Listeners’ Questions: Responding from the Heart (Episode #51)
In the spirit of Plum Village and its Zen tradition of public question-and-answer sessions, this is the second time that Zen Buddhist monk Brother Phap Huu and leadership coach and journalist Jo Confino have responded to listeners’ questions. We hope that the answers will help show how the teachings can help people who are in distress or are dealing with critical issues - but also simply how to find more joy in our lives. Because we have received so many questions - around 200! - further answers will be given in a second part, to be released next week.
The presenters are joined by frequent podcast guest Sister True Dedication (Sister Hien Nghiem). Topics which they address cover a wide range, from how to be brave, to speaking your truth and being fully yourself, and handling strong emotions and dealing with hate. Responses include practical examples, draw on both personal experiences and Buddhist wisdom, and cover numerous other topics, such as: non-attachment and healthy attachments; getting in touch with our patterns; building inner confidence; working with our negative seeds; letting go of pain; practicing with impermanence; the energy of prayer and interbeing; the power and purpose of Thay’s favorite chant, Namo Avalokiteshvara; and more. Plus: what is a mudra?
The three presenters also share their favorite daily reminders, sayings, or mantras for bringing them back to the path when they get distracted.
Thank you for listening, and for your questions!
Tune in next week for part two.
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.
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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
Dharma Talks: ‘True Love and the Four Noble Truths’
The Five Mindfulness Trainings
Pain, Despair, and the Second Arrow (a short Thich Nhat Hanh teaching video)
Sutras: ‘Discourse on the 5 Ways of Putting an End to Anger’
Introduction to Namo Avalokiteshvara (a short Thich Nhat Hanh teaching video)
‘Listening to Namo Avalokiteshvara’