them. Life as an army is not easy and it is stressful. One of the ways to reduce stress is to meditate. Meditation is one of the practices in Buddhism and it is proven to be effective in calming people’s mind.
In some countries, meditation is taught to the children at school to help them calm their mind and control their behaviour. It is said that children who meditate are calmer and are able to manage their emotion better. Some prisoners are also learning how to meditate to help them control themselves.
Meditation is not limited to Buddhists, there are many meditators who are not Buddhists. Meditation is a way to observe our own mind and learn where our problem is. When we face with obstacles or problems, it is important to stay calm and think of a way to solve the problems.
Buddhist chaplaincy is probably a milestone for how Buddhism has grown within the minds and psyche of Americans. It is joyful to see how far Buddhism has come in the US.
This is such a nice article and i am very happy to know that . Thank you Beatrix for writing it. I rejoice that Dharma is at the every conner of the world. This is something we should look up to.
Tibetan leadership should really read about this and realised how important religious free is. We all deserve to have our faith. No matter what we chose to practice that’s choice for your spiritual path. it is very personal and it should not have anything to do with politics issues. Tibetan Leadership should stop the ban of Dorje Shugden immediately for the sake of humanity.
It is interesting to notice that it took till 2004 that a Buddhist chaplain were allowed in the department of defense and a Buddhist chaplain entered in 2008 in the US Army. These departments have to deal with a lot of trauma, war and natural catastrophes. The soldiers need to be taken care of in a spiritual way and I rejoice for the chaplains to do this.
“As Buddhists we are called to imitate Kshitigarbha, descending into the most chaotic and dangerous of situations to provide succor for all sentient beings.” Thank you for doing this as it is not easy and it needs a lot of courage to do this! It is important to always remember the kindness that others give us so that we can learn to do the same for others.
The duty of chaplains in various secular institution such as a hospital, prison, military unit, school, police department, fire department, university or a private chapel are extremely significant.
They provide religious teachings and services, religion is used to known as the missing piece of puzzle in human beings’ lives when we only strive for secular goals, etc., pride,money, food, sex & shelter.
In some extreme working/ living circumstances , for instance, hospitals and military units, people are confronting death of people they know and not for so frequent. Hence, emotionally, they could be become unstable and burn out.
At these times, chaplains who regard from various religions can give their services who are in need and pull them up from falling down.
Is interesting to know about buddhist chaplains in the us army. Chaplains just like “pastors”,who are selfless working helping and benefit others. H.E.25th Tsem Tulku Rinpoche has started buddhist pastorship since 2011 at Malaysia. Buddhist pastors at Kechara organisation has grow more and more these day helping our organisation and benefited many people at our country.
I like what Robert McCarthy has said . In Bodhisattva vow is all about being of service to others. Service is ultimately where he believe that Buddhism and politics can indeed mix. As Buddhists we are called to imitate like Bodhisattva Kshitigarbha quality, descending into the most chaotic and dangerous of situations to provide succor for all sentient beings. I pray more people more people can vow themselves to benefit others ,create world peace free from the war.
Same as many people here, Chaplain is a new word to me, it means Pastors in another term.
When H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche started Buddhist Pastor in Kechara, many people went on and attack Rinpoche by saying the title Pastor belongs to Christian, how can we mix Buddhist with Christian, but they don’t realize that Pastor is just a title, it is not important what is it call, the important thing is the function of the Pastor and how it benefit others as a pastor, how it spread Dharma to others.
In this article, it clearly shows that Pastor is not something new, back in year 2008, there is already Buddhist Pastor (Chaplain) in USA, and as a Pastor, his only duty is to benefit others, just like what Kechara Pastors did.
Rinpoche said, not everyone can be a monk or a nun, so he put a level down, that is to ordained Pastors, at least they can perform the duty as a monk/nun to spread Dharma and yet, they can still have their normal life.
I do agreed mentioned in the article that “Political groups tied to religious organizations often cause trouble”, example is CTA. CTA not only cause trouble to his people but to the Dorje Shugden practitioners all over the world. CTA had made so many people suffer with the ban of Dorje Shugden. Tibetan already suffered from lost their country and now they are suffering of no religious freedom. Sometime i wonder are the Tibetan leaders are Buddhist? The way they ban the Dorje Shugden looks like they don’t even understand Karma. Pray for them to be awake soon.
This is the 1st time i heard of ( Buddhist Chaplains in the US Army ) and read about the article, and i am glad to know more what’s inside US armies doing inside their training ( Learning Fire weapons, bombs and etc.. )
And Robert McCarthy doing his great job for bringing Dharma to US armies camp ( except KILLING training, i wish every US armies camp has Dharma teachings too )
Thank You Bea of your time to do research for this wonderful article!
