From the Plum Village dharma talk given on March 20, 2014

Four Qualities of Happiness using Pebble Meditation

In this episode, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and journalist Jo Confino discuss freedom, exploring a deeper meaning of what it is to be free through a focus on freedom as approached in Buddhism and the Plum Village tradition: something associated with responsibility and commitment. So, what are we trying to be free from?

They further delve into how one can become free within a monastery; liberating moments; working with energy levels; suffering and freedom; collective energy; redefining spaciousness; and letting go of busyness. And how did Thay express freedom in his life and in his practice? 

The episode ends with a short meditation on freedom guided by Brother Phap Huu.

Enjoy!

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🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org/
Thich Nhat Hanh ➛ https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/  
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu/ 
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/

Bhikṣu ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhikkhu 
Filial piety ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filial_piety 
‘The Fourteen Precepts of Engaged Buddhism’ ➛ https://www.lionsroar.com/the-fourteen-precepts-of-engaged-buddhism/ 
Rains Retreat 2023-24 ➛ https://plumvillage.org/retreats/info/rains-retreat-2023/ 
Sister Chan Khong ➛ https://plumvillage.org/about/sister-chan-khong/ 
Freedom Wherever We Go ➛ https://plumvillage.org/books/freedom-wherever-we-go/ 
‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village/

Calligraphy by Brother Phap Huu.

Freedom | TWOII podcast | Episode #49

In episode 50, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and journalist Jo Confino contemplate how to find compassion for ourselves - even when we feel stuck and unable to move forward, and know what to do but enter self-loathing rather than self-compassion. Together, they discuss what it is to love ourselves and what a difference it can make. Plus, why is it so difficult to change? What should we be mindful of? And what is love to us? 

Brother Phap Huu further considers how helpful insights can blossom; attaining new views of growth in spirituality; unconditional love; what it is to be stuck and how to unstick ourselves; ‘striving’ energy, perceptions, and aspirations; creating new stories; and acceptance. 

Jo starts with a confession before sharing about epiphanies; times when one’s story is more important than one’s happiness; self-worth; cultivating change at the edges; and mindful reminders.

The episode ends with a short meditation guided by Brother Phap Huu.

Enjoy!

------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://web.plumvillage.app/talks/the-way-out-is-in and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org/
Thich Nhat Hanh ➛ https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/  
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu/ 
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/

Sister True Dedication ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sister-hien-nghiem/ 
‘Tangerine Meditation’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/clips/tangerine-meditation/
Sister Jina ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sr-dieu-nghiem/ 
Saṃsāra ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sa%E1%B9%83s%C4%81ra_(Buddhism) 
Krishna Das ➛ https://www.krishnadas.com/ 
The Miracle of Mindfulness ➛ https://plumvillage.org/books/the-miracle-of-mindfulness/ 
The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching ➛ https://plumvillage.org/books/the-heart-of-the-buddhas-teaching/ 
Dharma Talks: ‘True Love and the Four Noble Truths’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/true-love-and-the-four-noble-truths/ 
The Four Noble Truths ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy-RI3FrdGA 
Dharma Talks: ‘The Noble Eightfold Path’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/the-noble-eightfold-path/

Be Beautiful, Be Yourself | TWOII podcast | Episode #50

In episode 58, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach and journalist Jo Confino talk about healing the body. Brother Phap Huu is back in Plum Village, five weeks after undergoing surgery on one of his knees, ready to discuss dealing with ill health after 21 years as a practitioner of mindfulness. How can we accept what is going on in our bodies but also heal and be present?  

The conversation touches upon many relevant topics, such as deep endurance of pain and suffering; being mindful of your body and coming home to it; recognizing 'the fear'; Thich Nhat Hanh’s journey of being in hospital and dealing with health issues (as recalled by his attendants); accepting the present moment; learning to be teachers; impermanence; and more.

Thank you for listening. 
Enjoy!

------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://web.plumvillage.app/talks/the-way-out-is-in and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org/
Thich Nhat Hanh ➛ https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/  
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu/ 
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/

Gatha Poems ➛ https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/extended-practises 
‘How to Swell Happily in the Present Moment’ ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjfGvC-55GQ 
Stepping Into Freedom ➛ https://plumvillage.org/books/stepping-into-freedom 
‘The Five Earth Touchings’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/key-practice-texts/the-five-earth-touchings  
Sister True Dedication ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sister-hien-nghiem 
Brother Phap Linh ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/brother-phap-linh 
Neural pathway ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neural_pathway 
‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village

Healing Body and Mind | TWOII podcast | Episode #58

Sister Chan Khong sings a lullaby in English and French.

Smile

Thich Nhat Hanh shares a Christmas Eve talk from Plum Village in 2012. The practice of going home is a very deep practice. We need the energy of mindfulness. We don’t need a plane or train ticket to go home. There is a station – Radio NST – (non-stop thinking) and this doesn’t help us arrive home. Walking and breathing allow us to arrive. The more you are mindful and concentratesd the more pleasant. Help you stop the thinking and the worrying. Just walk and heal.

Christmas Eve 2012. I have Arrived. I am Home.

🔔 SENSITIVE CONTENT Disclaimer: The information in this video is not intended to diagnose or treat any mental health condition. If you are in crisis, or in need of immediate assistance, we encourage you to reach out to friends, professionals, and other groups to gain relevant support for your particular situation.

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In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino talk about how to come home to ourselves, why it can be so difficult for people to feel at home in their own skin and to feel that they are enough, and why people go searching for things outside of themselves in order to feel better about themselves on the inside. 

The hosts further explore self-love and self-acceptance; compassion; overcoming perfectionism and feelings of inadequacy; redefining beauty; true generosity; dismantling self; the Buddhist teachings on interbeing and dwelling in the present moment; and more. They also share personal experiences and insights from Thich Nhat Hanh’s own journey to inner freedom and stability. 

The episode concludes with a short meditation guided by Brother Phap Huu.  

Enjoy!

