Artwork by Magda Cabrero
Monday, May 26, we will meet online.
Dear friends,
This week, we will meet Monday evening, May 26th, from 7-8:30PM EDT online; Wednesday morning, May 28th, from 7-8AM EDT in person at our meditation space (3812 Northampton Street NW); and Friday, May 30th, 12-1PM EST online.
On Monday night, Magda will facilitate on the theme of the illusion of the separate self and the ever-expanding and self-reflecting Avatamsaka realm, described in the Buddha’s Avatamsaka Sūtra. This session follows from Magda’s last facilitation, in which she explored the Diamond Sūtra and its teaching that our suffering should not define us. The Sūtra reveals that the self is an illusion and that suffering is both impermanent and deeply interconnected.
Building on that theme, and drawing from Thich Nhat Hanh’s commentary and teachings on manas (the aspect of consciousness tied to ego), we will reflect on how letting go of the notion of a separate self opens the path to freedom, compassion, and a deeper understanding of interbeing.
The Avatamsaka Realm: Interconnection and the Cosmic Web
Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) teaches that the less we cling to the notion of the self, the more we wake up to the interwoven nature of existence. This ultimate reality is embodied in the Avatamsaka realm, which Thay explores in his commentary on the Avataṃsaka Sūtra in Cultivating the Mind of Love.
The Avataṃsaka Sūtra emphasizes the interpenetration of all things, teaching that all phenomena infinitely reflect one another and form a boundless, interdependent whole. The image of Indra’s jeweled net illustrates these infinite interactions and connections—each gem reflects every other gem, and within each reflection, all others are contained.
Thay describes this Avataṃsaka realm as an ever-expanding, ever-reflecting universe stretching in ten directions, filled with immense light. The Buddha and all the bodhisattvas are made of light, and their radiance shines in all directions.
This realm also contains an abundance of space and time. Flowers with infinite petals bloom, vast oceans extend endlessly, and peace and joy permeate everything. There are many beautiful clouds in this realm, each with a unique core. Parasol-like forms appear, signifying the warmth and joy of mindfulness.
Engaged Buddhism: Compassion in a Suffering World
Lately, I have met many people who, like me, tend to identify deeply with the suffering of those facing injustice, but who are learning to detach from this suffering and transform it into compassionate action. I recently spoke with a Salvadoran woman who was moved to tears while discussing the struggles of the Latin American community in the United States. Though she does not face the same threats as others, her heart was open to their suffering. When I offered her documents she could share with those in need, she embraced the opportunity, recognizing how many people she could support. Though her family or immediate community was not directly affected, her compassion was palpable—she embodied the essence of a bodhisattva.
Thay encourages us to act as bodhisattvas without attachment to results, seeking neither reward nor recognition. A true bodhisattva, he explains, embodies both the aspiration to liberate all beings and the wisdom of non-discrimination. Since everything is interconnected, their actions ripple outward, touching countless lives.
The Role of the Sangha in Healing & Transformation
At a recent retreat with the Opening Heart Mindfulness Community, we reflected on Thay’s teachings on Kṣitigarbha, a revered bodhisattva in East Asian Buddhism known for their deep compassion for all sentient life and their vow to guide beings in the hell realms to a better rebirth. Many find inspiration in this bodhisattva, especially during these challenging times.
Thay views the Sangha as a refuge for individuals like Kṣitigarbha, recognizing the immense burden they carry. Sanghas must be places of refuge for those who tirelessly help others, places where they can rest and restore themselves.
Thay urges us to find a sangha, which he says will be called Maitreya, the Buddha of Love. The Sangha nurtures mindfulness and peace, sustaining bodhicitta, the awakened heart-mind. By offering community, it offers us a chance to heal. Suffering intensifies when we isolate ourselves; in solitude, we can forget that suffering is universal.
During this time of despair for many, I have witnessed people come together to support one another and engage in meaningful action. I see our Sangha as another place where people can come together and offer each other hope.
The Mandala of Ultimate Existence
This practice brings us closer to becoming a cosmic lotus flower—interconnected and infinite. The reflection of cosmic energy within us heals the mud of suffering and transforms it into compassion. —Brother Phap An, European Institute of Applied Buddhism
The illusion of separateness is one of the greatest sources of suffering. Yet, in Indra’s Net, the light emanated by the countless Buddhas reminds us that we are never truly alone.
Transcending the ego, we enter the mandala of ultimate existence—the ever-reflecting, ever-expanding realm. In this realm, suffering transforms into compassion. As the illusion of self dissolves, we radiate boundless energy, and each act of compassion ripples through the web of existence, touching countless lives.