Appreciate that
Eric kksiow
In this article, I learnt a new word “chaplain” and it’s interesting that US Army starts accepting Buddhist chaplain in their military.
It’s a rejoice news that more people are cultivate into practicing dharma thru Buddhism.
May Robert McCarthy have a swift ordination as Soto Zen Priest, bring dharma to benefit many.
Thank you Beatrix for sharing your article.
It’s great to know that more and more people provide religious services for an institution in this case is the military. I like what Robert McCarthy said that ‘I see Buddhism and politics as water and oil and they really should not mix.’ & the mixture of them will lead to the ostracising of the religious group. There is an obvious example of how Dorje Shugden practitioners being discriminated by the Tibetan leaders that causes so much suffering to the people around the world. Being a leaders of the country they should protect their people and always unite their people irregardless of their culture, race and religious. Sad to say this doesn’t happen to the Tibetan and so much baseless accusation being poured down to the people and extreme discrimination that causes violent incident happen to the people that have different religious preferences with the Tibetan leaders. I have not seen any of this happen in other country as most of the successful leaders practice religious freedom and human rights.
Buddhism is a teaching or a lifestyle that focus on benefiting others which irregardless of the culture, races and religious. A true Buddhist practitioner will focus on harmony and peace which is also what a government or leaders will embrace to make their country strong . Robert McCarthy really inspired me with what he said and what he choose to do and may more and more people able to see the real spiritual practice.
“Political groups tied to religious organizations often cause trouble, I believe that when Buddhist groups, or any faith group for that matter, become involved in politics it is a slippery slope, eventually leading to the ostracizing of the religious group and the permanent association of the faith/sect with a particular political leaning. One of the reasons I was so attracted to Buddhism was that it was patently unpolitical, I was not being told how to cast my ballot.”
This part strike me the most when I was reading the post. Why? Because it reminded me of Dorje Shugden ban and Central Tibetan Admin. Politics should never mix with religion! It is suppose to be spiritual and nobody, especially a government, think that they can tell someone how to ‘cast their ballot’. It is really bad to have people who do not understand much about Buddhism and the ban, have more negative thoughts of Tibetan Buddhism.
Here in Kechara, under the guidance of H.E. the 25th Tsem Rinpoche, we are very fortunate to also have our own Kechara pastors. The pastors consist of lay and sangha to be members. They are always serving others, tirelessly! Read more about them here! https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/kechara-13-depts/support-the-kechara-pastors.html or watch the video https://youtu.be/PO6kbzBUgl0
Thank you Beatrix for this short but interesting post… now I know what is a chaplain, we learn something new everyday 😀
I really like what he said here!
“I see Buddhism and politics as water and oil and they really should not mix. The idea of the separation of church and state is important to me. Political groups tied to religious organizations often cause trouble, I believe that when Buddhist groups, or any faith group for that matter, become involved in politics it is a slippery slope, eventually leading to the ostracizing of the religious group and the permanent association of the faith/sect with a particular political leaning. One of the reasons I was so attracted to Buddhism was that it was patently unpolitical, I was not being told how to cast my ballot. I would personally like to see Buddhism continue the trend of remaining secularly apolitical in the future, let us be a sanctuary from the chaos not a participant in it.”
He really nailed it and it reminds me so much about the wrong mixing of politics and religion which the so called Tibetan gov in exile has done and with that banning and discriminating Dorje Shugden! The Tibetan leadership (CTA – Central Tibetan Administration) even published a book and made a documentary against Dorje Shugden! Where have you ever heard of any government especially since they are “democratic” ever stick their hands and feet in religion. It is such a sensitive and personal issue, that is why politicians do not go there. But what does the CTA do? They stick everything in and has now divided their people even further and created more disunity.
Tibetans have suffered so much, lost their country, then go through hardships and risk their lives escaping to India and then now after escaping they are being discriminated by their own government who keeps encouraging hate crime against Shugden people. They are Tibetan too. And what happened to human rights which they love to blame China for lacking. It seems now China give more freedom of religion and practice as long as you do not mix it with politics and go against the government… which is fair enough. So why can’t the CTA do this for their people? If they continue discriminating their own people, I believe whatever they are fighting for, for a free Tibet or autonomy is really a lost cause, if your cannot even be happy and harmonious within your small community in India now, what makes you, China and the world think you can handle an independent Tibet now? CTA needs to realise times have change and their way of doing things are gonna cost them to fail even more. Sorry side track a bit here.