------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/Gcah and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing  
Brother Phap Linh (Brother Spirit) ➛ https://www.instagram.com/brotherspirit/ 
‘Three Resources Explaining the Plum Village Tradition of Lazy Days’ ➛ https://plumvillage.app/three-resources-explaining-the-plum-village-tradition-of-lazy-days/ 
‘Thich Nhat Hanh on Discrimination and Complexes’ ➛ https://plumvillage.app/thich-nhat-hanh-on-discrimination-and-complexes/ 
Dharma Talks: ‘What Is the Equality Complex?’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/what-is-the-equality-complex 
How To: ‘Begin Anew’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/begin-anew 
Dharma Talks: ‘The Five Remembrances’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/the-five-remembrances-sr-thuan-nghiem-spring-retreat-2018-05-17 
The Way Out Is In: ‘Feel It to Heal It: The Dharma of Music (Episode #79)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/feel-it-to-heal-it-the-dharma-of-music-episode-79 
The Way Out Is In: ‘Shining Light (Episode #63)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/shining-light-episode-63 


The Beauty of Imperfection | TWOII podcast | Episode 80

This new installment was recorded before a live audience, in the Stillwater Meditation Hall of Upper Hamlet, Plum Village, in December 2024. In its first section, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino talk about what it means to let go of the past and create a new future. They delve into the Buddhist meanings of renewal, alongside personal reflections on the challenges and achievements of the past year. 

The conversation also touches on the role of Plum Village in renewing and transmitting Buddhist teachings to new generations; the importance of ‘beginner's mind’ and the ability to adapt and evolve, both as a community and as individuals.

In the second section, the hosts answer questions from the audience on the topic of renewal, such as, ‘What practical strategies can maintain mindfulness and presence in the face of demanding responsibilities?’, and ways to reduce overconsumption. 

Enjoy!

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🎧 Listen to previous episodes on YouTube ➛ http://pvapp.to/twoii-episodes

------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely FREE) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/JV6i and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing  
Sister Chan Khong ➛ https://plumvillage.org/about/sister-chan-khong 
Sister Chan Duc ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sr-chan-duc 
Brother Phap Linh (Brother Spirit) ➛ https://www.instagram.com/brotherspirit/ 
Sister Hien Nghiem (Sister True Dedication) ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sister-hien-nghiem 
‘The Pebble Meditation’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/news/the-pebble-meditation
Dharma Talks: ‘Pebble Meditation for Adults’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/pebble-meditation-for-adults-br-phap-huu-spring-retreat-2018-05-13 
The Art of Living ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/the-art-of-living/ 
Mahayana ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana 
Old Path White Clouds ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/old-path-white-clouds/ 
The Way Out Is In: ‘Feel It to Heal It: The Dharma of Music (Episode #79)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/feel-it-to-heal-it-the-dharma-of-music-episode-79 
Dharma Talks: ‘The Noble Eightfold Path’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/the-noble-eightfold-path 
Bodhicitta ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhicitta 
A Beginners Mind for a Beautiful Future: Dharma Talk by Thich Nhat Hanh ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_F_cxM9d5Q&t=0s 

Renewal | TWOII podcast | Episode 81

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino focus on profound Buddhist sutra 'The Discourse on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone'. Using personal stories and examples, they illustrate the daily relevance of its teachings on being present in the moment, acceptance, and the interconnectedness of all things.

Brother Phap Huu discusses how this sutra emphasizes not dwelling in the past or worrying about the future, but instead being fully present in and accepting of the here and now. He also reflects on recent events in the Plum Village community, such as a fire that destroyed an important building and why this was a profound experience for the community, leading them to grieve the loss while also finding strength in their togetherness. 

The presenters further explore grieving as a necessary part of the healing process, acknowledging loss rather than trying to bypass difficult emotions; the practice of being fully present (and how to recognize when one is truly present), even in times of chaos and uncertainty; the importance of community, the role of leadership, and the transmission of teachings; the need to accept suffering as a path to greater freedom and understanding; and much more. 

------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/48DY and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Donate to support Plum Village's reconstruction ➛ https://plumvillage.org/donate
Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing
Sister Hien Nghiem (Sister True Dedication) ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sister-hien-nghiem 
Sutras ➛ https://plumvillage.org/genre/sutras 
Magnolia Grove Monastery ➛ https://magnoliagrovemonastery.org/
‘Letters from Thich Nhat Hanh’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/letters 
‘Plum Village Practice Centers’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/community/monastic-practice-centres 
Dharma Talks: ‘Redefining the Four Noble Truths’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/redefining-the-four-noble-truths

Present Moment | TWOII podcast | Episode 84

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino discuss the true meaning of Zen, finding beauty and meaning in simplicity, and how to practice so in everyday life. Also, what does it mean to be part of a Zen tradition? And how do we practice Zen? How do we see the world ‘through the eyes of Zen’? 

The conversation also touches upon the cultivation of mindfulness, concentration, and insight; the importance of humility; finding beauty in the mundane; the sacredness of objects and spaces; the role of rituals and routines; the balance between sophistication and simplicity in one's spiritual practice; and much more. 

The episode concludes with a short meditation, guided by Brother Phap Huu, on being present and grateful for the wonders of life.

Enjoy!

------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/BUEp and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Donate to support Plum Village's reconstruction ➛ https://plumvillage.org/donate
Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing
Samatha ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samatha-vipassan%C4%81
Dhyana in Buddhism ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhyana_in_Buddhism 
Dharma Talks: ‘Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/taking-refuge-in-the-three-jewels-sr-chan-duc-spring-retreat-2018-05-20 
Wim Wenders ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wim_Wenders 
Perfect Days ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv8YO5BXCAQ 
Love Letter to the Earth ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/love-letter-to-the-earth/ 
Sister Chan Khong ➛ https://plumvillage.org/about/sister-chan-khong 
Sister Hien Nghiem (Sister True Dedication) ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sister-hien-nghiem 
European Institute of Applied Buddhism ➛ https://www.eiab.eu/ 
Sutras ➛ https://plumvillage.org/genre/sutras 

Zen: Meaning in Simplicity | TWOII podcast | Episode 85

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino discuss Thich Nhat Hanh’s calligraphic work ‘Are You Sure?’. Together, the presenters discuss how this simple question encourages us to examine our perceptions, assumptions, and certainties about ourselves and  the world around us as a path to greater understanding and well-being.

