About the CHT Program
Hindu Spiritual Care Institute (HSCI) began its training program in 2018 and has since successfully graduated over 250 spiritual care counselors worldwide (US, Canada, India, Australia, South Africa, Singapore, and Philippines). The course is open to applicants from all backgrounds who have a serious interest in entering the field of spiritual care and chaplaincy.
All applicants need to have a serious interest in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and giving back to the community at large.
Course Structure
The CHT course is offered online in six mandalas (modules) over a 9-month period and requires a 250-hour engagement. The CHT graduate population ranges in age from 30 to 75, about 65% are women, and 65% possess a master's or doctor's degree.
Learn to Serve Curriculum
The CHT course curriculum prepares scholars to provide Hindu spiritual care in diverse settings including hospitals, universities, community centers, and private practice.
- Self-paced online learning with live mentoring sessions
- Six mandalas covering key aspects of Hindu spiritual care
- Pre-recorded lectures (8-10 hours per mandala), peer role-play conversations, and reflection papers
- Approximately 5 hours per week commitment
- Pathway to professional chaplaincy through GTU partnership
The Six Mandalas
Mandala 1: Foundation of Hindu Tradition & Chaplaincy in the Diaspora
Principal Faculty: Kailash Joshi
Students explore the concept of lokasangraha (welfare of the world) and the unique challenges of Hindu identity in the diaspora. They study samskara-s, Vedic rites, and the role of spiritual care as a foundational service to the community. This mandala builds a strong grounding in the Hindu tradition as the basis for all chaplaincy work.
Mandala 2: Hindu Spiritual Care & the Bhagavad Gita
Principal Faculty: Gaurav Rastogi
Through a close study of the Bhagavad Gita, scholars examine dharma, karma, and the three afflictions (tapatraya). They develop skills in Karma Yoga, meditation practice, and cultivating ananda (deep joy). This mandala equips students to draw on scriptural wisdom for contemporary spiritual care conversations.
Mandala 3: Context for Counseling & Chaplaincy with Hindu Lens
Students learn the foundations of spiritual care through a distinctly Hindu lens, including how to address grief, loss, and ethical dilemmas. They develop skills in compassionate presence, active listening, and spiritual care protocol. This mandala prepares scholars to hold space for others with sensitivity and confidence.
Mandala 4: Hindu Rites & Spiritual Care for Life Events
This mandala covers the rites and rituals associated with early life, illness, aging, and end-of-life transitions. Students learn to facilitate healing, continuity, and transformation through Hindu ceremonial practices. They gain practical skills for supporting individuals and families during pivotal life moments.
Mandala 5: Spiritual Care for Householders & Professionals
Students explore the spiritual care needs of householders — individuals navigating family harmony, career fulfillment, and community interactions. They learn to apply Hindu teachings to everyday challenges including relationship dynamics, work-life balance, and social engagement. This mandala builds skills for serving the broadest segment of the Hindu community.
Mandala 6: Preparing for Chaplaincy & Service
The final mandala focuses on reflection, readiness, and practical preparation for entering the field. Students consolidate their learning, develop a personal vision for seva (service), and prepare for chaplaincy placements or community roles. This mandala bridges academic study and real-world spiritual care practice.
2025-26 Curriculum Schedule
| Module | Dates |
|---|---|
| Mandala 1: Foundation of Hindu Tradition & Chaplaincy in the Diaspora | Oct 24 — Dec 5, 2025 |
| Mandala 2: Hindu Spiritual Care & the Bhagavad Gita | Dec 6 — Jan 30, 2026 |
| Mandala 3: Context for Counseling, Spiritual Care & Chaplaincy | Jan 31 — Mar 13, 2026 |
| Mandala 4: Hindu Rites & Spiritual Care for Life Events | Mar 14 — Apr 24, 2026 |
| Mandala 5: Spiritual Care for Householders & Professionals | Apr 25 — Jun 5, 2026 |
| Mandala 6: Preparing for Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care Service | Jun 6 — Jul 17, 2026 |
| Graduation | Aug 28-29, 2026 |
GTU Credit Equivalency
Per the MOU between HSCI and the Graduate Theological Union (Nov 2025), CHT graduates receive up to 12 credits of advanced standing toward GTU's MA in Interreligious Chaplaincy.
| CHT Mandalas | GTU Equivalent | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mandala 1 + 2 | SoulCare in Chaplaincy | 3 |
| Mandala 6 | Meaning Making in Chaplaincy | 3 |
| Mandala 4 | Death Theologies, Grief, and Rituals | 3 |
| Mandala 3 + 5 | Counseling and Chaplaincy | 3 |
| Total | 12 |
GTU is accredited by WASC and ATS. See the full credential pathway and GTU partnership details.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the CHT program, graduates will be able to:
- Provide Hindu spiritual care to individuals and families in hospitals, hospices, universities, and community settings
- Facilitate samskara-s and Hindu rites for major life transitions including birth, illness, aging, and end of life
- Apply Bhagavad Gita teachings — including dharma, karma, and Karma Yoga — to contemporary spiritual care conversations
- Conduct compassionate TrayaCare conversations with individuals experiencing grief, loss, stress, and ethical dilemmas
- Serve as a spiritual care resource for Hindu families in the diaspora, bridging tradition and modern life
- Pursue advanced chaplaincy credentials through the HSCI-GTU credential pathway
Who Should Apply
The CHT program welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who are called to serve through Hindu spiritual care. Ideal candidates include:
- Temple leaders, community volunteers, and yoga practitioners seeking formal spiritual care training
- Healthcare, social work, and counseling professionals wanting to integrate Hindu perspectives into their practice
- Retired professionals looking for a meaningful second career in service
- Anyone with a sincere interest in the Bhagavad Gita and a commitment to seva (selfless service)
Admission Requirements
- An accredited bachelor's degree or higher
- College-level English proficiency
- Demonstrated interest in Bhagavad Gita teachings and community service
- Completed application form
Supporting Documents Required
Submit before Orientation Day (October 24, 2025):
- Validated photo (passport/driver's license)
- 50-100 word biography
- Degree certificate copy
- 200-300 word statement on spiritual care interests
Costs
- CHT course only: $2,500 registration fee
- CHT + GTU MA Chaplaincy dual enrollment: $1,000 registration fee
Payment methods: PayPal.me/hinduci or check to HSCI (1540 Dennis Avenue, Milpitas, CA 95035)
GTU Partnership
CHT graduates can transfer 12 credits toward GTU's 36-credit MA chaplaincy degree and may apply for HSCI fellowships (up to $6,000) if enrolled in both programs. Learn more about the HSCI-GTU partnership and the full credential pathway from CHT certificate to board-certified chaplain.
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
To apply, contact admissions@hinduci.org