Do you work with non-Buddhists as well as with Buddhists? The armed forces is overwhelmingly Christian, but is there some receptivity to learning about Buddhism and other religions? How do you approach helping soldiers who are not Buddhist and may have radically different views? I work with non-Buddhists every day. As a Navy chaplain, we work in a pluralistic environment. I think that is another misconception of military chaplaincy, that chaplains are only available for individuals of their own faith group or denomination. While we cannot perform services from another faith tradition (for example, I won’t be saying Mass or doing Friday Islamic Prayers), we can always listen and talk with military members regardless of their religious or non-religious background. There is definitely a curiosity about Buddhism, but I am careful not to “push” my beliefs onto someone who is not receptive. If there is a Marine or Sailor who needs or wants something from their own faith tradition, I always refer them to a chaplain of that faith.
