‘Where Hearts and Minds Meet': Sabbi Lall, MDiv ’26, on Her Call to Chaplaincy
Through study of Buddhist and Hindu texts, mentorships with faculty, and affirming ministry experiences, Sabbi Lall’s call to chaplaincy was answered at Harvard Divinity School.
When she arrived at Harvard Divinity School (HDS) three years ago, Sabbi Lall, MDiv ’26, sensed she was being called to chaplaincy. Now, as she prepares to graduate, she leaves HDS with a strengthened sense of that calling—one she nurtured through study, field education experiences, and mentorships with HDS faculty.
Before enrolling at HDS, Lall had an established teaching regimen in yoga and meditation. Then, in 2020, at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, she noticed a shift in her clients: not only were they coming to her for a consistent yoga practice; they were also seeking a space to share their burdens.
“They would stay after class and talk to me about what they were going through,” said Lall. “I felt qualified to listen, but unqualified to offer deeper spiritual guidance.”
Although Lall was then working as a research scientist in biochemical and molecular biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), these interactions with her clients—and a burgeoning desire to deepen her spirituality—led her to imagine an alternative path. After researching the history and philosophy of yoga, as well as studying Buddhism, she began to consider options for graduate programs in religious studies.
“I was thinking about chaplaincy as well as research,” said Lall. “I wanted to take my research background and apply it to these spiritual traditions. This is what led me to HDS.”
Lall came to HDS in the fall of 2023 with a vision for a future vocation combining spiritual care with deep knowledge of sacred texts. Over the course of her three-year journey at the School, this vision came into clearer focus through affirming experiences both in the classroom and in the field.
As part of her field education requirement within the Master of Divinity degree program, Lall spent her first summer engaged in clinical pastoral education (CPE) training at Mass General Brigham. She spent the summer caring for the spiritual needs of people journeying through illness, grief, or end-of-life experiences. Unexpectedly, she found the experience to be exactly what she had been searching for.
“I thought, ‘This is it.’ This is what the period of uncertainty was leading to. This is where my calling lies,” said Lall.
It’s where I’m called, that sacred space when people are fully sharing, when hearts and minds meet.”
Her academic studies have added a deepened intellectual foundation for her chaplaincy calling—particularly in her understanding of human suffering and spirituality. During her final semester at HDS, she studied with Professor Francis X. Clooney, S.J., in “Introduction to the Upanishads” and researched the roles of Sri Lankan women in regional Buddhist practices. These and other opportunities in the classroom have, as she put it, “fired up her passion” for research and ministry.
“I’m passionate about finding ways to use these Sanskrit and Buddhist texts to support people now,” she said. “Many of them focus on alleviating suffering. I think they have relevant messages and offer powerful resources for contemporary communities.”
In addition to Clooney’s tutelage and support, Lall credits HDS Professors Teddy Hickman-Maynard and Janet Gyatso for providing influential mentorship as well. In a class entitled “Introduction to Ministry Studies,” Lall found in Hickman-Maynard a source of unwavering encouragement and vocational support.
“From day one of that class, Dean Teddy encouraged everyone, whatever their calling, whatever their path—even if they didn’t yet know their path,” said Lall.
Gyatso supervised Lall’s final thesis and helped her reach a level she hadn’t thought possible. She also credits Monica Sanford and Chris Berlin for helping her hone the skills to find meaning within difficult ministry experiences. Ultimately, the care and help of her faculty mentors profoundly shaped her HDS experience.
“They love teaching, and they really care about their students,” said Lall. “My experience wouldn’t have been what it was without them.”
During her final year at HDS, she has helped lead the HDS Ganga student group, which is part of the Hindu Students Association. Through this experience, her appreciation for the importance of daily meditation and grounding experiences has increased, something she says she will take with her into the next phase of her life.
“It’s been a hectic time, but having that space early Tuesday mornings to share experiences, meditate, and ground together has been wonderful,” she said. “These moments of spiritual self-care are necessary to continue the work.”
Now, as she prepares to return to Mass General Brigham as a CPE resident for the coming year, she does so with confidence and confirmation that this is where she belongs.
“It’s not easy being in the hospital setting,” she said. “You’re there with people at the worst moments of their lives. But there’s something about supporting people in their suffering—it’s where I’m called, that sacred space when people are fully sharing, when hearts and minds meet.”
Banner photo by Alex Bayer.