Interfaith Reflection Room

Students, faculty, and staff are welcome to use the Interfaith Reflection Room, located in A251 to practice their faith or reflect privately during the days and times the College is open.

You are welcome to reserve the room for a specific date and time between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. by submitting a request.

Submit a request to reserve the Interfaith Reflection Room »

Expectations for Use

To ensure we serve the community inclusively, follow these expectations when using the room.

Before You Enter

  • Enter if the green “Vacant Thank You” sign is hanging from the doorknob. Flip the sign to “Occupied Thank You” to indicate that you are using the room
  • Knock before entering; if no one responds, enter
  • Do not enter if the red “Occupied Thank You” sign is hanging from the doorknob
  • Remove your shoes outside the door, change into clean shoes that have no dirt or grime on them, or put on the shoe covers found inside the room to maintain a clean and respectful space. You can place your shoes on the shoe rack inside.
  • Keep food and uncovered cups outside of the room

When You Leave

  • Keep the space clean; anything that needs to be disposed of should go in the garbage or recycle bin in the room
  • Put the items you used back in the cabinet/where you found them
  • Be respectful of the items and the space

Items in the Interfaith Reflection Room

  • The Holy Qur'an Translated into Arabic, Urdu, and English

    The Holy Qur'an is the Islamic holy scripture. Muslims believe that this sacred text is the word of God, dictated through the prophet Mohammad. The Qur'an is written in Arabic and has 114 sections, called suras. The Qur'an provides guidance on several different aspects of life, including cooking, government, marriage, and more. The scripture is used in prayer, meditation, rituals, and religious reflection.

  • JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh

    This text is the English translation of the Hebrew Bible. “Oldest known complete version of Holy Scriptures.” The Hebrew Bible provides guidance on several different aspects of life, including cooking, government, marriage, and more. The scripture is used in prayer, meditation, rituals, and religious reflection.

  • NRSV Holy Bible

    "NRSV" stands for “New Revised Standard Version.” This is the English translation of the Bible. Used by the Catholic church and several other Protestant denominations, the Bible provides guidance on several different aspects of life, including cooking, government, marriage, and more. The scripture is used in prayer, meditation, rituals, and religious reflection.

  • Santa Biblia

    The Santa Biblia is the Spanish translation of the Bible. It is included in our reflection space to make it more accessible to Spanish speakers.

  • The Holy Vedas

    The Holy Vedas are the Hindu sacred writings. The Vedas is comprised of four books, named Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda. Like other religious texts, the Holy Vedas provides guidance on several different aspects of life and is used in prayer, meditation, rituals, and religious reflection. Unlike other religions where the scripture was revealed to a certain prophet or group of people, the Vedas is believed to have always existed. The books were contemplated by sages in deep meditation, and were passed down orally for generations before being transcribed in 1500 B.C.E.

  • Bhagavad Gita

    The Bhagavad Gita is Sanskrit for ‘Song of God” and is included as an episode in the Mahabharata, a Sanskrit epic poem of ancient India. The Gita combines the concepts expressed in central texts of Hinduism, including the Vedas and Upanishads, through the dialogue between the warrior-prince Arjuna and the god Krishna and includes discussion on what constitutes right action, proper understanding, and the meaning of life and nature of the Divine.

  • Pirkei Avot

    The Pirkei Avot is considered a guide to Jewish ethics. The title translates into “Chapters of the Fathers” but is also referred to as “Ethics of the Fathers” and includes the moral advice and insights of leading rabbinic scholars from different generations. Jewish tradition encourages one chapter to be studied each Sabbath afternoon during the spring and summer months.

  • Prayer Bell

    In Hinduism and Buddhism, a prayer bell is used to begin a prayer session. It helps center the mind on the practice and helps the mind focus.

  • Prayer Mats

    Prayer mats are used in several religions’ practices. In Islam, prayer mats are used to cover the bare floor during prayer to ensure cleanliness. In Buddhism, prayer mats are used in the practice of meditation.

  • Prayer Beads

    The beadwork is to help count the repetitions of either prayers, chants, or mantras. The beads can be used by Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, or Hindus.

  • Tasbih Prayer Beads

    The Tasbih is made of wood or stone, contains 99 beads, representing the 99 names for God, including “SubhanAllah” (Glory be to Allah), “Alhamdulillah” (praise be to Allah), and “Alahu Akbar” (Allah is Great). The beads are sectioned into 3 so it’s recited 33 times, each to glorify and praise God. The Worshipper touches one bead at a time while reciting words “Dikr” (remembrance of Allah). The beads can be used for concentration, stress relief, and a source of comfort with phrases that bring spiritual relief that God is always present with good qualities and names.

  • Compass

    A compass serves as a guide to determine directions, which helps inform position during a time of prayer or reflection.

  • Cushions

    The cushion is used for comfort while sitting on the floor. In Buddhism and Hinduism, the cushion also lessens distractions and helps one's focus by supporting and maintaining a comfortable posture.