The atmosphere of the Nirvana Day practice was quiet, reverent, and deeply grounded in gratitude for the Buddha, his life and example, and his teachings. The gathering invited reflection on the completion of the Buddha’s life of wisdom and compassion, and on the living presence of those qualities in the world today.
During the service, many participants offered incense with traditional oshoto style bows, honoring the Buddha and his teachings, including the truth of impermanence. As incense was offered before the reclining Buddha, the practice expressed respect, gratitude, and trust. This special practice offered a gentle reminder of the ending of grasping and the peace that is never lost. From a Mahayana perspective, Nirvana reveals what is unborn and unceasing, and the Buddha’s awakened qualities of wisdom and compassion continue to function through the Dharma and the Sangha.
Within this context, the Dharma talk Breaking Habits: Awakening Within Ordinary Life explored how awakening is lived not through self improvement, but through availability. Drawing on the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh, Master Shinran Shonin, and the Vimalakirti Sutra, the talk emphasized that breaking habits is not about becoming better, but about becoming more open and responsive. When habits loosen, life flows more freely. Compassion responds naturally, and wisdom does not need to be manufactured.
The discussion that followed reflected these themes in practical and personal ways. Participants shared real-life experiences that showed how karma begins to change when awareness enters, and how grace unfolds when control relaxes. Awakening was understood not as something postponed to a distant future, but as something lived in ordinary moments, through work, relationship, and daily circumstances. These shared reflections deepened the sense of sangha and affirmed the accessibility of the path.
The full Dharma talk is available in the Articles section of our main website and can be read here: BREAKING HABITS.
Announcements and Resources
We are pleased to share the release of a new compliPDF booklet, Buddhist Daily Home Practice: Sadhana in 10 Steps, now available under the New tab on the Our Practice page. This resource offers a simple and accessible daily rhythm of mindfulness, meditation, and compassion: CLICK HERE FOR BOOKLET.
Open enrollment continues until next weekend for our upcoming in-person Meditation Made Easy Course, designed for beginners and those returning to practice. More information and registration can be found here: LEARN MORE & ENROLL
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