The conversation further explores the importance of cultivating an open, curious, and reflective mindset, rather than clinging to rigid beliefs or opinions; being present, listening deeply to ourselves and others; the value of community, friendship, and feedback in helping us to see our blind spots and to grow; the interplay between the historical and ultimate dimensions of life, and how holding multiple perspectives can allow us to respond with wisdom and compassion; and more. 

The episode concludes with a short meditation guided by Brother Phap Huu. 

Enjoy! 

------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/t3ur and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing
Koan ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koan 
Cong Phu Journal – Everything You Need to Know About the Practice Notebook ➛ https://plumvillage.app/cong-phu-journal-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-practice-notebook/ 
Plum Village podcast: ‘With Each and Every Brushstroke: When Art and Meditation Come Together’
➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/meditation/with-each-and-every-brushstroke-when-art-meditation-come-together 
The Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings ➛ https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/the-14-mindfulness-trainings 
Sister Peace ➛ https://www.sfzc.org/teachers/sister-peace 
Brother Phap Khoi ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/brother-phap-khoi 
The Way Out Is In: ‘Shining Light (Episode #63)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/shining-light-episode-63  
The Way Out Is In: ‘Bringing the Ultimate Dimension Down to Earth (Episode #40)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/bringing-the-ultimate-dimension-down-to-earth-episode-40 
Joanna Macy ➛ https://www.joannamacy.net/ 
The Way Out Is In: ‘Active Hope: The Wisdom of Joanna Macy (Episode #25)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/active-hope-the-wisdom-of-joanna-macy-episode-25 
The Way Out Is In: ‘Grief and Joy on a Planet in Crisis: Joanna Macy on the Best Time to Be Alive (Episode #12)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/grief-and-joy-on-a-planet-in-crisis-joanna-macy-on-the-best-time-to-be-alive-episode-12

Are You Sure? | TWOII podcast | Episode 86

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino discuss the Noble Eightfold Path, a fundamental teaching that was emphasized by the Buddha. The eight elements of the path are: right view, right thinking, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right diligence, right mindfulness, and right concentration. 

The hosts focus on each element and explain their interconnectedness and how they form a comprehensive approach to self-discovery, personal transformation, and spiritual development. Jo and Brother Phap Huu also emphasise the importance of making the Noble Eightfold Path relevant, accessible, and applicable to contemporary challenges and needs, and the role of Plum Village community in adapting these teachings.

The episode ends with a short meditation guided by Brother Phap Huu.

------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/17zd and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing
Dhyana in Buddhism ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhyana_in_Buddhism 
The Bodhi Tree ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodhi_tree 
Dharma Talks: ‘Right Livelihood and True Love’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/right-livelihood-and-true-love 
51 Mental Formations ➛ https://plumvillage.org/transcriptions/51-mental-formation 
The Way Out Is In: ‘Taming Our Survival Instinct (Episode #65)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/taming-our-survival-instinct-episode-65 
Sister Lang Nghiem ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sr-lang-nghiem 
Sister True Dedication ➛ https://www.instagram.com/sistertruededication/  
Brother Phap Ung ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/brother-chan-phap-ung 
The Five Mindfulness Trainings ➛ https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/the-5-mindfulness-trainings 
The Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings ➛ https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/the-14-mindfulness-trainings 
Old Path White Clouds ➛ https://plumvillage.org/books/old-path-white-clouds-2 



The Noble Eightfold Path | TWOII podcast | Episode 87

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino look at one of the foundational teachings of Buddhism: the Three Jewels - the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. The Buddha is the teacher who, through his own direct experience, found the path to liberation from suffering. The Dharma refers to the teachings and practices that lead to awakening. The Sangha is the community that supports and transmits the Dharma.

Their conversation emphasizes the Sangha’s importance as the community that keeps the Buddha's teachings alive and relevant; the need for communities rooted in the Dharma, with clear practices and guidelines to provide refuge and support spiritual transformation; and more.

As usual, the hosts provide examples from their own experiences, as well as stories by or involving Thich Nhat Hanh. 

------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/Fnke and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing
Donate to support Plum Village's reconstruction ➛ https://plumvillage.org/donate 
Sister Chan Khong ➛ https://plumvillage.org/about/sister-chan-khong
Sister Chan Duc ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sr-chan-duc 
Fragrant Palm Leaves: Journals 1962-1966 ➛ https://plumvillage.org/books/1998-neo-ve-cua-y-fragrant-palm-leaves 
Nalanda mahavihara ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nalanda_mahavihara 
Buddhahood ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhahood 
Dharma Talks: ‘The Five Skandhas of Grasping and Non-Self​’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/the-five-skandhas-of-grasping-and-non-self%E2%80%8B-dharma-talk-by-br-phap-lai-2018-06-08 
Old Path White Clouds ➛ https://plumvillage.org/books/old-path-white-clouds-2 
‘The Fourteen Mindfulness Trainings’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/mindfulness/the-14-mindfulness-trainings 
Wake Up Network ➛ https://plumvillage.org/community/wake-up-young-practitioners 
Vinaya ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinaya 
The Hermit and the Well ➛ https://plumvillage.org/books/hermit-and-the-well

The Three Jewels | TWOII podcast | Episode 89

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino are joined by Nho Tran, a nun in the Plum Village tradition for 17 years now continuing her spiritual journey as a layperson. 

Together, they explore the profound importance of spiritual friendship in the Buddhist tradition, while Brother Phap Huu and Nho reflect on the personal journey of their decades-long friendship. They discuss the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh on the centrality of community and togetherness in cultivating joy, stability, and liberation; the challenges and growth experienced through friendship; and the importance of deep listening and being present for one another, which allows for vulnerability, honesty, and the freedom to be one's authentic self. 