Overall it is great that there are people like Robert “Shuken Ju-Etsu” McCarthy who is selfless enough who wish to be the light for those in the army. He is definitely a kind soul and being. I like the way he thinks, his heart is kind and this is obvious when he makes such statements… “For me the Bodhisattva vow is all about being of service to others. Service is ultimately where I believe that Buddhism and politics can indeed mix. As Buddhists we are called to imitate Kshitigarbha, descending into the most chaotic and dangerous of situations to provide succor for all sentient beings.” Shows you the kind of person he is. And this also reminds me why Rinpoche also created Pastors in Kechara, to be a Buddhist chaplain to anyone and everyone who steps foot or connects with Kechara 🙂 Thank you for this article Bea!
Well said indeed, Mr McCarthy. Religions and politics must never mix. It is either religions using politics to serve its purpose or vice versa.
I agree with you, Joy. CTA is bad news, that is why they lost their country. And now blaming everybody except themselves. So silly to even say that the dharma protector, Dorje Shugden, is an obstacle to CTA for its feeble effort to regain what is lost. Why cry over spilt milk and blame the cat? Move on, CTA. Use the time, effort and money to benefit your own people instead of enforcing a ridiculous ban on Dorje Shugden practice. The ban is causing segregation among loved ones, physical pain, mental and emotional suffering, loss of honour, dignity and respect. Practitioners of Dorje Shugden are humans too. Where is your loving compassion that you are talking about? Where is your wisdom?
After reading these blog i learned something new.The word Chaplain.
I have not come across of it before.
Thanks Beatrix Ooi for sharing ..an interesting blog of how this young man served as a Buddhist Chaplains in the US Arm. There is only one Buddhist chapel in the United States military. In recent years there has been a growing number of Buddhists in the US military, hence the work of Buddhist chaplains are growing too. A great way to spread Dharma to more people in the military.
Thank you again Beatrix Ooi
Thank you Beatrix for sharing with us this interesting article. So Kechara is not the only organisation having the position of Buddhist Pastor to give Dharma teachings, it is also practised in America. Due to the development of our society and the world, our living conditions, difficulties we have are different from before. Therefore, they way to spread Dharma has to evolve too. As long as the method is with the right motivation to benefits people without inflicting pain or sufferings on another being, we should embrace it.
I am happy to know they have such a system in the US to spread Dharma, we should have more Dharma centers adopting system like this to uphold and continue the lineage.
“One of the reasons I was so attracted to Buddhism was that it was patently unpolitical, I was not being told how to cast my ballot.” – Robert Shuken Ju-Etsu McCarthy
Though Buddhist are against killing, these chaplains are bringing solace, peace, acceptance and salvation to the men and women who are defending their country.
And, to people like Robert McCarthy, Buddhism is apolitical. Equality for all, regardless. Acceptance of all, regardless as the post held by McCarthy epitomizes. No discrimination but acceptance.
And, the number of Buddhists and Buddhist chaplains are growing. And, there already is a chapel within the army grounds at United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel. There definitely is integration of religions within the United States military.
Thank you Beatrix for sharing this article and bringing a new term chaplain. This is the first time I have heard of it. No matter what work we are in I think we should have spiritual practise which is why even the US army engage in chaplain. Important to have a positive mind through spirituality.
Robert McCarthy shows us the importance of giving back to the society and doing the service to benefit others. I also like his comment that there should not be a mix in politic and religion.
Thank you Beatrix for this refreshing article about Buddhist Chaplains in the US Army. It is encouraging to hear the view point of another Buddhist, half way across the globe, sharing similar open-mindedness and that encompasses essence of Buddhism. I particularly resonate with Robert “Shuken Ju-Etsu” McCarthy’s answer to “How has Buddhism shaped your political preferences?”
Thank you Beatrix for sharing this article. Chaplain is indeed a new word to me. It’s really happy to know that there are more and more devoted and faithful Buddhist in the West. Robert McCarthy is very devoted and committed in Buddhism. His passion to work as a chaplain, can help to spread Dharma to more people. We need more people like him to help to turn the dharma wheel and spread dharma to ten directions.
Thank you Beatrix for this article. I just get to learn the term “chaplain” from this article. This is something new to me. A chaplain is either a priest, minister, pastor, imam, rabbi or a lay delegate of a religious tradition, who is attached to a secular institution such as a hospital, prison, military unit, school, police department, fire department, university or a private chapel. It is encouraging to see young man like Robery McCarthy has this kind of passion to work as a chaplain.
With folded palms,
Vivian