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| A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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|  | Moments of balance and reflection in nature
Rock balancing art - picture taken by Graduate Student Commnuications Intern Lakshmi Balasubramaniam
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To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under heaven
As we witness winter changing into spring, this song about the seasons has been stuck in my head lately. Written by Pete Seeger and made famous by the Byrds’ hit rendition of it in the '60s, "Turn! Turn! Turn!" is inspired by the biblical Book of Ecclesiastes (chapter 3, verses 1-8). Both speak of there being different times for different things in life, ranging from birth to death, planting and reaping, laughing and weeping, loving and hating, “A time of war, a time of peace,” and so on.
I would call these words drawn from Scripture “descriptive,” not “prescriptive.” That is, they are telling us what life is typically like on this earth, not necessarily how life should be. War is not inevitable, for example. Peace is always an option. Tragically, however, humankind all too often chooses war over peace, hate over love, death over life.
On my office door at the Interfaith Center, I have a postcard-sized reprint of a sign from the World Peace Foundation (WPF) that reads, “Don’t Be Ashamed to Stand for Peace.” Edwin Ginn, a Universalist who attended Tufts (Ginn Library is named after him), founded the WPF in 1910. It is now a part of The Fletcher School. His goal was to educate people about “the waste and destructiveness of war and of preparation for war, its evil effects on present social conditions and on the well-being of future generations.” Over a hundred years later, that goal remains as relevant and urgent as ever.
That song stuck in my head only departs slightly from the biblical text, ending with the words, “A time for peace, I swear it's not too late.” Yet the authors of Scripture, along with people of faith and goodwill from every tradition, would surely agree: It is never too late to work for peace. As the seasons “turn, turn, turn,” I pray we will turn our hearts more and more towards peace.
Peace and Light,
Rev. Dan Bell
Protestant Chaplain
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Our spaces will be closed Saturday, March 14 - Saturday, March 21 and be open for normal operation on Monday, March 23 after spring break. You can email the University Chaplaincy with any questions (chaplaincy@tufts.edu) and always submit a brief form to be contacted by a chaplain.
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Upcoming Signature Events
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Interfaith Ambassador Program Information Session
TODAY - Wednesday, March 11, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Eaton 260
Learn how you can help foster meaningful dialogue, plan engaging programs, and connect with a thoughtful community. Join us for the Interfaith Ambassador Info Session (and dinner!). For any questions, email the University Chaplaincy.
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Performance: Keep Their Heads Ringin'
Saturday, March 28, 10:00 a.m., Procession from the Aidekman Arts Center to Goddard Chapel
Through live and recorded sound, Keep Their Heads Ringin’ takes on the complicated symbolism of the bell as an emblem of freedom and equality, which is also marked with failure: the Liberty Bell’s famed crack that rendered the iconic hunk of cast-iron broken and silent at its arrival, or in the case of a campus belltower, echoes of Kent State and other acts of real or virtual violence set upon on campus freedoms.
Developed in 2020, Keep Their Heads Ringin’ questions notions of freedom, by laying bare the violence of institutional racism and its degradation—specifically addressing the rise in anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reconsidered for Tufts University and its belltower in Goddard Chapel in 2025 in partnership with Tufts University Chaplaincy, the sound installation and participatory procession invites visitors to move though campus together under this soundtrack and newly composed score by sound artist Austin Fisher, asking us truly what freedom means.
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Living Hindu Dharma in GenZ with Dr. Asha Shipman
TODAY - Wednesday, March 11, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
The spring Hindu Life Series invites you to Living Hindu Dharma in Gen Z with Dr. Asha Shipman, Director of Hindu Life at Yale University. Explore identity, spirituality, leadership, and belonging through conversation and reflection, plus enjoy a free shared dinner. All students are welcome. Come, connect, and be in community! RVSP using the link below!
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Sri Lakshmi Temple Visit
Saturday, March 28, 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Take a break from your busy schedule and join the Tufts Hindu community for a peaceful visit to Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland. This short spiritual retreat offers time for reflection, connection, and community, followed by lunch at the temple. Travel and food are covered, and all are welcome - RSVP to reserve your spot!
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Two Day Retreat at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge in New Hampshire
Friday, April 3 - Sunday, April 5 - Apply by March 25
A retreat collaboration between Tufts Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha, Graduate Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha, and Tufts Buddhist Chaplaincy! Activities will include mindful walks, yoga in the morning, Noble Silence, time for reflection, sitting meditation, mindful Incense making, mindful art, and chanting. Transportation and delicious vegetarian meals provided. For any questions, feel free to reach out to Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye. RSVP using the link below!
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Resources and Opportunities
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Rockland Trust’s annual scholarship
The scholarship portal will close on Friday, March 13, 2026.
Up to sixteen needs-based scholarships of $3,000 each will be granted. Awards are renewable for up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned. Applicants must reside in one of the following counties:
- Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, or Worcester Counties in Massachusett
- Hillsborough and Rockingham County in New Hampshir
- Providence County in Rhode Island
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Generous Listening and Dialogue experiential course
Classes meet Wednesdays from March 25–April 22, 5–7:30 pm in the Rabb Room (Barnum Hall). Dinner will be provided.