Bio

Nho Tran is a scholar, facilitator, and former Buddhist nun in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. She spent many years living and practicing in monastic communities across Asia, Europe, and North America, where she cultivated a deep commitment to interbeing, cultural resilience, and the art of mindful living.

Nho’s work sits at the intersection of conflict transformation, ethics, and systems thinking. Drawing on her monastic formation and experience across diverse sectors, she supports individuals and communities in navigating difficult conversations, fostering cultural change, and reimagining leadership grounded in compassion and collective wisdom. 

She holds a joint degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and Religion from the University of Southern California, a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, and an MA from Harvard University. She is currently a PhD candidate at Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, where her research explores the intersections of religion, ethics, governance, and Vietnamese Buddhist history.

Nho teaches negotiation, ethics, and conflict resolution at Harvard, and continues to serve as a bridge between contemplative practice and social transformation.

-------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/ds8J and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Nho Tran ➛ https://www.instagram.com/hello.nho
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

🎙️ Live show: The Way Out Is In podcast with special guest Ocean Vuong ➛ https://tickets.plumvillage.uk/events/zen/1682673 

Donate to support Plum Village's reconstruction ➛ https://plumvillage.org/donate 
Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing
Ocean Vuong ➛ https://www.oceanvuong.com/ 
Ānanda ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%80nanda 
Pali Canon ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pali_Canon 
The Three Marks of Existence ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_marks_of_existence 
The Miracle of Mindfulness ➛ https://plumvillage.shop/products/books/personal-growth-and-self-care/the-miracle-of-mindfulness-2/ 
Mara ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mara_(demon) 
Brother Spirit ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/brother-phap-linh 
Thich Nhat Hanh: Redefining the Four Noble Truths ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eARDko51Xdw 
Maitreya ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitreya


Spiritual Friendships | TWOII podcast | Episode 90

Dear friends, in memory of Joanna Macy, who passed away on July 19th, we are republishing episode 12 of The Way Out Is In podcast series, with an introduction by Jo Confino.

A scholar of Buddhism, systems theory, and deep ecology, Joanna Macy (1929 -2025), PhD, was one of the most respected voices in the movements for peace, justice, and ecology. She interweaved her scholarship with learnings from six decades of activism, had written twelve books, and laught an empowerment approach known as the Work That Reconnects. 

In episode 12 (November, 2021), presenters Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and lay Buddhist practitioner and journalist Jo Confino were joined by Joanna Macy to discuss the relevance of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings to the crises we face today as a species; the energy of simplicity; truth-telling and the power of facing the truth; the grounds for transformation; impermanence; interbeing. 

Joanna recollects what Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings and activism have meant to her, and shares a special meeting with him in the early 1980s, during a UN peace conference, when Thay read one of his essential poems in public for the first time. Joanna’s activism, forged during many campaigns, and her practice and study of Theravada Buddhism, shine through in her priceless advice about facing the current social and ecological crisis, grieving for all creation, and finding the power to deal with the heartbreaking present-day reality. She also addresses how grief and joy can coexist in one person, and how to be present for life even in the midst of struggle.

The episode ends with a guided meditation by Joanna Macy.

-------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org/
Thich Nhat Hanh ➛ https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/
🎙️ Joanna Macy ➛ https://www.joannamacy.net/
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛  https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu/
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛  https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Lotus in a Sea of Fire (1967) ➛ https://plumvillage.org/books/1967-hoa-sen-trong-bien-lua-lotus-in-a-sea-of-fire/
Call Me By My True Names ➛  https://plumvillage.org/books/call-me-by-my-true-names/
Celestial Bodhisattvas ➛  https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/buddhas-and-bodhisattvas-celestial-buddhas-and-bodhisattvas
Rainer Maria Rilke ➛  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainer_Maria_Rilke 
Duino Elegies ➛  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duino_Elegies 
The Tenth Elegy ➛ https://www.tellthestory.co.uk/translatedpoemduino10.html 
The Book of Hours ➛  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Hours 
Satipaṭṭhāna ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satipatthana 
World as Lover, World as Self ➛  https://www.parallax.org/product/world-as-lover-world-as-self-a-guide-to-living-fully-in-turbulent-times/
‘The Shambhala Warrior’ ➛  https://www.awakin.org/read/view.php?tid=236 
The Shambhala Warrior Prophecy ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14dbM93FALE 
Bardo ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bardo 
‘Entering the Bardo’ ➛ https://emergencemagazine.org/op_ed/entering-the-bardo/ 
Maitreya ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitreya 
Ho Chi Minh ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh
Śūnyatā ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C5%ABnyat%C4%81
Svabhava ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svabhava
Kṣitigarbha ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%E1%B9%A3itigarbha 
Ānāpānasati ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anapanasati 
Satipaṭṭhāna ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satipatthana

Special Edition: Joanna Macy's Message of Hope | TWOII podcast

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino are joined by Nho Tran, who, after 17 years as a nun in the Plum Village tradition, is now continuing her spiritual journey as a layperson. 

Together, they explore the origins and evolution of the Plum Village tradition: the Buddhist lineage founded by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. Thay worked to restore and renew Vietnamese Buddhism, integrating its rich history and diverse influences while increasing the teachings' accessibility and relevance to the modern world.

The participants describe Thay's openness to adapting practices to different communities' needs, while maintaining the tradition’s core principles and lineage. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding one's roots and cultural heritage, and of the flexibility to evolve and innovate within a spiritual tradition, and how these principles led to Thay's vision of engaged Buddhism, which seeks to address societal issues and cultivate both inner and outer peace. 

Bio: Nho Tran is a scholar, facilitator, and former Buddhist nun in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. For many years, she lived and practiced in monastic communities across Asia, Europe, and North America, where she cultivated a deep commitment to interbeing, cultural resilience, and the art of mindful living. She holds a joint degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and Religion from the University of Southern California, a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, & an MA from Harvard University. She is currently a PhD candidate at Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, where her research explores the intersections of religion, ethics, governance, and Vietnamese Buddhist history.

