Spiritual life may be maintained in a variety of ways; for example through study, practice and talking with others. Practices vary enormously both across and within the major traditions; they also share many features in common. Putting into practice the teachings of the Buddha is fundamental to all traditions of Buddhism as the means to maintaining a spiritual life.

This means that you will not seek to convert or recommend others to your faith, safeguarding the patient from a chaplain pushing a particular point of view. This principle does not forbid an individual from witnessing to her/his own faith or confidence in the dharma, but it should illuminate her/his intentions in doing so, especially to people who are vulnerable.

Ecumenism within Buddhism refers to initiatives aimed at greater understanding or cooperation amongst diverse Buddhist schools, traditions or ethnic populations. In the context of chaplaincy, the challenge of the ecumenical approach involves both recognizing common ground between traditions and also respecting diversity and specialisms. 

Buddhist healthcare chaplains typically work in religiously diverse teams, and are welcomed and valued as unique contributing members of those teams. It is possible and fruitful for us to celebrate wide religious diversity while maintaining our own integrity. 

Keeping your skills up to date, or “Continuing Professional Development” (CPD) is primarily a personal responsibility that is a central feature of professionalism, and begins when, by answering the vocational call, you take the first step towards fully fledged professionalism in chaplaincy. You should have access to help and resources to do this. A vital CPD skill is 'reflective practice', which will be taught to you, including the associated skills of journal-keeping and portfolio-building.