Tufts students are invited to apply for a five-week experiential course on Generous Listening and Dialogue, led by Vuslat Doğan, founder of the Vuslat Foundation, in collaboration with Jonathan Tirrell of Tisch College. The course explores the practice of generous listening across three dimensions: listening to self, others, and nature. Through reflective and community-based exercises, students will learn how listening can strengthen well-being, social connection, and dialogue in a polarized world. The course carries 1 SHU, with modest academic requirements. Space is limited to 15 students. Apply using the link below.
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6th Global Summit on Spirituality, Religion & Mental Health
Saturday, May 14 to Sunday, May 1, Harvard Medical School Conference Center
Join the 6th Global Summit on Spirituality, Religion & Mental Health, a gathering that brings together scholars, practitioners, and global leaders for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. The summit will explore the evolving role of spirituality and religion in mental health while helping shape the future of research and practice in the psychology of religion and spirituality. Tufts Humanist Chaplain Anthony Cruz Pantojas will be offering one of the sessions.
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To see more upcoming religious holidays and festivals, including information about seeking religious accommodations at Tufts, please follow the link to the Tufts Multifaith Calendar.
Ramadan
Tue., Feb. 17 – Thur., Mar. 19, 2026
Tradition: Islam
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. Approximate date (moon dependent). The Holy Month of Ramadan is the month of fasting during which Muslims who are physically able do not eat or drink from the first sign of dawn until sunset in honor of the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad. The evening meal is celebrated with family.
Lent
Wed., Feb. 18 - Sat. Apr. 4
Tradition: Christian-Catholic and Protestant
In the churches that follow the Gregorian calendar, Lent is a six-week observance (40 days excluding Sundays) beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week. It is a time of repentance and sacrifice in preparation for Easter. Observance(s) during this time may include fasting.
Great Lent
Mon., Feb. 16 – Sat., Apr. 11, 2026
Tradition: Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Orthodox
In Orthodox churches, the first day of Lent marks the beginning of the Great Fast, the final six weeks of a 10-week period leading up to Holy Week and Easter (Pascha). In the churches that follow the Gregorian calendar, Lent is a six-week observance (40 days excluding Sundays) beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week. It is a time of repentance and sacrifice in preparation for Easter.
Great Lent
Mon., Feb. 23 – Sat., Apr. 11, 2026
Tradition: Eastern Christianity-Orthodox
In Orthodox churches, the first day of Lent marks the beginning of the Great Fast, the final six weeks of a 10-week period leading up to Holy Week and Easter (Pascha). In the churches that follow the Gregorian calendar, Lent is a six-week observance (40 days excluding Sundays) beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week. It is a time of repentance and sacrifice in preparation for Easter.
Nineteen Day Fast
Mon., Mar. 2 – Fri., Mar. 20, 2026
Tradition: Baha'i
A designated 19-day period of fasting each year immediately before the Bahá’í New Year. The fasting is seen as a period of spiritual preparation and regeneration for the new year ahead.
Laylat al-Qadr
Sun., Mar. 15, 2026
Tradition: Islam
The Night of Power or Destiny commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an (the Islamic scriptures) to Prophet Muhammad in 610 C.E.
Ghambar Hamaspathmaedem
Mon., Mar. 16 – Fri., Mar. 20, 2026
Tradition: Zoroastrianism
Celebrates the creation of human beings and honors the souls of the deceased.
Eid al-Fitr ('Id al-Fitr)
Thu., Mar. 19 – Fri., Mar. 20, 2026
Tradition: Islam
One of the two main Islamic festivals (with Eid al-Adha), this day celebrates the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It comes on the first day of the next lunar month, Shawal.
Ostara
Fri., Mar. 20, 2026
Tradition: Wicca/Paganism
Vernal Equinox, celebrating the equivalence of light and dark and the arrival of Spring.
Naw Ruz (Noruz)
Sat., Mar. 21, 2026
Tradition: Zoroastrianism
The seventh greatest festival, “New Day” is the first day of the Zoroastrian/Persian and Bahá’í New Year. It falls on the spring equinox and symbolizes the renewal of the world after the winter. For Zoroastrians, Naw Ruz also celebrates the creation of fire that is symbolic of Asha or righteousness. It is also the day on which Zarathustra received his revelation.
Naw Ruz (Noruz)
Sat., Mar. 21, 2026
Tradition: Baha'i
The seventh greatest festival, “New Day” is the first day of the Zoroastrian/Persian and Bahá’í New Year. It falls on the spring equinox and symbolizes the renewal of the world after the winter. For Zoroastrians, Naw Ruz also celebrates the creation of fire that is symbolic of Asha or righteousness. It is also the day on which Zarathustra received his revelation.
Birthday of the Prophet Zarathustra (Khordad Sal)
Thu., Mar. 26, 2026
Tradition: Zoroastrianism
The anniversary of the birth of the founder of the Zoroastrian faith.
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Support the University Chaplaincy
Supporting programs at Tufts University in religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life is easy and vital to our work. To donate, please click on the button below. Thank you for your generosity.
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The University Chaplaincy is a dynamic hub supporting religious, spiritual, ethical, and cultural life for all members of the Tufts community. We provide spiritual care, support religious and philosophical communities, educate about spiritual and ethical issues in society and the world, and promote multifaith engagement.
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