-------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Nho Tran ➛ https://www.instagram.com/hello.nho
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

🎙️ Live show: The Way Out Is In podcast with special guest Ocean Vuong ➛ https://tickets.plumvillage.uk/events/zen/1682673 

Donate to support Plum Village's reconstruction ➛ https://plumvillage.org/donate 
Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing
James Baldwin ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Baldwin 
Dharma Talks: ‘Redefining the Four Noble Truths’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/redefining-the-four-noble-truths 
Thich Nhat Hanh: Redefining the Four Noble Truths ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eARDko51Xdw 
‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village 
Theravada ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theravada 
Mahayana ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahayana 
Champa ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champa 
Vajrayana ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrayana 
Prajnaparamita ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prajnaparamita 
Dhyana ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhyana_in_Buddhism 
Linji ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linji_school   
Pearl S. Buck ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_S._Buck 
‘Please Call Me By My True Name’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/please-call-me-by-my-true-names-song-poem

Roots and Renewal | TWOII podcast | Episode 91

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino are joined by special guest Jo-ann Rosen. Together, they discuss individual and collective trauma and how mindfulness and neuroscience can help address it. The conversation further explores the concepts of current and historical trauma, how the nervous system can become overwhelmed by modern stresses, the courage required to be vulnerable and honest about our suffering, how this can lead to deeper connections and understanding within a community - and more.

Jo-ann, a psychotherapist with expertise in trauma and mindfulness, shares her personal journey of discovering the Plum Village tradition and how it has informed her understanding of trauma. She emphasizes the importance of collective healing, drawing from her work with marginalized communities and the power of creating safe spaces for people to share their experiences and find support in each other.

Brother Phap Huu also shares his experiences of supporting the Plum Village monastic community and retreatants in cultivating stability and healing through mindfulness practices. 

Bio: Dharma Teacher Jo-ann Rosen, True River of Understanding, Chan Tue Ha (pronouns she/her), received the Lamp of Wisdom (symbolizing the transmission of Dharma from Zen Master to disciple) and authorization to teach from Thich Nhat Hanh in 2012. She practices with the EMBRACE and Victoria Sanghas, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, and teaches and lectures internationally, focusing on inner stability and community resiliency. Her writings center on a neuroscience-informed and trauma-sensitive approach to individual practice and collective awakening. She lives with her partner of 40 years in the oak woodlands of Northern California, US. 

Photo by Leslie Kirkpatrick

-------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://shorturl.at/QIQzc and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Jo-ann Rosen ➛ https://www.parallax.org/authors/jo-ann-rosen/
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

🎙️ Live show: The Way Out Is In podcast with special guest Ocean Vuong ➛ https://tickets.plumvillage.uk/events/zen/1682673 

Embrace Sangha ➛ https://www.embracesangha.org/ 
Unshakeable: Trauma-Informed Mindfulness for Collective Awakening ➛
https://www.parallax.org/product/unshakeable
Plum Village App ➛ Meditations ➛ Trauma Informed Practice ➛ https://plumvillage.app/
Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing 
The Miracle of Mindfulness ➛ https://plumvillage.shop/products/books/personal-growth-and-self-care/the-miracle-of-mindfulness-2 
Dharma Talks: ‘Redefining the Four Noble Truths’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/redefining-the-four-noble-truths 
Thich Nhat Hanh: Redefining the Four Noble Truths ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eARDko51Xdw 
‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village

Trauma and Collective Healing | TWOII podcast | Episode 92

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino explore the art of transmission in Buddhism: wisdom and teachings being passed down over time, from teacher to student. 

The hosts touch on the profound and nuanced ways in which Buddhist teachings and insights are passed down through generations, with the goal of cultivating understanding, compassion, and liberation; the role of nature as a powerful transmitter of wisdom; the significance of rituals and ceremonies in honoring this transmission; and more.

Brother Phap Huu emphasizes the importance of deep listening, humility, and direct experience in the transmission process, and how true transmission goes beyond the imparting of knowledge, to a requirement that both teacher and student be in a state of non-self and openness to receive the teachings. 

-------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛ https://shorturl.at/NNUxe and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

🎙️ Live show: The Way Out Is In podcast with special guest Ocean Vuong ➛ https://tickets.plumvillage.uk/events/zen/1682673 

Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing  
Album: A Cloud Never Dies ➛ https://plumvillage.org/album-a-cloud-never-dies 
Dharma Talk: ‘The Five Powers: Faith, Diligence, Mindfulness, Concentration, Insight - Brother Phap Huu’ ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4PGrMjea7A 
Dharma Talks: ‘Redefining the Four Noble Truths’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/redefining-the-four-noble-truths 
Thich Nhat Hanh: Redefining the Four Noble Truths ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eARDko51Xdw 
‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village
The Way Out Is In: ‘Feel It to Heal It: The Dharma of Music (Episode #79)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/feel-it-to-heal-it-the-dharma-of-music-episode-79 
Dharma Talks: ‘Redefining the Four Noble Truths’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/redefining-the-four-noble-truths

The Art of Transmission | TWOII podcast | Episode 93

This week, we are delighted to share an episode of the 10% Happier podcast, which is hosted by bestselling author Dan Harris and features world-class insights and practices from experts in modern science and ancient wisdom. 

Dan’s guest, for the second time, is Zen Buddhist monk and Way Out Is In co-host Brother Phap Huu, who discusses his burnout and how he recovered - and how you can, too.

The episode was recorded during early summer 2025, and first released on July 2nd 2025.

Together, Dan and Brother Phap Huu discuss:
- Why people are busier and more susceptible to overwhelm than ever before 
- Why monastics aren’t immune to burnout
- The way that  busyness is thrust upon us by contemporary lifestyles, but is also a result of us running away from the things we don't want to face
- Practical tools for addressing busyness and burnout 
- Why doing nothing is an art
- The importance of perspective - and how contemplating your mortality can provide this 
- The practice of total relaxation
- How to maintain healthy boundaries without adopting mental armor
- Ways to say no without annoying people
- How to protect ourselves in toxic environments.

