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| A Reflection from the University Chaplaincy
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Picture taken by Nancy Yang at the Wonderwell Mountain Refuge during the Spring 2026 Retreat
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During the first weekend of April this year, the Tufts Buddhist Mindfulfulness Sangha, Graduate Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha, and guests spent time in the mountains of New Hampshire. Many of us commented on how peaceful and refreshing it was to be surrounded by nature. The retreat happened to also coincide with Passover.
I reached out to the retreat center to see if we could change the date, but all the other weekends were already booked. Several students who wanted to attend were also observing Passover, so it was important to me that they would have meals that met their needs. The chef, student leaders, and I worked together to ensure that everyone, including those observing Passover, had nourishing and enjoyable meals. I was especially grateful that the chef at Wonderwell Mountain Refuge prepared such delicious food for all of us—this was one of the highlights of the retreat.
The weather on Saturday was perfect. We held our Dharma talk outside in the Mandala Garden, and it was a beautiful experience to be together outdoors. Some of us sat on the stones, while others lay on the ground, soaking in the warmth of the sun. After lunch, we took a mindful walk through the forest. We made our way down the mountain, sometimes holding onto trees or stepping over small streams. The walk had no set destination, which made it feel especially freeing. One student shared with me, “It was so nice to go on a walk without an endpoint or a goal.” In the evening, I missed the outdoor fireplace and s’mores, but I heard that many people enjoyed.
This retreat created a meaningful space for both practice and connection. After the fall retreat, some students shared that there was a lot of noble silence and not enough time to connect with others. This time, many appreciated the opportunity to build connections, especially through late-night conversations. At the same time, some felt they didn’t have enough time for practice. Every retreat is different - a different energy, different dietary needs, different places it finds us in our lives.
I continue to learn and reflect after each retreat I co-lead with the Tufts Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha and the Graduate Buddhist Mindfulness Sangha. I am already looking forward to our retreat in fall 2026! Today, I invite you to find a moment of peace for yourself, too.
With Metta,
Vineetha Mahayaye
Buddhist Chaplain
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Upcoming Signature Events
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Tufts University Chaplaincy Senior and Young Alumni Awards
Nominate by Monday, April 20
The Senior and Young Alumni Awards celebrate the wonderful seniors and young alumni across Tufts’ religious and philosophical communities. Help recognize those who have made a meaningful impact through their leadership, presence, and care by submitting a nomination through the link below. The ceremony will be Wednesday, April 29 at 5:00 p.m. at the Interfaith Center - save the date!
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Religious and Philosophical Events and Gatherings
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Small Art, Big Wisdom Opening Ceremony
Wednesday, April 15, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Interfaith Center
Join the Buddhist community for the second opening reception for Small Art, Big Wisdom. The exhibition features the work of nine artists. The evening will begin with twenty minutes of viewing the art. We will then enjoy a performance by the University Chaplaincy Multifaith Choir Voices for Peace & Light, followed by reflections from the artists on their creative processes and a shared dinner. RSVP using the button below! All are welcome! For questions, please contact Buddhist Chaplain, Vineetha Mahayaye.
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Spring Anime Carillon Concert
Saturday, April 18, 12:00 p.m. Goddard Chapel
The Anime Brigade and Carillon Club are excited to collaborate on an anime themed carillon concert! We encourage anime themed songs, but all songs and skill levels are welcome. If you have rehearsal questions, please email chaplaincymusic@tufts.edu.
If you have any questions about the program, please email student leader Alexander Stone. You can reach the Anime Brigade at tufts.animebrigade@gmail.com.
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Colors & Connections
Tuesday, April 21, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., A310, 230 Fenway
Join our Chaplains Dan and Vineetha for a special activity on the Fenway campus to explore why connection is important. We will be doing an art activity that uses color to express ourselves and to help us feel more connected to others. All are welcome! Lunch will be provided. RSVP through the link below. For more information feel free to reach out to Protestant Chaplain Dan Bell or Buddhist Chaplain Vineetha Mahayaye.
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Root & Rise: Yoga with Sabbi Lal
Tuesday, 21 April, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Interfaith Center
All are welcome to join for Rooting with Yoga: Yoga with Sabbi Lal, a grounding session that invites you into the deeper roots of yoga. Drawing from her journey and study of Hindu traditions, Sabbi offers yoga as a spiritual and reflective practice.This is not a typical yoga class, but an exploration of philosophy, presence, and asana inspired by figures like Hanuman and Shiva. All are welcome to come as they are, reconnect, and share in community—dinner will be provided. RSVP today!
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Resources and Opportunities
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Applying the Dharma Moment-by-Moment with Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo
Saturday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Shambala Boston, 646 Brookline Avenue, Brookline
Join Tibetan Buddhist Master Anyen Rinpoche and Allison Choying Zangmo as they introduce the practical and profound techniques of Vajrayana Buddhist meditation from their new book, The Flowing River of Dharma. Learn more about the book and event below.
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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.
Ridvan
Tue., Apr. 21 – Sat., May 2, 2026
Tradition: Baha'i
Commemorates the 12 days that Baha’u’llah spent in the Garden of Ridvan in the last days of his exile in Baghdad, during which time he proclaimed himself as the one announced by the Bab. Work is suspended for the first, ninth and 12th days.
Beltane
Thursday, April 30 – Friday, May 1, 2026
Tradition: Wicca/Paganism
Begins at sundown on the first day listed. The final fertility festival, celebrating the Earth's fecundity and anticipating the power of the sun and the Earth in summer.
Ghambar Maidyozarem
Thursday, April 30 – Monday, May 4, 2026
Tradition: Zoroanstrainism
Celebrates the creation of the sky and harvesting of the winter crop.
Wesak (Buddha Day)
Friday, May 1, 2026
Tradition: Buddhism
The commemoration of Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana, celebrated on the day of the full moon of the sixth lunar month in Southeast Asian cultures; in Tibetan culture, Wesak commemorates only the enlightenment and parinirvana. The dates of this celebration vary significantly among Buddhist cultures and communities.
Ascension of Jesus
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Tradition: Christanity-Catholic and Protestant
The celebration of Jesus’ ascension into heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes 40 days after Easter. The date observed by Protestants and Roman Catholics is different from the date observed by Orthodox Christians.
Ascension of Jesus (Orthodox)
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Tradition: Orthodox Christians
The celebration of Jesus' ascension into heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes 40 days after Easter.
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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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