As a Buddhist chaplaincy and center for Buddhist life at Yale University, Indigo Blue is guided by precept to attend to the other with reverence, a quality of attention that affords others space enough to be known for who they are. Attending—to students, staff, and faculty—is a defining feature of Buddhist chaplaincy. It describes a way of relating to the Other that nurtures and sustains life in accord with Buddhist precept.

For Indigo Blue staff attending is a form of Buddhist practice. It gives shape and direction to how and what we do. When attending, vows that guide our practice have us ask, even when not said aloud, “How can we help you?”

The question is an open one. It is at the root of our activities as Buddhist chaplaincy and defines our role as a center for Buddhist life. It enables us to notice what’s going on in your world as well as ours, to see the difference, and to ask what matters. As a practice, attending encourages us to listen carefully and to respond accordingly with clarity and compassion.