Buddhist Chaplain

About Buddhism

The word “Buddha” is not a name, but a title designated to “one who has woken up.” It refers to a being who has awakened to the true knowledge of the world and found release from suffering. His enlightenment involves the deepest insight into the inter-being of phenomenon and the Four Noble Truths (the nature of suffering or unsatisfactoriness). While anyone can practice towards enlightenment, some may not want to. An analogy likens the Buddha to a doctor with a cure, but it is up to the patient to take the medicine.

The Buddha is human, but an extraordinary one. He is not a savior but a teacher, known as “satthar”, as it appears in the ancient Pāli texts. He teaches out of compassion and sympathy the path of the end of suffering for the benefit and wellbeing of all living things. The Buddha set in motion the wheel of “dhamma” with his teachings and established a community of disciples, the “saṅgha”. Buddhism is in essence the learning and practice of the Buddha’s teachings of compassion and wisdom. It is a continuous practice in search of sustainable happiness.

Learn more about Buddhism below:

About the Buddhist Chaplaincy

At UBC, Buddhist Chaplains offer you resources and support to integrate Buddhist teachings and practices with your study, work, and relationships. Our events invite you to experience mindfulness, deep listening, and compassionate speech together. Everyone in the UBC community with or without Buddhist background or practice is welcome.

Meet the chaplain

Rev. Dr. Ernest C.H. Ng

BA, MA (UChicago), MBuddhStud, PhD (HKU), CSCP, CPST, PSE (CASC), Mindfulness (MBCT, MPIM, TSM, MiSP), CFRE, MFA-P

Ernest Ng is a Buddhist Chaplain with the UMCA at UBC and Multifaith Centre at SFU. He focuses on the wellbeing of communities by volunteering at universities and charities. He engages in religious and spiritual care, teaches mindfulness, and guides forest therapy.

Ernest became a Buddhist and received the Five Precepts and Yogacara Bodhisattva vows under the Ch’an tradition. He received the Three Jewels, the Five Mindfulness Trainings and the Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings with the Plum Village. He is also a Certified Spiritual Care Practitioner, Certified Psychospiritual Therapist, and Provisional Supervisor-Educator under Canadian Association of Spiritual Carehas (CASC). He completed Buddhist Chaplaincy Training, received Sixteen Precepts, and was ordained as Lay Minister with the Upaya Zen Center.

Ernest is the CEO of Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society (TLKYCS). TLKYCS is a Buddhist charity in Vancouver. It has been dedicated to Buddhist teachings, education, and community services for 30 years. Ernest specializes in applying wisdom tradition and spirituality into contemporary decision-making. His research publications include Leveraging Happiness, Self-sufficiency, and Introduction to Buddhist Economics.

You can contact Ernest at ernestngch@gmail.com or through his Linktree.

Services and events

Monthly group meet-ups
Drop in to the “Ch’an and Chat” at Room 1303 in the UBC Life Building every first Wednesday of the month from 5:00 to 6:30 pm from Oct 1, 2025, except for statutory holidays.
Online via zoom “Ch’an and Chat” every last Saturday of the month from 8:30 to 9:30 am except for statutory holidays. Please register online in advance.
One-on-one spiritual guidance
Email Buddhist Chaplain ernestngch@gmail.com for an appointment.
Subscribe to newsletter
Join the UBC Buddhist Chaplain newsletter and select “Buddhist Chaplain at UBC” or other options.