The Arts of Contemplative Care collects together in one volume the voices of pioneers in the widening field of "Contemplative Care"-an exciting new domain of vocational Buddhism informed by practices of compassion and meditation. This collection captures the richness and diverse practices of socially engaged Buddhism within the context of the fields of chaplaincy and ministry that until recently were dominated primarily by Judeo-Christian faith-traditions. The stories in this volume reveal to the reader how the practices and concepts of the Buddhist tradition are uniquely suited to nourishing both those who give and those who receive care. These stories also show us that care itself is a practice, and can be cultivated as a spiritual path to deepen compassion and wisdom. While this book is a resource for those individuals interested in pursuing training in contemplative care, its appeal is much broader. The stories in this book will inspire anyone interested in applying their spiritual practice to an engaged context, and anyone called to serve through giving care. This anthology launches what we hope will be an ongoing discussion of the ways that mindfulness and meditation practices can be adapted to engaged pastoral work, and can enhance the depth of spiritual care offered to those seeking relief from suffering.

Cheryl A. Giles, Psy.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Francis Greenwood Peabody Professor of the Practice in Pastoral Care and Counseling at Harvard Divinity School, where she is core faculty member of the Buddhist Ministry Program. Lama Willa Miller has studied and practiced in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition for the last twenty years. Her teaching specialties include natural meditation, heart-cultivation, body-based Buddhist yoga, and practices for deep retreat. She is working towards a PhD in Religion at Harvard University, where she also assistant teaches. She is author of the book Everyday Dharma: Seven Weeks to Finding the Buddha in You, a practical guide for getting started on the spiritual path. Judith Simmer-Brown, Ph.D. has been Professor of Religious Studies at Naropa University in Boulder, CO since 1978. She is Dean of the Shambhala Teachers’ Academy, and serves on the steering committee of the American Academy of Religion's Contemplative Studies group. Her books are Dakini's Warm Breath and Meditation in the Classroom. Roshi Pat Enkyo O’Hara, Ph.D., is a Zen priest and the abbot of the Village Zendo in New York City. She is the guiding spiritual teacher for the New York Center for Contemplative Care.