And much more.

-------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely free) Plum Village App ➛  https://link.plumvillage.app/Tshh and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

🎙️ Dan Harris ➛ https://www.danharris.com/
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu

10% Happier with Dan Harris ➛ https://www.danharris.com/s/10-happier 
Being with Busyness: Zen Ways to Transform Overwhelm and Burnout ➛  https://www.parallax.org/product/being-with-busyness/  
Calm in the Storm: Zen Ways to Cultivate Stability in an Anxious World ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/calm-in-the-storm/ 
Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing 
Brené Brown ➛ https://brenebrown.com/ 
‘Daily Contemplations on Impermanence & Interbeing’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/daily-contemplations-on-impermanence-interbeing 
‘Recommendation’ (poem) ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/recommendation 
Thay's Poetry: ‘Please Call Me by My True Names’ (song and poem) ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/please-call-me-by-my-true-names-song-poem

Guest Episode: Buddhist Practices for Busyness, Overwhelm, and Burnout

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino explore the importance of silence and its role in personal transformation and spiritual practice. 

They further discuss noble silence in the Plum Village tradition – a fundamental practice that allows for deep reflection, self-awareness, and connection with the present moment; silence as a space that enables practitioners to listen deeply; the challenges of silence; the contrast between the mainstream emphasis on productivity, noise, and external validation, and the Buddhist approach of valuing stillness, presence, and inner listening as a path to true well-being and happiness; silence as a means to engage more deeply with life, rather than as an escape; embodied listening; and more. 

The episode concludes with an invitation to take time for silent reflection and to explore the transformative power of silence in our lives.

-------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely FREE) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/v7uy and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing  
Being with Busyness: Zen Ways to Transform Overwhelm and Burnout ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/being-with-busyness/  
Calm in the Storm: Zen Ways to Cultivate Stability in an Anxious World ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/calm-in-the-storm/ 
Buddha Path ➛ https://buddhapath.com/ 
‘The Four Dharma Seals of Plum Village’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/the-four-dharma-seals-of-plum-village
Brother Spirit ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/brother-phap-linh 
Brother Phap Ung ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/brother-chan-phap-ung 
‘Three Resources Explaining the Plum Village Tradition of Lazy Days’ ➛ https://plumvillage.app/three-resources-explaining-the-plum-village-tradition-of-lazy-days/ 
Tao Te Ching ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao_Te_Ching 
Bimbisara ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bimbisara 
Devadatta ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devadatta

Silence | TWOII podcast | Episode 94

This is the recording of our second live public event, which recently took place in London. Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino are joined on stage by special guest Ocean Vuong, Vietnamese American poet, essayist, and novelist.

Their conversation explores the themes of joy, togetherness, and cultivating courage in the face of hardship and suffering; the role of language, narrative, and technology in shaping modern experiences of suffering and joy; intergenerational trauma; and more.

All three share personal experiences and insights about finding meaning and community amidst individual and collective challenges. Ocean recollects the way that, growing up in a community impacted by the opioid crisis, Buddhism and the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh provided solace and a path to understanding suffering, while Brother Phap Huu reflects on his journey to become a Zen Buddhist monk, and the role of kindness, fearlessness, and vulnerability in his practice. 

The discussion culminates with a chant offered by Ocean as a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

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🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

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The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/ 
Plum Village UK: 
https://plumvillage.uk/
And Global Optimism:
https://www.globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation:
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/

Photo credit: Wayne Price

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🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely FREE) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/tLE4 and other streaming services.

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Resources:

🎙️ Ocean Vuong ➛ https://www.oceanvuong.com/  
🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en
 
Being with Busyness: Zen Ways to Transform Overwhelm and Burnout ➛ 
https://www.parallax.org/product/being-with-busyness/  
Calm in the Storm: Zen Ways to Cultivate Stability in an Anxious World ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/calm-in-the-storm/ 
Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing 
W. S. Merwin ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._S._Merwin 
Harry Beecher Stowe ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Beecher_Stowe 
Tom Brokaw ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brokaw 
Duḥkha ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Du%E1%B8%A5kha 
Ford Model T ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Model_T 
The Dhammapada ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhammapada 
Anaphora ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anaphora_(rhetoric) 
Schadenfreude ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schadenfreude 
‘Bright Morning Star’ ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bright_Morning_Star 
‘The Five Earth Touchings’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/key-practice-texts/the-five-earth-touchings

Cultivating Joy and Togetherness in the Midst of Hardship | TWOII podcast | Episode 95

In this installment, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach/journalist Jo Confino explore the lifelong journey of self-forgiveness and how to forgive ourselves. How do we find the capacity to let go of past hurts and come into the fullness of our lives? 

The conversation also touches upon themes like self-love, self-compassion, community, spiritual growth, impermanence, the coexistence of suffering and happiness, and the importance of ongoing practice. 

Brother Phap Huu discusses the Buddhist perspective of the Dharma threading through time, embracing past, present, and future; how loving oneself begins with recognizing and accepting one’s stories and scars; the importance of treating oneself with kindness and compassion; acknowledging unskillful actions; practicing with the inner child; and much more. 

In addition, personal stories shared by the presenters illustrate how forgiveness and self-love evolve over time, and that forgiving oneself is vital for genuine compassion and service.

The episode concludes with aspirations for the new year. 

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🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

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🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely FREE) Plum Village App ➛ https://link.plumvillage.app/hAWd and other streaming services.

