Submitted by Govinda-nandini Dasi | VaishnavasCARE Volunteer & Healthcare Chaplain
In a groundbreaking step toward promoting spiritual inclusivity and holistic patient care during hospital stays, Vaishnavas CARE was invited to present a specialized educational session to the spiritual care staff at Sunnybrook Hospital in Ontario, Canada. The presentation, titled “Incorporating Hindu Spirituality within Compassionate Healthcare: Integrating Faith-based perspectives for Patient Care”, aimed to educate hospital chaplains and spiritual care professionals in providing spiritually informed therapeutic interventions for patients of Hindu and related Dharmic traditions.
Delivered by Sangita Devi Dasi, (ACBSP) (RN, GC-C, Founder of Vaishnavas CARE,), Taravali Devi Dasi (RN, President of Vaishnavas CARE), and Govinda-Nandini Dasi (GC-C, Healthcare Chaplain and Vaishnavas CARE volunteer), the session emphasized the importance of understanding patients’ spiritual values, rituals, and worldviews as part of comprehensive care.
“Spirituality is an integral dimension of healing,” said Sangita Devi Dasi. “Through this session, we offered tools for hospital staff to provide culturally sensitive, spiritually respectful care that aligns with the deeply personal values of their Hindu patients.”
The presentation touched upon an introduction to Vedic Sanatana Dharma and its foundational philosophy; an illustration of faith-based responses to illness and dying; and guidance on addressing family dynamics in collectivist cultures. It also navigated sensitive topics such as Vedic philosophy behind dietary restrictions, ritual observances, organ donation, and autopsy. The session concluded with education on a variety of spiritual care resources available to Hindu patients, including the Bhagavad Gita, prayer kits, and kirtan access.
Following the presentation, the team engaged in a planning discussion with the hospital’s Clinical Research Coordinator who proposed the creation of a broader platform for Hindu spiritual care across Ontario hospitals. The envisioned initiative includes a digital intake form for patients to express their spiritual needs, volunteer mobilization through local temples, and building a model that can be replicated by other healthcare systems.
Vaishnavas CARE, through its Canadian chapter and in collaboration with local volunteers, is poised to further collaborate for a non-profit initiative to develop digital and educational tools, help train spiritually sensitive volunteers, and raise awareness about the availability and benefits of Vaishnava-informed end-of-life care. Vaishnavas CARE will also help promote community participation in this project to foster an ongoing partnership with hospitals across the Ontario region, ensuring that Hindu patients and families continue to receive compassionate, culturally attuned spiritual care.
The Vaishnavas CARE team ultimately hopes that through this initiative, patients, families, and healthcare professionals will be introduced to ISKCON and the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, offering them spiritual insight, comfort, and connection during life’s most vulnerable moments.
For more information or to get involved, visit: www.VaishnavasCARE.org