Understanding How Our Mind Works

The Way Out is In podcast series are conversations between journalist and Plum Village lay friend Jo Confino, and Plum Village monastic Brother Phap Huu alongside other guesting monastics. These meditations conclude each episode with practice contemplations on the theme.

#27 Understanding How Our Mind Works: Jo welcomes Sister Lang Nghiem this week, to share from the perspective of Buddhist psychology; how the mind works and what is the impact of our survival instincts in today’s world? Sister Chan Lang Nghiem (Adornment with Heroic March) was ordained as a novice nun in 2003, received full ordination as a bhikshuni in 2006, and became a dharma teacher in 2010. Sister Lang Nghiem looks at how the Buddhist teachings can help people lead a better lives, discusses concepts of manas, interbeing, and false boundaries and identities. Jo shares about the art of letting go; separation; work environments and happiness; gratitude practices; and the story of an unlikely friendship.

The episode ends with a short meditation guided by Sister Lang Nghiem

''Breathing in I smile to the thoughts that are arising in me, aware of thoughts, smiling to thoughts; it's ok for my thoughts to be there..I embrace all that I am''

Music: From the song Be Still by Plum Village friend Joe Holtaway - find out more about Joe here joeholtaway.com Joe is happy to hear from you :)