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Resources:

🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Pilgrimage: 'In the Footsteps of the Buddha'
https://plumvillage.org/event/pilgrimage/in-the-footsteps-of-the-buddha-2
Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
Being with Busyness: Zen Ways to Transform Overwhelm and Burnout ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/being-with-busyness/  
Calm in the Storm: Zen Ways to Cultivate Stability in an Anxious World ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/calm-in-the-storm/ 
Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing   
‘Looking Deeply: Healing the Inner Child’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/healing-the-inner-child 
The Way Out Is In: ‘Healing Our Inner Child: Pathways to Embrace Our Suffering (Episode #10)’ ➛
https://plumvillage.org/podcast/healing-our-inner-child-pathways-to-embrace-our-suffering 
The Inner Child (short guided meditation) ➛ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zauJYihF2fQ    
Dharma Talks: ‘Taking Refuge in the Three Jewels’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/taking-refuge-in-the-three-jewels-sr-chan-duc-spring-retreat-2018-05-20 
The Way Out Is In: ‘The Three Jewels (Episode #89)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/the-three-jewels-episode-89 
John Bradshaw ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bradshaw_(author) 
Sutras: ‘Discourse on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/sutras/discourse-on-knowing-the-better-way-to-live-alone 
The Order of Interbeing ➛ https://plumvillage.org/community/order-of-interbeing

Self-Forgiveness | TWOII podcast | Episode 96

This special episode – part one of two question-and-response (Q&R) installments – commemorates the publication of the second book by Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach Jo Confino, which was published earlier this year. Calm in the Storm: Zen Ways to Cultivate Stability in an Anxious World is intended to help readers meet the current polycrisis with stability and resilience, but also forcefulness and love. 

According to Plum Village tradition, Jo and Brother Phap Huu recorded two episodes that respond to listeners’ questions which connect to the book’s themes - from balancing kindness and anger in challenging times to staying compassionate with a world where there's little deep listening; how to best support young people; caring for oneself while serving others; and much more. 

Enjoy! 

-------
🔔 The Way Out Is In: The Zen Art of Living is a podcast series mirroring Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s deep teachings of Buddhist philosophy: a simple yet profound methodology for dealing with our suffering, and for creating more happiness and joy in our lives. 🔔

------
The podcast is co-produced by the Plum Village App:
https://plumvillage.app/
And Global Optimism:
https://globaloptimism.com/
With support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation: 
https://thichnhathanhfoundation.org/ 

------
🎧 Listen to the podcast on the (completely FREE) Plum Village App and other streaming services.

------
Resources:

🎙️ Brother Phap Huu ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/br-phap-huu
🎙️ Jo Confino ➛ https://www.instagram.com/joconfino/?hl=en

Pilgrimage: 'In the Footsteps of the Buddha'
https://plumvillage.org/event/pilgrimage/in-the-footsteps-of-the-buddha-2
Plum Village Community ➛ https://plumvillage.org
Being with Busyness: Zen Ways to Transform Overwhelm and Burnout ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/being-with-busyness/  
Calm in the Storm: Zen Ways to Cultivate Stability in an Anxious World ➛ https://www.parallax.org/product/calm-in-the-storm/ 
Interbeing ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interbeing
The Order of Interbeing ➛ https://plumvillage.org/community/order-of-interbeing 
Plum Village Tradition ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plum_Village_Tradition 
The Way Out Is In: ‘The Three Jewels (Episode #89)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/the-three-jewels-episode-89 
Sister Chan Dieu Nghiem (Sister Jina) ➛ https://plumvillage.org/people/dharma-teachers/sr-dieu-nghiem 
Dharma Talks: ‘The Five Skandhas of Grasping and Non-Self​’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/library/dharma-talks/the-five-skandhas-of-grasping-and-non-self%E2%80%8B-dharma-talk-by-br-phap-lai-2018-06-08
The Way Out Is In: ‘Joanna Macy’s Message of Hope’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/joanna-macys-message-of-hope 
The Way Out Is In: ‘Active Hope: The Wisdom of Joanna Macy (Episode #25)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/active-hope-the-wisdom-of-joanna-macy-episode-25 
The Way Out Is In: ‘Grief and Joy on a Planet in Crisis: Joanna Macy on the Best Time to Be Alive (Episode #12)’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/podcast/grief-and-joy-on-a-planet-in-crisis-joanna-macy-on-the-best-time-to-be-alive-episode-12 
‘Three Resources Explaining the Plum Village Tradition of Lazy Days’ ➛ https://plumvillage.app/three-resources-explaining-the-plum-village-tradition-of-lazy-days/ 
Śāriputra ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9A%C4%81riputra 
Rāhula ➛ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C4%81hula 
How To: ‘Begin Anew’ ➛ https://plumvillage.org/articles/begin-anew

Calm in the Storm Q&R | Part One | TWOII podcast | Episode 97

Response provided by Thich Nhat Hanh to a written question on June 20, 2004 at Plum Village during the 21-Day Retreat with the theme of The Feet of the Buddha. The teaching offered is called Beginning Anew.

The Feet of the Buddha

How Do We Deal With Regrets?

No sameness. No otherness. That is the nature of all that is.

The retreat theme is “What Happens when we die?” at Plum Village, France. This is a 26-minute portion of the talk offered from the Stillwater Meditation Hall at Upper Hamlet on June 12, 2014. Both the video and audio are available below.

In this talk we return to many common teachings of no-birth, no-death as illustrated by the corn seed and the corn plant, the cloud and the cup of tea, and seeing ourselves as a 5-year old child. We are reminded that we carry all our ancestors in our body. When we walk, our ancestors walk with us at the same time. We don’t just walk for ourselves, but we also walk for our ancestors. The same is with our spiritual ancestors – we are the continuation of these ancestors too. The teaching also reminds us how to work with our more difficult ancestors in order to discover healing and transformation. We can turn our anger into compassion.

No Sameness No Otherness

The Sangha is gathered together at Magnolia Grove Monastery in Batesville, Mississippi during the 2011 US Teaching Tour with the theme Cultivating the Mind of Love. This 85-minute dharma talk is from September 29, 2011.

We begin with a 27-minute teaching for the children present at the retreat. Of course, everyone can benefit and enjoy this teaching regardless of age.

When you love someone, what can you offer them? What is the most precious thing we can offer them? Thay offers a story of an unhappy child and his father - what does the child want for his birthday?

