In this episode, Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach Jo Confino sit down with a special guest: acclaimed actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Their unplanned conversation is dense and surprising, going in many unexpected and exciting directions. Topics include Benedict’s entry into Buddhism at 19, which eventually led him to Plum Village; his most recent project, How to Live on Earth, a documentary “about how humans are learning to team up with nature”; and new approaches to climate activism.
All three also delve into the role of Plum Village in helping young people find their spiritual path; the challenges of maintaining mindfulness in daily life; interbeing; the importance of transforming negative patterns early on; how anger can be channeled into positive action; the pitfalls of fame; the responsibility of artists to create meaningful, impactful work; and much more.
Enjoy!
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Quotes
“A Plum Village retreat is a magical thing, but then you go home and it's about how you continue that work. And talking about this reminds me that I didn't continue that work then, and about what I still struggle with now. When I'm anything but mindful, anything but grateful, anything but present, it's painful. But the beautiful thing about adopting mindfulness early, and continuing that practice in some form or to some degree is so, so, so important.”
“The first night, both my younger boys came to the nine o'clock meditation. They saw me going, so there was a bit of FOMO, I guess. And they both said, ‘Oh, it was amazing. It was the best. It was so quiet. It was so peaceful.’ They were so quiet, and that's a seven- and a nine-year-old. And it's testament to the power of this place, what it invites you to become, and bring out of yourself, these seeds that it waters. It's really an extraordinary place to be, and to see that in a young person is an inspiration to me.”
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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 and Global Optimism with support from the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.
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Resources
Sister True Dedication
Brother Phap Ling (Brother Spirit)
Walk with Me
Calm in the Storm
Interbeing
Plum Village Tradition
The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust
Joanna Macy
Babak Anvari
Under the Shadow
Martin Scorsese
Mike Leigh
Richard Gere