Seminar 38 Contemplation of Obstacles in Hospice Spiritual Care
Speaker: Rev. Michael Tran, MDiv and Lixin Zheng, PhD, MDiv
In this seminar, two Buddhist hospice chaplains will reflect on the inner and outer obstacles encountered in hospice spiritual care. They will explore how fear, attachment, and the wish for control often arise at the threshold of dying—and how Buddhist teachings can transform these very obstacles into gateways of awakening and freedom. Drawing from their chaplaincy practice, they will share real stories of accompanying patients and families through the profound uncertainties of illness and dying. Through these encounters, both chaplains illuminate how wisdom and compassion can emerge when we meet suffering not as an enemy to be overcome, but as a teacher to be understood.
This session invites participants to contemplate how freedom arises not by escaping difficulty, but by moving through it with mindful awareness, tenderness, and faith in the Dharma.