The first mantra of Plum Village is “Darling, I am here for you.” In order to do this, you really have to be present. We should all memorize this mantra. This is a meditation and does not take time and money. Mindfulness helps you to be there.

Thay teaches us about how and why to use pebble meditation. The first pebble represents a flower. What is a true flower? And the second pebble represents a mountain. Cultivating our stability. The next pebble represents still water. The last pebble represents space. Open your heart. A child can very easily lead pebble meditation.

We continue teachings on breathing exercises. This morning the guided meditation explored the first four exercises of mindful breathing. These first four have to do with the body. We first recognize our in-breath and our out-breath. What is the intention of this exercise? Then we move to breathing-in, I follow my breath all the way through. During this time, there is no interruption. You only follow the breathing.

With the third, we are aware of our body. Mind and body are together. To restore the oneness. And our body is a wonder. Thay shares of a recent visit to the Googleplex. Practiced these breathing exercises, especially helping them connect with the body as described in the third exercise. It is a reconciliation between the mind and the body. The fourth exercise is breathing in, I release the tension in my body. This practice is very relevant to our time. We can reduce the amount of pain.

Contemplation of the body. Revisit all parts of our body. How do we do this?

The next set of exercises are designed to help us handle our feelings.

5. Generating joy
6. Generating happiness
7. Recognize a painful feeling
8. Embrace a painful feeling

Can we recognize the conditions of joy and happiness? Living happily in the present moment. This is found right in the Sutra and is especially relevant for business people.

Mindfulness is being able to go home to the present moment. Mindfulness is not something you can buy. When you are mindful, you are there with your body. Mindfulness and concentration are two sources of happiness. Another practice is that of letting go. Here we have the teaching on the farmer who has lost his cows. To know our obstacles is also a path to knowing our happiness. Letting go is a good practice.

Once we know our joy and happiness, then we can more easily handle our pain. When the pain manifests, a good practitioner can recognize this and know how to take care of the painful feeling. We can hold our pain.

Call Your Cows By Their True Names

The sangha is gathered together at Magnolia Grove Monastery in Batesville, Mississippi during the 2011 US Teaching Tour with the theme Cultivating the Mind of Love. It is the fourth day of the retreat. This 108-minute question and answer session is from October 1, 2011. 

A good question can help many people. It can be a question about our suffering and our happiness. 

We begin with a few questions from the children. 
1. What are some of the traditional foods in a Buddhist monastery? (4:33)
2. What helps to clear your mind? (13:55)
3. Is it true that if you don’t believe in God that you go to the underworld? (17:32)
4. What kind of Buddha’s are there? (21:40)

Followed by questions from teenagers, young adults, and adults. 
1. How can I relate to another person, and love another person, but not experience the three complexes - inferiority, superiority, and equality? (27:14)
2. What would you advise someone who has been diagnosed with attention disorder, or any mental illness, that hinders a person from being in the now. And have had to rely on medications for their whole life. How can they live in the now? (32:40)
3. What would you do if you had a friend who isn’t being loving to each other, and you are caught in the middle? (37:28)
4. How can I not suffer when I see my 26-year old son’s life unraveling due to his drug addictions? I am overcome by grief and despair. (56:45)
5. When facing a decision, where your only see two possible answers - the one you think is right and the one you feel is right - how can you know which one? (1:03:45)
6. What does it mean to be free?(1:23:50)
7. How can a Vietnam veteran, who still suffers from PTSD, communicate to the many generations of Vietnamese people at this retreat that he cared for the Vietnamese? (1:34:23)

We have one more talk in this series from Mississippi. Stay tuned. 

If you appreciate this teaching, please consider making a donation to support the ongoing efforts of the online monastery. Please make a note with your donation that it was because of this talk.

2011 US Tour

What Does it Mean to be Free

The telephone line should be called the “compassionate line.” We hope this line can be established everywhere so that young people in their suffering, despair, and strong emotions can have someone to talk with. Suicide is a real issue and young people they feel lonely and suffer so much. Who can they talk with? Someone who has the capacity to listen. Each of us can make a vow to be that person who has the capacity to listen. Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of deep listening. Compassionate listening. We have to cultivate this capacity and transform ourselves in this bodhisattva. Without the capacity of listening deeply, we cannot understand.

According to the teachings of the Buddha, love is born from the ground of understanding. We can apply this in our relationships and our families. Understanding is not something that happens “just like that” – it takes time and we have to give our ideas, our views, our prejudices, our judgment.

Understanding what? The difficulties and suffering of the other person. The deep hope and desire the person has. The kind of obstacles the person is experiencing. We can ask the other person, “do you think I understand you enough?” Once you understand, you can stop doing and saying things that cause the other person to suffer. Then you have True Love. This is the practice of love.

Do we understand ourselves? The nature of our own suffering? Everyone has an idea of happiness and we may strive for that idea. But, can we see that happiness can come from any direction? Joy comes from letting go and the first thing we can let go of is our idea of happiness.

This is Part 1 of a dharma talk given on November 25, 2004 at Plum Village.

The Compassionate Line and Our Idea of Happiness

An excerpt from the dharma talk given on Thursday, December 13, 2012 from New Hamlet, Plum Village, France

Loneliness is the Ill Being of our Time

An excerpt from the 2013-01-03 dharma talk at Plum Village. There ia a sutra on the contemplation of the body and the body is a big subject of meditation. There is much suffering and misery in this world and some people want to get out of this world. Is there a way to get out of the world of suffering and misery by looking into your body? We can see the four elements - water, air, earth, and heat - in our body. There are six sense organs that can produce the six consciousnesses. When you look into the body deeply, you can see it is a community. Can you see all our ancestors by looking into the body?  Is there a self? If we heal ourselves, we can heal our ancestors.  We don't just practice for ourselves, we practice for all our ancestors. Our body is a treasure and we should take care of our body. There is a Buddha in the body.

Our Body is a Treasure

Plum Village is a new, free mindfulness app with Buddhist insights and guided meditations offered by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh and his monastic community: https://plumvillage.app/

Plum Village App : guided meditations & talks

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