Center for Spiritual Life

Dharmic Prayer Space

an image of two colorful altars with Hindu and Buddhist figures

The Dharmic Prayer Space (DPS) was created in 2015 as a prayer, meditation, and community gathering space for Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain students. All are welcome here for peaceful reflection and spiritual exploration. The space is home to events hosted by Namaskar, Sangha, and the Center for Spiritual Life.

The DPS is located in SCC 317, next to the elevator. It is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. To utilize the space, request swipe access.

Resources available in the DPS:

  • Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain worship spaces
  • Books and prayer materials
  • Meditation cushions and yoga mats
  • Incense and candles

Please observe the following policies when in the DPS:

  • Please remove your shoes at the entrance as a sign of respect. You can place them on the provided racks. If you are unable to remove your shoes, please use the blue shoe covers.
  • Please maintain the sacred nature of the DPS by avoiding loud music and phone calls and keeping language respectful.
  • Use the prayer rugs, cushions, or yoga mats as you like—just return them neatly.
  • In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, it’s considered disrespectful to point your feet directly at the altar or sacred objects. If possible, please sit or kneel in a way that your feet are not facing the deities and avoid turning your back to them while on the prayer rug.
  • You’re welcome to light incense or candles and offer food at the altar. Be sure not to leave anything burning unattended, and clean up any ashes before leaving. The air purifier should be turned on while incense is burning.
  • We recognize that each person's practice is unique. If you would like to move a deity to another location on the altar to facilitate your worship, please reach out to us at slife@brandeis.edu.
  • If you would like to borrow a book from the library, please check it out by emailing slife@brandeis.edu.
  • Please do not eat in the space outside of designated events. All food waste must be thrown away in the hallway trash bins.
  • If you would like to hold an event in the Dharmic Prayer Space, please contact slife@brandeis.edu to discuss the possibility.

Questions? Email slife@brandeis.edu. We’re so glad you’re here.